Türkiye has identified 43 suspects in investigations into 64 forest fires across 22 provinces since June 1, with 11 suspects arrested and 18 placed under judicial control, Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced on social media on Sunday.
Gürlek shared the figures in a post on his X account, saying judicial authorities are continuing to investigate the causes of forest fires and those responsible.
He said investigations into 10 forest fires reported over the past week in eight provinces across western, southern and northern Türkiye, including Antalya, Aydın, Kocaeli and Sinop, resulted in action against six suspects.
Of those suspects, two have been arrested, one has been placed under judicial control and the detention procedures for three others are continuing, according to Gürlek.
Since June 1, judicial proceedings have been initiated over 64 forest fires in 22 provinces, with 43 suspects identified, Gürlek said. Eleven of the suspects have been arrested, while 18 have been placed under judicial control and three remain in custody.
Gürlek said the Chief Public Prosecutor's Offices are investigating the causes of the fires and the individuals responsible under the close monitoring of the Department of Natural Disasters and Accidents.
“We are resolutely following the judicial proceedings concerning forest fires that threaten our Green Homeland, one of the most precious legacies we can leave to future generations,” Gürlek said.
He stressed that both those who deliberately set forests on fire and those who cause fires through negligence or failure to take necessary precautions are being held accountable before the law.
“No forest fire involving suspicion of a crime will be allowed to remain without an identified perpetrator,” Gürlek said.
