In a significant development, an Algerian court has handed down its first death sentences in 33 years, following a moratorium on executions that was put in place in 1993. The tribunal criminel près la Cour d'Alger, the country's largest jurisdiction, convicted 9 individuals, 3 of whom were present in court, while 6 were sentenced in absentia. The convictions were made under a new law that came into effect on July 1, 2025, aimed at preventing and combating the illicit use and trafficking of narcotics and psychotropic substances.
The case involved the seizure of 113 kg of cocaine and 225,000 psychotropic tablets, as well as the dismantling of a large organized crime network by the Direction générale de la Sûreté nationale (DGSN) in the Ouled Fayet commune of Algiers. The accused were found guilty of importing, transporting, storing, and possessing the substances with the intention of selling them, as part of an organized criminal group. The court's decision marks a significant shift in Algeria's approach to tackling serious crimes, with the government seeking to strengthen its laws and deter potential offenders.
The new law under which the sentences were handed down allows for the death penalty to be applied in cases involving serious crimes such as narcotics trafficking, arson, and child abduction. The Algerian Minister of Justice, Lotfi Boudjemaâ, has been presenting the draft penal code to various bodies, including the Conseil de la nation, in an effort to secure its adoption. The minister has emphasized that the new code aims to reflect the evolution of society and address the growing threat of organized crime.
The presentation of the draft penal code to the Conseil de la nation was made during a plenary session presided over by Azouz Nasri, the president of the council. The minister highlighted that the proposed provisions translate the government's firm commitment to fighting serious crimes and ensuring general deterrence to protect the country and its citizens. The draft code also aims to amend existing legislation to allow for the application of the death penalty in cases involving serious crimes.
The move to reintroduce the death penalty in Algeria has been seen as a significant step in the government's efforts to tackle organized crime and strengthen its laws. The country has faced growing challenges related to narcotics trafficking and other serious crimes in recent years, prompting calls for tougher measures to be taken. The Algerian government has been working to enhance its legislative framework to address these issues and ensure greater security for its citizens.
According to the Minister of Justice, the new penal code is part of a broader effort to update Algeria's laws and ensure they are aligned with the evolving needs of society. The code is expected to provide a more effective framework for tackling serious crimes and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. The government's efforts to strengthen its laws have been welcomed by many, who see them as a necessary step in addressing the growing threat of organized crime.
The reintroduction of the death penalty in Algeria marks a significant shift in the country's approach to justice. While the move has been welcomed by some as a necessary step in tackling serious crimes, others have expressed concerns about its implications. As the government continues to work on implementing the new penal code, it remains to be seen how the death penalty will be applied in practice and what impact it will have on crime rates in the country.
Key points
- Algeria has handed down its first death sentences in 33 years, following a moratorium on executions that was put in place in 1993.
- The sentences were handed down to 9 individuals, 3 of whom were present in court, while 6 were sentenced in absentia, for cocaine and psychotropic drug trafficking.
- The new penal code allows for the death penalty to be applied in cases involving serious crimes such as narcotics trafficking, arson, and child abduction.
