**Title: Algeria’s President Proposes Death Penalty for Deliberate Forest Fires Following Tragic Wildfires**
**Algiers, Algeria** – In response to a devastating series of wildfires that have claimed the lives of at least 12 individuals in northeastern Algeria, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has announced a proposal to impose the death penalty for those found guilty of intentionally starting forest fires. This announcement was made on September 1, 2026, following a period of national mourning for the victims.
The wildfires, which have ravaged several provinces including Jijel, Bejaia, and Tizi Ouzou, have resulted in not only fatalities but also injuries to at least 54 people. The fires have been exacerbated by rising temperatures, which have heightened the risk of such disasters across the region.
President Tebboune has instructed the Minister of Justice to draft a proposal by September 15 to amend the country’s penal code, which currently allows for the death penalty for various crimes, although it has not been enforced since 1993. Under the existing laws, those convicted of deliberately starting forest fires can face sentences of up to 30 years in prison, or life imprisonment in more severe cases.
In his address, Tebboune highlighted the alarming nature of the wildfires, noting that several blazes appeared to have ignited simultaneously in the early hours of the morning, raising suspicions of deliberate arson. "We saw videos and noticed that a number of fires broke out at the same time, at around 1 am, which raises many questions," he stated.
The president's call for harsher penalties comes as Algeria continues to grapple with the immediate aftermath of the wildfires. In addition to seeking stricter legal measures, Tebboune has ordered provincial governors to gather and relay all pertinent information about the fires to security authorities for further investigation.
As part of the government’s response, President Tebboune has also committed to compensating families affected by the fires and has established committees to assess damages and determine appropriate compensation for lost property. He has instructed local officials to ensure the restoration of essential services, including electricity, gas, water, and telecommunications, in the affected areas by the end of the week. Furthermore, he has called for housing authorities to expedite repairs to homes that have been damaged or destroyed.
The situation remains critical, with reports indicating that at least 46 fires are still active across the country. In the past 24 hours alone, a total of 193 fires have been recorded, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by wildfires in the region.
The proposal for the death penalty reflects a broader concern regarding environmental protection and the safety of communities vulnerable to such disasters. As Algeria continues to recover from this tragic event, the government is under pressure to take decisive action to prevent future occurrences and to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
In summary, President Tebboune's initiative to impose the death penalty for those who deliberately start forest fires marks a significant shift in Algeria's approach to dealing with environmental crimes, as the nation mourns the loss of life and seeks to restore normalcy in the wake of this disaster.