The proposed changes include tougher penalties in the Criminal Code for crimes that damage territory and natural resources.

Under Article 151 on “Destruction of Property by Fire,” the current law states that intentionally damaging property by fire can lead to fines or imprisonment of up to five years. If the offense causes serious material damage, the sentence can increase to up to 10 years, and if it endangers human life or health, imprisonment ranges from five to 15 years.

Justice Minister underlined that the proposed amendments include two additional provisions:

If committed under weather or terrain conditions that significantly increase fire risks and hinder firefighting efforts, or near populated areas, the penalty ranges from three to eight years.

If the offense occurs within protected zones, affects cultural heritage sites, religious buildings, monuments, or critical infrastructure, the sentence is four to 10 years.

The new amendments extend penalties on unauthorized occupation of public or private land for residence, construction, or any use will be punishable by up to two years in prison.

If repeated, committed in cooperation, or obstructing lawful use by the owner or possessor, the penalty increases to six months to three years.

If occurring in protected areas, natural parks, or affecting cultural heritage sites, religious buildings, monuments, or critical infrastructure, sentences range from one to five years.

The proposed amendments to the provision “Destruction by Fire of Forests and Forest Environment” state that if committed during conditions that significantly raise fire spread risks and complicate firefighting, or near inhabited areas, the sentence is five to eight years.

If committed in protected areas or affecting cultural heritage, religious sites, monuments, or critical infrastructure, sentences range from four to 10 years.

If aimed at changing land category or use, imprisonment ranges from seven to 15 years.

Courts will also be empowered to prohibit land reclassification in fire-affected forest zones for up to 30 years.

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