Algeria sentences forest arsonists to 30 years in prison 

Algeria’s forest fires have caused “heavy losses” the National Delegate for Major Risks at the Algerian Interior Ministry Abdelhamid Afra announced on Sunday, stressing that the country would impose “severe penalties” on the arsonists, amounting to 30 years in prison.

“The 350 fire spots were reported to have caused the destruction of more than 10,000 hectares,” explained Afra, noting that investigations had shown that the fires took place: “Outside the usual season set from 1 June to 30 October.”

The Algerian official pointed out that the main cause behind the fires was the “human hand”, explaining that the perpetrators aimed at: “Expanding the area for agriculture or construction projects.” According to Afra: “Such acts are crimes of life imprisonment punishment.”

Algiers was working on: “Producing the first 100 per cent indigenously-made drone, which will enter service from the first third of next year to monitor and guard forests,” Afra added.

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