Tebboune announces return of death penalty
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Algérie Eco and Algérie 360
Head of state Abdelmadjid Tebboune said on Sunday in Algiers that he will reinstate the death penalty and reopen the Tanezrouft prison. He also promised 'stricter' laws against practices that weaken citizens' purchasing power, speaking at the opening of the judicial year at the Supreme Court, according to Algérie Eco.
Addressing state officials, ministers and magistrates, the president pointed to two dangers: organised shortages and the sale of narcotics, which he described as an offensive against the population’s food supply and against young people. In his view, the situation has become unbearable; if these practices persist, he will resort to other means and their perpetrators will have to bear the consequences.
The president also praised judges' commitment to protecting the country’s economy and combating financial misconduct. He placed on one side citizens who stand in solidarity in the face of national hardships and, on the other, those who harm their fellow citizens' lives. He described the establishment of specialised commercial courts, tasked with settling business disputes within a reasonable time, as a major advance, and affirmed that judges' status guarantees them immunity and protection.
Tebboune also suggested that Algeria could strike at the source of narcotics, invoking its right to self-defence, and that terrorism will be fought by the National Popular Army. Finally, he rejected any tolerance towards methods inherited from the 'Issaba' period.
