Justice Minister Affirms Death Penalty for Drug Traffickers

Algerian Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Lotfi Boudjemaa, announced in Oran that the death penalty will be applied to individuals involved in drug trafficking. This declaration underscores the nation's commitment to intensifying its efforts against organized crime, aiming to safeguard Algerian society from its severe impacts. The minister emphasized the judiciary's firm stance against such grave criminal activities.

Minister Boudjemaa highlighted the significant danger posed by drug trafficking, particularly its targeted threat to Algerian youth, who are identified as the most vulnerable demographic. He noted that the state is fully mobilized in this fight, citing recent large seizures of various narcotics, including cocaine, heroin, and other new psychoactive substances. The minister reiterated that the treatment of this phenomenon will remain strict and without concession, reflecting President Tebboune's particular attention to revising the legal framework in this critical area.

The application of the death penalty, as confirmed by the Minister, will proceed in strict accordance with existing Algerian legislation and after all legal avenues of appeal and procedural guarantees have been exhausted. This ensures a fair trial for all accused, with judges exercising their competence within the bounds of the law. Beyond drug trafficking, the minister also mentioned that severe penalties, including the death penalty, are also applicable to other serious crimes such as arson, child kidnapping, and the abuse of minors, further demonstrating the state's resolve to protect its citizens.