The Syrian government has just executed 24 people after they were charged with igniting wildfires in 2020 that resulted in three deaths and the destruction of thousands of acres of forests, according to the Justice Ministry.
In war-torn Syria, executions are quite common, but to have twenty-four people executed in one day is unusual.
The continued conflict in the country has lasted for several decades, killing thousands of people and displacing half of Syria’s population. Over five million Syrian refugees exist outside of the country. The conflict is likely the reason behind these individuals setting wildfires.
According to the Justice Ministry, the 24 people who were executed are “criminals who carried out terrorist attacks that led to deaths and damage to infrastructure and public property.”
The Ministry also noted that 11 others had been sentenced to life in prison in the same case, and nine others, including five juveniles, were given lengthy prison sentences.
In late 2020, authorities detained dozens of people who admitted that they had begun planning to start these wildfires in August. The fires were set in September, and effected 280 towns and villages, damaging around 370 homes.
The wildfires burned a total of 59,300 acres of forests and plantations.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s hometown, Qardaha, which is located in the Latakia provide, was hit hard by the fires. The president made a rare visit to the area soon after the fire was under control.
