Lessons from a case of forest resource destruction
(Baonghean) -In recent years, in Ky Son (Nghe An), many households have encroached on state-owned forests to burn them for production. Faced with this situation, local authorities have actively intervened, using tough measures, bringing many cases of forest resource destruction to trial to deter and educate violators.
On the morning of September 29, 2011, the People's Court of Ky Son district opened a trial for the case of "Forest destruction" against defendant Xeo Van Duc, born in 1986, residing in Na Luong village, Huu Kiem commune, Ky Son district.
According to the indictment, in May 2010, defendant Xeo Van Duc cut down the upstream protective forest at Khe Cum- Khoanh 9, Sub-area 449, Na Luong village, Huu Kiem commune, Ky Son district to make fields. According to the scene investigation report prepared by the authorities at 3:40 p.m. on September 16, 2010, the total damage caused by Duc was 9,100 square meters of protective forest, cutting down 800 bamboo trees and many other trees.
Defendant Xeo Van Duc in the dock.
In court, the defendant confessed honestly and bowed his head to admit his guilt. The defendant committed the crime because he had no job, was not properly educated, and lacked knowledge of the law, causing serious consequences. Witnessing the trial, many local people realized the wrongdoings that they had committed, intentionally or unintentionally, for a long time. Mr. Lo Van Hong, a resident of Na Luong village, Huu Kiem commune, Ky Son, confided: "Through today's trial, I have learned a lesson for myself, that from now on, if we farm, we must do so in areas that the government allows. When I return to my village, I will remind my family and children that areas that are protected forests and prohibited by the Forest Rangers should not be cleared for farming."
According to Point b Clause 3 Article 189 of the Penal Code of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, "Anyone who illegally burns or destroys forests or commits other acts of forest destruction causing serious consequences or has been administratively sanctioned for this act but still commits the violation shall be subject to a fine of 10 million to 100 million VND, non-custodial reform for up to 3 years or imprisonment from 6 months to 5 years."
Based on the above, the jury sentenced Xeo Van Duc to 36 months in prison, suspended, with a probation period of 5 years. The verdict received the support of the majority of people and is a warning lesson for those who lack understanding or intentionally violate the law on forest resource protection.
Xuan Tuan - Xuan Bi
