Algeria’s lower house of parliament has approved amendments to the Penal Code introducing the death penalty for serious offences, including intentional arson and child kidnapping.

The People’s National Assembly adopted the amendments during a plenary session on Thursday, expanding capital punishment to cover several crimes considered threats to public safety and national security.

Under the amended provisions, the death penalty will apply to anyone who intentionally sets fire to forests or agricultural fields, as well as persons involved in child kidnapping.

According to the amendments, punishment will also cover certain acts of torture, sexual assault and abuse. 

Capital punishment will further apply to deliberate sabotage of public or private property for the benefit of foreign parties where such acts involve treason, espionage or organised crime.

The amendments also prescribe the death penalty for acts intended to undermine public security and order, national unity, or economic and environmental stability.

Algeria has not carried out an execution since 1993, although courts have continued to issue death sentences.

In July 2025, the country amended its drug laws to introduce capital punishment for several narcotics-related offences.

(Xinhua/NAN)