Algeria's Rewards Law: Debate on the Culture of Reporting Criminals

The Algerian government is preparing to pass a new law that grants financial rewards to individuals who report criminals and drug traffickers in a step aimed at encouraging citizens to cooperate with security agencies. This law, which is being implemented through the amendment project of Law 04_18 related to drugs, has sparked wide controversy in Algeria due to the cultural traditions associated with reporting. In Algerian society, reporting on others is considered "snitching" and historically linked to the French colonial period, where it was used against rebels by collaborators with the French occupation. The cultural criticism faced by this initiative was evident in the reactions of some young people who considered reporting criminals as a form of "snitching," alluding to social and historical consequences associated with this act. Emotionally charged scenes have appeared in Algerian cinema, such as those depicting "Uncle Rizki" in the film "Hassan Terro," where he struggled with the pressure to reveal the whereabouts of rebels, reflecting the popular sentiment towards the act of reporting. On the other hand, experts believe that the culture of reporting in Algeria is still in its early stages, where fear of security repercussions and lack of trust in authorities intersect. Professor Ahmed Gouraya, a specialist in mental health, emphasized that changing this culture requires intensive awareness campaigns through the media, as well as involving educational institutions and raising awareness among the new generations. This decision coincided with statements from some experts who saw reporting crimes as an indirect participation in saving society from corruption and crimes. They also called for the development of new mechanisms to build trust between citizens and security institutions and change the cultural perceptions related to reporting, making it a part of citizenship values.