Human rights activists: death penalty must be applied on child kidnappers

President of the National Commission for Human Rights Promotion and Protection Farouk Ksentini asked for the application of death penalty against murders and child kidnappers. He described child abduction phenomenon in Algeria as “new and has a mafia character directly linked to revenge.”

“The application of death penalty is difficult and serious because Algeria has banned it for 20 years as part of the Law on National Reconciliation. If it is resumes, it will be applied firstly on terrorists sentenced to death,” Ksentini told Echorouk.

“An exception can be made by applying death penalty only on murders and child kidnappers. They do not deserve mercy,” he added.

He believes that child kidnapping and mutilation is a new phenomenon in the Algerian society. Because of that, a debate should be opened with analysis and treatment. Psychologists, sociologists and lawyers must work together to find solutions.

President of the Algerian League of Human Rights Boudjemaa Ghachir said the application of death penalty is unjustified. “Instead of application, reasons behind the crimes must be found.”

He believes that child kidnapping and mutilation have something to do with personal and family accounts settlement.

“Sociologists, lawyers and religion scholars should carry out a detailed study to find out reasons behind murders,” he added.

Speaking about the application of death penalty against child kidnappers, Ghachir said crimes can not be ended by the application. “For example, the US could not stop murders although it applies death penalty.”