16 arrests in forest fire investigations

Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek announced the balance sheet of judicial investigations conducted regarding forest fires that have occurred since June 1, 2026. According to the information provided by Gürlek, a total of 70 suspects have been identified in 103 forest fire files across 27 provinces.

Within the scope of the investigations, 16 suspects have been arrested, while judicial control measures have been applied to 32 individuals. Arrest warrants have been issued for two suspects.

Gürlek also reported that investigations have been initiated by the Offices of the Chief Public Prosecutor regarding 9 new forest fires that occurred during the week of August 30 to September 6. Stating that 2 suspects have been identified in these files, Gürlek noted that one of the suspects has been arrested and a judicial control decision has been issued for the other.

Making a statement on his social media account, Gürlek expressed that the causes of the fires, individuals who may have had negligence or intent in the incidents, and all dimensions of the files are being investigated by the Offices of the Chief Public Prosecutor, as well as police and gendarmerie units.