Algeria passes law adding death penalty for forest arson and child kidnapping
Algerian lawmakers have adopted a revised penal code that makes intentional forest fires punishable by death. The same legislation also expands capital punishment to child kidnapping cases involving severe violence.
The Algerian parliament approved a bill that raises the penalty for intentionally setting fires in forests, fields and other areas from 20 years in prison to death.123 The bill also extends the death penalty to child kidnapping cases that involve torture, sexual assault or mutilation.123 President Abdelmadjid Tebboune ordered the justice minister to amend the penal code after deadly forest fires this summer.13 The revised code will be reviewed by the Senate before being officially ratified by the president.12 Recent wildfires in northern Algeria caused a reported death toll of 12 people, with witnesses saying dozens more may have died.1 Stricter penalties for forest arson aim to deter fires that could threaten airport operations and airspace in northern Algeria.12
The bill will be sent to the Senate for review and, if approved, signed into law by the president.2