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The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) has submitted a bill to Türkiye’s Grand National Assembly aimed at increasing penalties for those responsible for forest fires, including life imprisonment for deliberate arson in state forests.
MHP Kirikkale MP Halil Ozturk presented the bill, which proposes harsher sentences under the Forest Law to strengthen deterrence against forest fires.
The draft stipulates prison terms of up to 10 years for causing fires, life imprisonment for intentionally setting forests ablaze, and aggravated life sentences for arson in state-owned forests.
According to Türkiye Gazetesi, the bill also calls for continuous 24/7 monitoring of forested areas by drones and satellites and the construction of fire-resistant buildings in tourism centers and other facilities to reduce human-caused fires.
The proposal includes provisions for fuel expenses of official and private vehicles participating in firefighting efforts to be covered by the General Directorate of Forestry.
It also addresses the reinforcement of tourism and accommodation facilities in forested areas to withstand fires.
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