Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, whose country has observed a moratorium on the death penalty since 1993, announced Monday his intention to reinstate its application against arsonists, following deadly wildfires that ravaged eastern and northern Algeria.
Abdelmadjid Tebboune © Mena Today
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, whose country has observed a moratorium on the death penalty since 1993, announced Monday his intention to reinstate its application against arsonists, following deadly wildfires that ravaged eastern and northern Algeria.
Addressing the justice minister during a meeting on the fires, attended by senior civilian and military officials, the head of state ordered "an amendment to the Penal Code" before September 15. Tebboune asked that the bill go through the government and then be examined "swiftly" by parliament.
"We are reinstating the death penalty for arsonists," he declared. "There will be execution" once all appeals are exhausted for those convicted, he insisted, in footage broadcast on television.
Algeria has declared three days of official mourning and cancelled all cultural festivities and sporting competitions following the fires.
According to official figures released so far, at least 12 people have died in connection with violent forest fires near Béjaïa, Jijel and Tizi Ouzou, though local sources fear the death toll could be significantly higher.
Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Aït Messaoudène said Friday the toll was "very heavy," without providing a specific figure. Authorities said several people suspected of starting the fires had been arrested.
By Badr Zayan
Italy has extended by another week its suspension of the European Union's border-free travel arrangements with Spain over a surge in migrant arrivals in Ceuta in late July, an Italian government source said on Friday.
Torrential downpours flooded the Libyan capital of Tripoli on Tuesday, killing two people, according to a statement by authorities and a local TV channel.
The Museum of Moroccan Jewish Culture was inaugurated on Monday in Fez. The project was launched at the initiative of King Mohammed VI.
To make this website run properly and to improve your experience, we use cookies. For more detailed information, please check our Cookie Policy.
Necessary cookies enable core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.