In Gomel, an entrepreneur unauthorizedly trimmed 23 trees to make a billboard more visible
A case in Gomel has caused a wide resonance: an individual entrepreneur illegally cut down 23 trees to improve the visibility of an advertising billboard on Mazurova Street, writes newsgomel.by.
According to the prosecutor's office, the man believed that the tree branches were obstructing the advertisement and hindering its view. Instead of coordinating his actions with city services or obtaining permission, he independently took up tools and carried out the trimming.
As a result, 23 trees were severely damaged: their branches were removed or significantly shortened. Experts note that this is not a regular "sanitary pruning," but actual damage to green spaces, which can disrupt their development and even lead to their demise.
According to the law, tree pruning in public areas can only be carried out by authorized services or on the basis of official agreements. In this case, the entrepreneur had no permits.
Consequently, an administrative case was initiated against the man for illegal damage to vegetation.
At the same time, similar actions can also fall under criminal liability if significant losses are established. Punishment can range from a fine and correctional labor to restriction or deprivation of liberty — depending on the extent of the damage.