Arrest of 5 People for Cutting Down Ancient Trees: Minister's Response

The National News Agency reported that the municipal police of Bdeias arrested five Lebanese individuals last night who were cutting oak trees in the forest above the Litani River. This group had been engaged in cutting down old forest trees along the lower basin of the Litani River and in the surrounding hills for a long time, and security forces had been unable to apprehend them despite numerous complaints from municipalities and dozens of local villagers. However, residents of homes near the forest heard saw noises at night, prompting them to inform the municipality, which dispatched a patrol to assess the situation. The patrol discovered the ongoing tree-cutting operation. With the help of local citizens, they were able to arrest the individuals and identify them. A truck loaded with firewood was seized, and Minister of Agriculture in the caretaker government, Abbas Al-Hajj Hassan, was informed of the incident. He requested the environmental prosecutor to follow up on the case and ensure that there is no leniency towards the offenders.