When will prisons be emptied? The date has been set

According to a report by Ceren Bayar from T24, the regulation, with its expanded scope, will provide release opportunities for a large number of detainees and convicts.

The proposal is expected to be submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) by the middle of next week.

The AKP Parliamentary Group Management has informed opposition parties about the timeline for the regulation.

It is on the agenda for Parliament to work over the weekend to ensure the law is passed before the holiday.

Some of the changes planned to be introduced with the new execution regulation are as follows:

Covid Releases Expanding: Convicts who entered prison before July 31, 2023, but whose sentences have not been finalized, will be able to benefit from the release practice used during the pandemic period. Additionally, some non-violent terror-related crimes will also be included in this scope.

Release for the Sick and Elderly: Opportunities will be provided for the release of sick and elderly detainees and convicts.

Conditional Release for Repeat Offenders: Those who commit the same crime for a second time will be able to benefit from conditional release.

Compliance with Constitutional Court Ruling: The article on “committing a crime on behalf of an organization without being a member of the organization,” which the Constitutional Court has annulled twice, will be repealed or the sentence duration will be reduced.

Correctional Facilities for Detained Children: It will be ensured that detained children are sent to correctional facilities instead of closed prisons, depending on the type of crime and age.

Ending the Perception of Impunity: For crimes such as blocking roads or assault in traffic, the conversion of sentences into fines or the suspension of sentences will be abolished, and it is planned to impose sentences at a rate of 1/10 or 1/8, with night/weekend execution implementation.

Conditional Release for Pregnant Detainees: It is envisioned that pregnant women will be able to benefit from conditional release without the requirement of a specific sentence duration.