Algeria: President Tebboune Orders Penal Code Amendment to Introduce Death Penalty With Immediate Execution

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced on Sunday that the Algerian Penal Code will be amended before September 15 to introduce the death penalty with immediate execution for those who deliberately set fires. This action comes during a meeting at the Presidency of the Republic, where the President emphasized the importance of swiftly dealing with the aftermath of recent wildfires that affected several eastern and central provinces.

The amendment must be submitted to the government and presented to the People's National Assembly before the end of the month. Tebboune also instructed governors of the affected provinces to provide security services with all relevant information, noting that several individuals involved in the arson have already been arrested. He assured the public that Algeria will not fail, citing the nation's history of sacrifices and resilience.

Compensation for fire-stricken residents will be assessed through commissions, and efforts will be intensified to ensure proper evaluation. Housing authorities will provide immediate rehousing to affected residents, and restoration of essential services like water, gas, electricity, and telecommunications will be completed by next Saturday.

The President also emphasized the need to counter any attempts to weaken Algeria's unity and reassure the public of the nation's ability to overcome difficult situations.