TIRANA, Aug. 15 /ATA/ – The head of Socialist Party parliamentary group, Taulant Balla, has called for tougher action against those who deliberately start wildfires, saying Albania’s justice system has failed to deter arson.
“Albanian justice has surrendered to arsonists,” Balla said in a social media post on Saturday, citing General Prosecutor’s Office data showing that 211 arson cases were investigated over the past five years, but only 18 people were convicted.
Albania’s Criminal Code provides for up to 20 years in prison for deliberately setting forest fires, Balla said, arguing that the low number of convictions was deeply concerning.
Referring to a major fire in Krujë that was brought under control after a difficult firefighting operation, Balla said media reports indicated that the suspect had been released after a prosecutor deemed his detention by police unlawful.
He warned that a lack of effective punishment could encourage further arson and place additional pressure on firefighters battling wildfires across the country.
“If justice continues at this pace, with only one in 12 arson cases resulting in a conviction, and even that person not being made an example, firefighters will no longer be able to cope,” Balla said.
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