Algerian State Supports the Implementation of Capital Punishment for Drug Barons

The Algerian state is determined to wage a relentless war against drug gangs and to combat this crime, thanks to its dedicated men, Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, Lotfi Boudjemaa, said on Tuesday evening in Algiers in response to the MPs of the National People’s Assembly concerns regarding the draft drug prevention law.

The Minister explained that “the situation is dangerous. Although this is a war against Algeria, the country is determined, thanks to its loyal men from the security forces and the National People’s Army, to eradicate drug gangs”, adding that “the sword of justice will reach and cut off the heads of these gangs.”

The Minister attributed the recent amendment of the law on the prevention of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances to the dangerous spread of this phenomenon, which necessitated its reconsideration and “putting an end to this crime through deterrent measures.” He recalled the massive quantities of hallucinogenic pills seized in various parts of the country.

In this context, and regarding introducing the death penalty, the Minister of Justice stated that Algeria, “as a state, has the sovereignty to make any decision to combat crime according to the perspective it deems appropriate.” Given the gravity of the situation, the Algerian state has deemed it “necessary to implement this penalty.”

Regarding the proposal to require negative medical tests for drug and psychotropic substance use in applicants for recruitment competitions, Boudjemaa confirmed that the goal of this measure is to “take care of those concerned in the event of positive results,” with the measure being referred to the competent authority to determine how to implement it.

In the same context, the Minister of Justice confirmed that all wilayas include addiction treatment centers, and that, in implementation of the instructions of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, “four more modern centers will be built to care for drug victims.”

Regarding the financial incentives for whistleblowers included in the draft law, the minister stated that Algeria is the only Arab country to adopt this measure. He noted that it involves providing a financial incentive to anyone who contributes information that leads to positive results, and that “any information intended to implicate someone bears full responsibility.”

Regarding the possibility of resorting to closing hotels, the Minister explained that the article “addresses the hotel owner or person in charge who has used the place a centrer for drug trafficking.”

In response to the MPs’ questions, the Minister of Justice also addressed the issue of promoting drug use through any means (songs,… etc), reiterating that promoting any crime is punishable by law.

In another context, Boudjemaa urged people not to be swayed by unverified news and information, noting that if the public needs to be informed about a case, “the public prosecutor’s offices provide the information via press releases.”

The Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, provided clarifications regarding the information recently circulated on social media about the rape of “40 kids in Oran (western Algeria)” by one individual, and the arrest of a ministry employee in possession of a quantity of drugs and mobile phones.