On October 1, 2026, Algerian lawmakers passed a revised Penal Code that introduces the death penalty for individuals convicted of intentionally setting fires in forests or fields. The amendment also extends the death penalty to cases involving child abductions that include serious acts of violence. These changes mark a significant shift in Algeria’s legal framework, even though the country has not carried out any executions since 1993. The revised code reflects a growing emphasis on stricter penalties for crimes deemed to threaten public safety and national security. Fire-setting in natural areas can lead to severe environmental damage and loss of life, while child abductions involving violence are considered particularly heinous crimes. The new provisions aim to deter such actions by increasing the potential punishment. Algeria has maintained the death penalty in its legal system for decades, but it has not been enforced since the early 1990s. During that period, the country faced a severe political and social crisis marked by widespread violence and instability. The lack of executions has raised questions about the practical application of the death penalty in modern Algerian society. The move to expand the death penalty has sparked debate among legal experts and civil society groups. Some argue that it could serve as a deterrent, while others warn of the risks of irreversible judicial errors and the potential for abuse of power. As the law takes effect, its impact on crime prevention and justice delivery in Algeria remains to be seen.