Environment law 'toothless'<\/p>\n
PEKANBARU, Riau: State Minister of Environment Sarwono
\nKusumaatmadja wants tougher sentences for polluters and
\ndestroyers of natural resources.<\/p>\n
The courts only ever gives offenders probationary sentences
\nalthough everyone agrees they have committed serious crimes, he
\nsaid here over the weekend.<\/p>\n
Two people taken to court separately in Riau for causing the
\ndeath of 12 elephants and smuggling toxic waste were put on
\nprobation, he said.<\/p>\n
"It seems our judges are just too kind. Anyone who goes to
\ncourt for causing environmental damage will be put on probation,"
\nhe said as quoted by Antara.<\/p>\n
"I don't understand what grounds judges use to give the
\nlenient sentences to environmental offenders," he said adding
\nthat harsher punishment was necessary to deter would-be
\noffenders.<\/p>\n
The government planned to revise the 1982 environmental law to
\nmake it more effective, Sarwono said. (pan)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/environment-law-toothless-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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