Putin instructed to work out the issue of criminal liability for arson of forests by August 1

Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed the government to consider introducing criminal liability for intentional burning of dry vegetation and forest plantations by August 1, regardless of the damage caused. The corresponding instruction of the president following the results of the meeting with the government was published on site Kremlin.

According to the current legislation, the deliberate destruction of a forest by arson is punishable by a fine of up to 1 million rubles. or imprisonment for up to 8 years (Article 261 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), and in case of causing major damage – a fine of up to 3 million rubles. and imprisonment for up to 10 years. Major damage is considered if forest plantations are damaged for an amount exceeding 50 thousand rubles.

How informs Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation, criminal punishment for burning dry grass is provided for in articles 168 (Destruction or damage to property through negligence), part 1 218 (Violation of fire safety requirements) and 261 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. Committing a crime under Art. 168 of the Criminal Code, threatens with a fine of up to 120 thousand rubles. or imprisonment up to one year, Part 1 of Art. 219 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation – a fine of up to 80 thousand rubles. or imprisonment for up to three years.

Forest fires have been raging in Russia since spring. In several regions, because of them, a state of emergency was introduced. So, on June 8, the area of ​​​​fires in the Altai Territory reached 4.2 thousand hectares. June 14 about forest fires reported in the Tyva Republic.

Erdni Kagaltynov