Türkiye considers life imprisonment for deliberate forest arson

Turkish Parliament is set to consider a new bill that would impose significantly harsher penalties for forest arson, amid growing concerns over environmental destruction and public safety.

The draft legislation, introduced by Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) lawmaker ÖzTürk, seeks to address the rising number of forest fires across the country, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

Under the proposed law, individuals found guilty of causing forest fires through negligence or regulatory violations could face prison sentences of up to 10 years. In cases of deliberate arson, the penalty would be elevated to life imprisonment.

ÖzTürk emphasised that the need for stricter measures stems from a rise in arson cases, which have inflicted severe damage on Türkiye’s environment and posed serious threats to public safety.

The bill is expected to be debated in parliament in the coming weeks.

Türkiye has faced a surge in forest fires in recent years. The 2025 fire season has been among Türkiye’s most destructive. The Aegean region, particularly İzmir Province, has been the hardest hit, leading to significant evacuations and property damage.

Over 50,000 residents have been evacuated from areas including Seferihisar, Menderes, and Hatay. Tragically, two fatalities have been reported: an elderly man in Ödemiş and a forestry worker. Additionally, around 200 homes have been destroyed, and several others have been severely damaged.

Aerial and ground operations have been mobilized to combat the blazes. However, the strong winds have hindered firefighting efforts, making it challenging to control the spread of the fires. Infrastructure Disruptions: İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport was temporarily closed due to the proximity of wildfires, leading to flight cancellations and diversions.

By Khagan Isayev