Algeria: Tebboune Proposes Death Penalty for Arsonists

Monday 31 August 2026 - 08:51

The Algerian president Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced on Sunday his intention to reintroduce the death penalty for individuals found guilty of intentionally starting fires, following a series of deadly blazes that have struck several regions in eastern and northern Algeria.

During a meeting focused on crisis management, the head of state asked the Minister of Justice to prepare an amendment to the Penal Code by September 15. The text will then be presented to the government and subsequently sent to Parliament for expedited review.

A Penal Response Announced After Deadly Fires

Abdelmadjid Tebboune has clearly targeted the alleged perpetrators of intentional fires. He requested that the death penalty could be imposed on "arsonists," specifying that executions would take place once all avenues of appeal have been exhausted.

This announcement marks a turning point in a country that has maintained a moratorium on the death penalty since 1993. It comes as public sentiment remains strong following the fires that affected the wilayas of Béjaïa, Jijel, and Tizi-Ouzou.

The official toll reported so far indicates at least 12 deaths related to the fires. However, authorities have acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, while local sources suggest the possibility of a higher human toll.

Three Days of National Mourning

In light of the scale of the disaster, Algeria has declared three days of official mourning. Authorities have also decided to suspend cultural events and sports competitions.

The Minister of Health, Mohamed Seddik Aït Messaoudène, described the toll as "very heavy" on Friday, without providing a new estimate of the number of victims.

Meanwhile, security forces have arrested several individuals suspected of being responsible for some of the fire outbreaks. Investigations will determine individual responsibilities and establish the exact circumstances of the fires.

Compensation Promised to Victims

Beyond the judicial response, the Algerian president announced financial support for affected populations. The state is set to compensate individuals who have lost their homes, belongings, livestock, or crops.

Abdelmadjid Tebboune has set September 15 as the deadline for this compensation operation, as many families now face the material consequences of the fires.

Funeral ceremonies have also illustrated the extent of the shock. In Jijel, a large crowd attended the collective burial of several victims, according to images broadcast by local media.

Aggravating Weather Conditions

The fires were exacerbated by particularly challenging conditions. Strong winds and high temperatures contributed to the spread of flames in areas where mountainous terrain alternates with coastal zones.

Dry spells, which are becoming more frequent in the context of climate change, also constitute an aggravating factor. Authorities have mobilized significant resources to combat the outbreaks, including water-dropping aircraft deployed alongside civil protection teams.

The crisis now poses a dual challenge for Algerian authorities: to respond to the humanitarian and security emergency while also engaging in reflection on fire prevention in an increasingly challenging climate context.