Tougher penalties for forest arson in Turkey proposed, with life imprisonment as a possible sentence.
In a bid to address the rising number and severity of forest fires in Turkey, particularly during the 2025 fire season, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) has submitted a bill to Turkey's Grand National Assembly. The key provisions of this bill aim to enhance protective measures for forests and communities, impose tougher deterrents, and improve infrastructure to reduce the risk of human-caused fires.
The bill proposes severe criminal penalties for forest arson, with up to 10 years imprisonment for causing forest fires through negligence or regulatory violations. It also suggests life imprisonment for intentionally setting forests ablaze, and aggravated life sentences specifically for arson in state-owned forests to strengthen deterrence.
In terms of enhanced monitoring and prevention measures, the bill calls for continuous 24/7 surveillance of forested areas using drones and satellites to detect fires early and prevent escalation.
The bill also addresses the reinforcement of tourism and accommodation facilities in forested areas to withstand fires, and the construction of fire-resistant buildings in tourism centres and other facilities located within or near forested areas to reduce human-caused fire risks.
To support firefighting operations, the bill proposes that fuel expenses for both official and private vehicles engaged in firefighting efforts be covered by the General Directorate of Forestry, ensuring adequate resources for fire suppression.
The bill is under Turkey's Forest Law and is aimed at increasing penalties for those responsible for forest fires. However, it does not specify any changes to penalties for forest fires in privately owned forests or unintentional forest fires.
The proposal comes as a response to the devastating forest fires in regions like İzmir, Seferihisar, Menderes, and Hatay, where evacuations, fatalities, and extensive property damage have occurred. The legislative proposal is intended to impose tougher deterrents and enhance protective measures for forests and communities.
The bill was presented by MHP Kirikkale MP Halil Ozturk. The passage of this bill, if approved, could mark a significant step towards preventing future forest fires and protecting Turkey's precious forested areas.
The Turkish Nationalist Movement Party's bill, presented by Kirikkale MP Halil Ozturk, suggests life imprisonment for intentionally setting state-owned forests aflame, and aggravated life sentences for such actions to strengthen deterrence. The legislation also proposes continuous 24/7 surveillance of Turkish forests using drones and satellites to detect forest fires early and prevent escalation. Furthermore, the bill addresses the reinforcement of tourism and accommodation facilities in Turkish forests, aiming to reduce human-caused fire risks by constructing fire-resistant buildings.
