TIRANA, December 2
Environmental crime is an obstacle for the sustainable economic development of Albania. This was highlighted by Head of OSCE in Albania Bernd Borchardt in an event held on Thursday by the Ministry of Environment. The latter will send its proposals on strengthening penal measures for subjects and individuals alleged over environmental abuse to the Ministry of Justice within December. Scan TV unveiled some of the changes to the current law on environmental crime.
Therefore, the new package foresees that the destruction of natural monuments and deforestation should be punished with one to five years of imprisonment. Moreover, those found guilty of causing environmental disasters will be sentenced to five-15 years in prison. The same measure is required even for those responsible for oil spills and hydrocarbon pollution of sea.
Minister of Environment Lefter Koka said that environmental crimes in Albania happen often due to legal gaps. Currently, the Penal Code adopted in 1995 is into force regarding environmental issues. The Ministry of Justice will have the final word regarding these proposals.
News Source: Scan TV
Photo Credit: A. Haxhihyseni
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