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New bill aims for tougher penalties on forest arson in Türkiye, including life imprisonment

Firefighters extinguish the fire with water as air and land intervention continues against the fire that broke out in the forest area in Buca district of Izmir, Turkiye on July 03, 2025. (AA Photo)
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Firefighters extinguish the fire with water as air and land intervention continues against the fire that broke out in the forest area in Buca district of Izmir, Turkiye on July 03, 2025. (AA Photo)
July 06, 2025 02:55 PM GMT+03:00

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.

Flames rise from forest area after a wildfire broke out in Seferihisar district, Izmir, Türkiye on June 29, 2025. (AA Photo)
Flames rise from forest area after a wildfire broke out in Seferihisar district, Izmir, Türkiye on June 29, 2025. (AA Photo)

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.

July 06, 2025 02:55 PM GMT+03:00
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