Severe ecosystem damage could lead to 15 years behind bars in Azerbaijan

Those who intentionally cause large-scale, long-term, and severe damage to the ecosystem can be imprisoned for 10 to 15 years, according to a proposed amendment to the Criminal Code, which will be discussed at the plenary session of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis on Tuesday, Report learned.

It is proposed to add the concept of “Ecocide” to the Criminal Code and to hold persons who commit this crime accountable within the framework of the bill.

The amendment envisages punishing acts that intentionally cause large-scale, long-term, and serious damage to the ecosystem with imprisonment for 10 to 15 years.

The proposed amendment aims to criminalize the crime of ecocide in accordance with international legal norms, as well as to ensure proper legal assessment of environmental crimes committed in the country and to improve the legislative framework for sustainable protection of the ecosystem.