Uzbekistan to toughen punishment for tree cutting

AKIPRESS.COM - Uzbekistan will tighten punishment for illegal cutting of trees, the State Committee for Nature Protection reported.
The Committee said in statement that it shares the concern of Uzbekistanis over violations of a moratorium on cutting trees and stands for reinforcing criminal responsibility against violators.
The relevant amendments to the legislation are under consideration and will be soon submitted to the competent authorities.
On February 20, 81 trees were cut in the Yunus Rajabi mahalla of the Yakkasarai district of Uzbekistan.
The incident sparked a wide public outcry.
As a result, district officials and Building And Supplies construction company were brought to criminal liability. Several others were reprimanded and fired.