Large-scale wildfires swept northern Algeria this week, killing 12 people, according to official sources. Authorities suspect arson.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has instructed the Ministry of Justice to prepare legal amendments allowing the death penalty for people convicted of deliberately starting forest fires. He set a deadline of September 15 for the amendments.
What the Amendments Would Cover
The proposed changes apply specifically to cases of deliberate forest arson. Tebboune said courts must only impose the punishment after a full investigation establishes guilt. He has not ruled out a deliberate cause for some of the fires and ordered investigations into their origin and scale of damage.
More than 100 forest fires broke out across north-eastern Algeria over the past few days. Rescue services contained and extinguished most of the blazes, though some hotspots continue to burn. At least 46 fires remain active nationwide.
No Motive Confirmed Yet
Authorities have not established a motive for the suspected arson. Fires broke out in Jijel, Bejaia and Tizi Ouzou, the three provinces where all 12 deaths occurred. Algeria observed three days of national mourning for the victims. A further 54 people suffered injuries.
Tebboune pointed to video footage as grounds for suspicion. “We saw videos and noticed that a number of fires broke out at the same time, at around 1am, which raises many questions,” he said.
Death Penalty Moratorium in Question
Algeria has enforced a moratorium on capital punishment since 1993. Tebboune’s push for the amendments would mark a shift from that policy for arson-related offences specifically.
Researchers tracking wildfire patterns in north-eastern Algeria over 39 years found fire frequency rising by an average of 44 fires per year. The total area burned has stayed relatively stable despite the increase in frequency. Alger, Boumerdes, Tizi Ouzou, Bejaïa, Constantine, Jijel and Tipaza carry the highest fire risk in the region, researchers found.
Government Response
Tebboune has ordered provincial governors to submit all available fire-related information to security authorities. He has also directed officials to set up committees to assess property losses and determine compensation for affected families.
The president instructed authorities to restore electricity, gas, water and telecommunications in affected areas by Saturday. Housing authorities have received instructions to arrange repairs to damaged homes.
