Indonesia wildfire haze lawsuit targets government over annual fires
Indigenous and civil society groups in Indonesian Borneo have filed a class action lawsuit accusing the government of gross negligence over wildfires that have spread toxic haze across parts of Southeast Asia. The case was heard in Pontianak, the provincial capital of West Kalimantan, where judges adjourned the opening session until 21 October after none of the named defendants attended. The lawsuit names President Prabowo Subianto and the governor of West Kalimantan among 10 defendants.The plaintiffs are seeking comprehensive recovery and rehabilitation measures, including coverage of residents' healthcare costs. Their lawyer, Glorio Sanen, said the case was intended as a... [Continue Reading]
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Algeria lower house approves death-penalty bill for forest arsonists after deadly wildfires
Algeria's lower house has approved a penal-code amendment that would allow the death penalty for certain arson-related offences, following deadly wildfires in the country's north-east. Members of the National People's Assembly voted to back the change on Thursday, according to the supplied material. The measure now moves to the upper house, the Council of the Nation, before any final ratification by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.The amendment would apply to anyone convicted of acts seen as undermining public security and order, national unity, or economic and environmental stability. Tebboune called for the change in September after wildfires killed at least 12 people,... [Continue Reading]

