The Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, Lotfi Boudjemaa, urged greater severity Tuesday from Oran regarding offenses jeopardizing citizen safety and social health, particularly drug-related crimes. Touching on the death penalty, he clarified that its application, under directions from President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune, remains strictly bound by legal frameworks and active court procedures, upholding defense rights alongside appeal channels.
During his working and inspection tour targeting justice sector expansion within Oran province, Lotfi Boudjemaa stressed that every statutory guarantee, specifically defense privileges, recourse options, and the exhaustion of judicial remedies, must be honored.
The minister additionally discussed the proposed penal code amendment, which outlines harsher penalties for major offenses, including deliberate forest arson along with child abduction and assault. Potential sentences could extend to capital punishment, matching statutory guidelines.
Lotfi Boudjemaa indicated that courts will apply the law decisively against any individual whose liability is proven, while maintaining safeguards and statutory protocols. Protecting citizens and society against such offenses, he noted, demands a resolute reaction grounded in constitutional governance.
The trip featured the opening of court buildings in Gdyel and Bir El-Djir, alongside the administrative court of appeal, plus the assessment of a 1,000-capacity correctional facility built by the Chinese firm M.C.C.
The opening stop involved inaugurating the Gdyel court building alongside Oran Governor Ibrahim Ouchene. This new facility meets the demands of a substantial jurisdiction while helping elevate working conditions for magistrates and public reception services.
In Bir El-Djir, the minister opened the municipal court, emphasizing the structure’s role in reducing judicial workload pressures. He observed that suitable environments should empower judges and legal personnel to perform duties with greater efficiency while granting citizens improved facilities.
Speaking there, Lotfi Boudjemaa stated that the legal system must support national development through alignment with statutory shifts and criminal policy. He stressed protecting individuals, assets, and lives while combating organized crime within active legal mechanisms.
He further noted that appointing the six assigned judges relied on seniority and expertise, particularly administrative experience, given the sensitive nature of administrative disputes involving finances, property, land, and governance.
The minister affirmed that the state continues backing magistrates through social protection measures driven by the President of the Republic.
Continuing his tour, the minister inaugurated the administrative court of appeal. He called upon the judiciary to assume an active role, especially under current circumstances, by enhancing public services and safeguarding property, lives, and security, explicitly mentioning recent wildfire victims.