durcissement des peines et criminalisation de nouveaux actes
Summary of the Proposed Law on Drug Use and Trafficking (ALGER)
On Tuesday, Justice Minister Lotfi Boudjemaa presented a significant bill aimed at amending and supplementing the existing law on the prevention and repression of illicit drug use and trafficking, underscoring a tougher legal stance against drug-related crimes in Algeria.
Key Changes and Objectives
The bill seeks to enhance penalties for certain offenses and criminalizes new acts associated with drug use and trafficking. Boudjemaa emphasized that the changes aim to address the detrimental impacts of drugs on public health and safety.
The proposed legislative framework includes several core areas:
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National Prevention Strategy: The bill defines elements of Algeria’s national approach to combat drug issues by integrating prevention, treatment for drug users, and repression of associated crimes.
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Public Health Protection: It sets objectives to safeguard national security and public health by curbing illicit drug use and trafficking. This includes implementing preventive measures and raising societal awareness.
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Support for Educational Institutions: The law proposes immunity for educational establishments against drug infiltration and encourages improved intersectoral coordination to combat drug issues.
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International Cooperation: Strengthening international partnerships forms a vital part of the bill, signifying a broader commitment to tackle drug-related challenges beyond national borders.
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Mandatory Drug Testing: The legislation introduces processes requiring medical examinations for public service candidates to ensure non-consumption of drugs. In educational institutions, regulatory measures will include periodic drug testing for students, requiring parental approval or judicial consent.
- Support for Former Inmates: Former prisoners who have served sentences for drug-related offenses will receive social reintegration assistance from specialized penitentiary services.
Procedural Enhancements
The bill aims to enhance procedural mechanisms to improve the tracking of drug-related crimes, particularly focusing on financial gains from these activities. Authorities will now have the authority to investigate the source of assets related to individuals suspected of drug offenses, both domestically and abroad, restricting their ability to leave the country until investigations are resolved.
Severe Penalties for Serious Crimes
In cases where drug-related offenses result in death or significant harm to public health, the bill prescribes capital punishment, particularly for crimes characterized by aggravating factors, such as involvement in organized transnational crime or threats to national security.
Political Commitment
During the presentation, Hichem Sifer, the head of the relevant commission at the Assembly, remarked on the evident political will to combat the pervasive drug issue affecting all segments of society and emphasized the importance of collective efforts from all stakeholders.
Conclusion
The proposed law represents Algeria’s proactive steps toward addressing the complex challenges posed by drug trafficking and abuse. By bolstering legal frameworks and integrating prevention, treatment, and repression, the government seeks to create a comprehensive approach to safeguard public health and uphold national security.
This initiative reflects a strong commitment to combat a pervasive societal issue, signaling a new chapter in Algeria’s drug policy development.
