Algeria Approves Death Penalty for Deliberately Setting Forest Fires

Algeria has approved the death penalty for those who deliberately start forest fires, introducing a severe punishment following deadly summer blazes.

Estimates indicate that more than 200 people died in fires that broke out in the country’s northeast during the summer.

The punishment targets intentional fire-setting. The reported death toll, however, does not establish how many of the fatalities resulted from deliberately started fires.

Details of when the measure will take effect and the conditions under which courts may impose the death penalty were not provided in the available information.