Algeria is all set to reinstate capital punishment for arsonists with an amendment in the country's law by September 15, 2026. The North African country has observed a moratorium on the death penalty since 1993; however, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune wants to change that in the wake of wildfires which killed 12 people and injured more than 50. Six of the injured people are in critical condition.

According to the officials, around 46 wildfires remain active as the country observed three days of mourning in the wake of what is being described as a "great tragedy." President Abdelmadjid has ordered an amendment in the country's criminal code that will reinstate capital punishment for the arsonists. The order was issued during a high-level meeting on the deadly wildfires, with Tebboune directing the justice minister to prepare the amendment before September 15.

The proposed change would introduce the death penalty for people convicted of deliberately setting forest fires. The punishment would only be carried out after all legal avenues of appeal have been exhausted, according to Algerian state television. The latest fires were concentrated in northeastern parts of the country, with five deaths recorded in Jijel province, four in Béjaïa and three in Tizi Ouzou.

The scale of the fires has also prompted a major emergency response. Algeria's Civil Protection agency recorded 193 fires across the country over a 24-hour period, with 46 still burning at the time of the latest update. Several roads were also closed after fires spread near Bejaia, Jijel and Setif, while residents in some affected areas were forced to leave their homes.