Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said 15 of the 69 suspects identified in investigations into 97 forest fires that broke out in various parts of Türkiye since June 1 have been arrested.
In a statement posted on his NSocial account on Monday, Gürlek emphasized that the fight to protect the “green homeland” continues with determination.
Providing information on investigations into forest fires, Gürlek said, “Between Aug. 22 and 30, 23 suspects were identified in investigations into 22 new forest fires, three suspects were arrested, and judicial control measures were imposed on nine suspects. While the detention of one suspect is ongoing, arrest warrants have been issued for two suspects.
“Since June 1, a total of 69 suspects have been identified in judicial proceedings related to 97 forest fires, 15 suspects have been arrested, judicial control measures have been imposed on 30 suspects, one suspect remains in detention, and arrest warrants have been issued for two suspects.”
Gürlek stressed that chief public prosecutors’ offices, in coordination with law enforcement agencies and forest protection teams, continue to investigate in detail the causes of the fires and those responsible for them.
“Once again, I emphasize, no one who harms our ‘green homeland’ through deliberate acts, negligence or lack of precaution should think that they will not be held accountable for what they have done,” he said.
