Algeria creates DNA profiling department

The National Department of Genetic Stamps will enter in force in January. It will represent a data base including millions of genetic stamps. It will operate to identify missing or unknown people.

Genetic stamps will be also used in penal evidences field. They will help judges in their investigation to detect criminals.

Organization director at the justice ministry Kilani Zeroual Thursday said all the necessary means were allocated to inaugurate the National Department of DNA profiling.

“It will represent a central data base to store millions of profiles and make detection operations easier,” he told a national radio channel.

“The justice ministry created a computer based-system to preserve DNA profiles. This aims at protecting people’s freedoms. They will be able to exploit this department after getting an authorization from qualified judges,” he added.

According to Law 03/16, missing people’s DNA profile will be stored for 25 years. Sentenced and dead people’s DNA profile will be stored for 40 years.

Speaking about the department, the organization director said its exploitation will be authorized by qualified judges. It will be headed by a judge with the help of a technical cell.