President Tebboune’s Arson Penalty Draws Wide Support
Decisions issued by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune regarding post-wildfire measures, particularly the deterrent aspect of amending the penal code to include the death penalty for intentional forest arsonists, have been widely appreciated. This initiative has garnered significant satisfaction from legal specialists and citizens across numerous provinces, highlighting a concerted effort to address the grave consequences of deliberate forest destruction.
Professor Jeddi Sadok, a legal sciences specialist from Mohamed Lamine Debbaghine Setif 2 University, affirmed the timeliness of introducing the death penalty for intentional fires. He noted the recent increase in such criminal phenomena, which necessitates effective legal action to ensure public tranquility and protect lives and property. Professor Jeddi emphasized the importance of these decisions in curbing crimes considered alien to Algerian society and preventing individuals from using destructive practices to destabilize public security. He also clarified that the element of intentionality in these crimes takes into account probable criminal intent, recognizing that arsonists are aware of the potential harm to humans, animals, and property.
President Tebboune's directives were described as comprehensive and integrated by Samir Amara, President of the Voluntary Youth Provincial Association, encompassing urgent restoration of affected areas, penal code amendments, and the execution of the death penalty. Ezzeddine Chenafa, President of the Association for Quality Promotion and Consumer Protection in Setif, viewed the presidential decisions, including compensation for victims, as embodying the state's active presence and support for its citizens. Citizens and civil society representatives from Annaba and Tebessa also expressed relief and appreciation, with Fatima Zahra, a 70-year-old resident, explicitly welcoming the death penalty as a deterrent for those who destroy forests, damage homes, and endanger lives. These sentiments reflect a broad consensus on the importance of robust measures to protect national resources and ensure public safety.
