Critical legislative proposal from MHP regarding forest fires! Aggravated life imprisonment is coming

MHP Kırıkkale Deputy Halil Öztürk has submitted a legislative proposal to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) to amend the Forest Law in order to increase the deterrent effect of penalties in the fight against forest fires.

Within the scope of the prepared regulation, it is envisioned that those who cause forest fires will be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison, those who intentionally set fire to forests will be sentenced to life imprisonment, and those who knowingly burn state forests will be sentenced to "aggravated life imprisonment."

According to a report by the pro-government Türkiye newspaper, the justification for the proposal emphasizes that not only increasing penalties, but also monitoring forest areas 24/7 with drone and satellite systems, as well as constructing tourism facilities and other structures to be fire-resistant, would be effective in preventing human-caused fires.

The proposal also includes regulations for the General Directorate of Forestry to cover the fuel costs of public or private sector vehicles participating in firefighting activities, and for making tourism businesses and accommodation facilities operating in forested areas fire-resistant.

News Source: 12punto