Algeria Resumes Death Penalty for Arsonists: Explained

Algeria is moving to resume the death penalty for arsonists after a devastating wave of forest fires killed at least 12 people in the country's east and north. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has ordered the Ministry of Justice to amend the penal code by September 15, 2026, ending a 33-year moratorium on executions specifically for people convicted of deliberately starting wildfires.

Why Algeria is reinstating executions for arsonists

The decision follows unprecedented simultaneous fires that erupted in the early hours of the morning without wind, which authorities consider suspicious. The North Africa wildfire crisis has intensified across Algeria, Tunisia and other Mediterranean countries this summer as heatwaves and drought create tinderbox conditions. Local sources fear the actual death toll is higher than the official figure of 12, and dozens more have been injured in three provinces east of Algiers.

What President Tebboune announced

During a meeting with the justice ministry and the army, Tebboune reportedly said the law must be changed before 15 September. He told the national press agency APS:

Whoever thinks the law will not be applied must know that society and the judiciary will assert their rights. It is unusual for fires to break out simultaneously, which started at 1:00 a.m. and spread quickly without wind.

He added, We are reinstating the death sentence for arsonists. The sentence could only be carried out after all judicial appeals are exhausted, according to officials.

What the law change means

Currently, deliberately setting forest fires in Algeria carries up to 30 years or life in prison. The proposed amendment would make arson a capital offence. Algeria retains the death penalty on its books but has not executed anyone since 1993, making it an abolitionist-in-practice country under international standards. The capital punishment legal reform would require parliamentary approval after the government drafts the legislation.

Algeria's wildfire death toll: 2021–2026 comparison

• 2021: At least 90 killed, including 25 poorly equipped soldiers.
• 2023: At least 34 people died in a major fire.
• July 2026: Six deaths reported across several provinces.
• August 2026: At least 12 killed near Béjaïa, Jijel and Tizi Ouzou; dozens injured.

Impact and legal implications

The move has drawn both support and concern. Algeria voted in favour of all eight UN moratorium resolutions on the death penalty and has been a co-sponsor since 2012, raising questions about a potential reversal of its international stance. The country declared three days of national mourning and cancelled festivities and sports competitions. Authorities have arrested several suspected arsonists, but it remains unclear whether the fires were deliberately set. Some experts draw parallels with the Algeria forest fire history of 2021, when pyromaniacs were also blamed.

FAQ: Algeria death penalty for arsonists

Is the death penalty legal in Algeria?

Yes. Algeria retains capital punishment for offences including treason, terrorism and aggravated murder, but has not carried out an execution since 1993.

Why is Algeria resuming executions now?

President Tebboune wants to reinstate the death penalty specifically for arsonists after wildfires killed at least 12 people in August 2026.

When will the law change take effect?

Tebboune has ordered the penal code amendment to be submitted by 15 September 2026, followed by government review and parliamentary approval.

How many people died in the 2021 Algeria wildfires?

At least 90 people died in 2021, including 25 poorly equipped soldiers.

What is the current punishment for arson in Algeria?

Currently, intentionally setting forest fires can lead to up to 30 years or life in prison.