The Fight Against Neighborhood Gangs
- Ounissa MOHDEB, Juriste généraliste
- Apr 3
- 2 min read
Updated: May 28
To ensure public safety and tranquility while protecting individuals and their property, the Algerian State has developed a national strategy for the prevention and suppression of neighborhood gangs.
This strategy is based on Ordinance No. 20-03 of 11 Moharram 1442, corresponding to August 30, 2020, enacted by the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
"Any group, under any designation, composed of two (2) or more individuals, belonging to one or multiple residential neighborhoods, that commits one or more acts with the intent to create a climate of insecurity within neighborhoods or in any other area, or with the aim of exerting control over such areas through moral or physical violence against third parties, endangering their lives, freedoms, or security, or harming their property, while carrying or using visible or concealed bladed weapons."
Preventive Mechanisms Against Neighborhood Gangs
To effectively implement this strategy, a National Commission and Wilaya-level Prevention Commissions have been established, tasked with specific missions related to the prevention and suppression of these offenses.
Furthermore, civil society and the private sector are actively involved in the development and execution of this strategy. Similarly, the media are required to incorporate awareness campaigns against neighborhood gangs into their programming.
Criminal Provisions
The ordinance establishes various criminal sanctions, with penalties reaching up to 20 years of imprisonment. For instance, Article 21 stipulates:
"Anyone shall be subject to a prison sentence ranging from three (3) to ten (10) years and a fine between 300,000 DA and 1,000,000 DA if they:
Create or organize a neighborhood gang;
Enroll in or participate in a neighborhood gang, in any form, while being aware of its objectives;
Recruit one or more individuals on behalf of a neighborhood gang".
The penalties are even more severe for those who lead or command a neighborhood gang. Under Article 22, such individuals face imprisonment ranging from 10 to 20 years, along with a fine of 1,000,000 DA to 2,000,000 DA.
Protection Measures for Victims
Victims of offenses committed by neighborhood gangs are entitled to legal assistance as a matter of right, in accordance with Article 15 of the ordinance. They also benefit from protective measures for victims and witnesses, as provided by existing legislation.
Additionally, under Article 14, the State ensures victims receive medical, psychological, and social support to safeguard their security, safety, and physical and psychological integrity.
