The Sidi M'Hamed court in Algeria said on Wednesday that the investigating judge ordered the pre-trial detention of four suspects on suspicion of involvement in setting fires in forest properties in the wilaya of Constantine, as authorities continue their investigations into a wave of fires that swept through several wilayas in recent days.

The court added in a statement that the three cases it initiated involve individuals suspected of belonging to criminal groups involved in setting fire to forest properties.

It explained that the investigations led to the arrest of four suspects, who were referred to the public prosecutor's office, and then a judicial investigation was opened against them.

According to the statement, the suspects face charges including committing acts of destruction that endanger the lives, safety, and property of individuals, as well as intentional arson of state-owned forest properties. These are charges for which Algerian law provides severe penalties, potentially including the death penalty for some if convicted.