Algeria Seeks Death Penalty for Deliberate Forest Fires

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has ordered moves to introduce the death penalty for people convicted of deliberately starting forest fires.

The move follows devastating wildfires in northeastern Algeria that killed at least 12 people and injured 54 others.

Tebboune has instructed the Justice Ministry to prepare amendments to the penal code by September 15.

Algeria already retains the death penalty in its laws but has not executed since 1993.

The government is also investigating whether some of the recent fires were deliberately started.

Monafrika Take: The proposed punishment is likely to trigger debate over whether tougher penalties can effectively prevent deliberate fires while protecting due process.