24 put to death in Syria over wildfires

Syria experienced deadly forest fires this year and last alongside other Middle Eastern, North African and Southern European countries along the Mediterranean Sea.
Syrian soldiers and locals battle a forest fire in the Ain Shams area west of Hama province, on Sept. 10, 2020.
Syrian soldiers and locals battle a forest fire in the Ain Shams area west of Hama province on Sept. 10, 2020. Summer fires are common in Syria, but residents have said this year's fires are worse than usual. - LOUAI BESHARA/AFP via Getty Images
Al Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East
Al-Monitor Staff

Syria has executed more than 20 people in relation to deadly wildfires in the country last year, authorities announced Thursday.

The 24 individuals were put to death Wednesday after being convicted of terrorism charges in relation to fires last year that burned both state and private buildings. Another 11 people were sentenced to life in prison with hard labor after being found guilty of starting fires that burned agricultural lands, the Syrian Ministry of Justice said in a statement.

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