Covert amnesty for 55 thousand people... Details of the new execution regulation have been revealed: It will also cover those crimes

The draft text of the enforcement regulation belonging to the new Judicial Package, which the Ministry of Justice has been working on and finalizing, has been leaked to the public. The regulation, prepared to be submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), brings a "covert amnesty" for approximately 55 thousand inmates. Although the regulation is described by the public as a "partial amnesty," it has sparked controversy because it also covers serious crimes.

MURDER AND SEXUAL CRIMES INCLUDED

According to the leaked draft text, not only simple crimes but also serious crimes that deeply shake the public conscience will benefit from the enforcement regulation that will lead to releases. These crimes include serious offenses such as intentional killing (murder), intentional injury, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, fraud, theft, robbery, bribery, and drug trafficking.

THOSE SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS WILL BE FREE IN 9 MONTHS

The new regulation significantly reduces the time spent in prisons. So much so that a convict sentenced to 12 years in prison could be released after spending only 9 months in prison, with good behavior credits and the new enforcement calculation. This regulation paves the way for the release of inmates who have served 1/8th of their sentence.

COVERS CRIMES COMMITTED BEFORE JULY 31, 2023

Another important detail of the judicial package that brings enforcement reduction is the date it covers. According to the draft, the new regulation will be valid for crimes committed on or before July 31, 2023. Crimes committed after this date will not be able to benefit from this amnesty for now.

RIGHT TO EARLY TRANSFER TO OPEN PRISON

The regulation brings not only early release but also a softening in the prison regime. Accordingly, convicts will be able to use their right to transfer from closed prisons to open prisons 3 years earlier. This change aims to reduce the number of inmates remaining in closed prisons.

Another article in the judicial package is aimed at sick and disabled convicts. In current practice, sick or disabled individuals with sentences of up to 5 years could serve their sentences at home. With the new regulation, this limit is increased to 10 years. Thus, the possibility of house arrest will arise for more sick and disabled convicts.

PENALTY FOR ESTABLISHING A CRIMINAL ORGANIZATION INCREASED

The package contains not only reductions but also penalty increases for some crimes. In order to increase deterrence, especially against criminal organizations, the penalty for the act of "establishing and managing an organization for the purpose of committing crimes" will be increased. The upper limit of the penalty for this crime will be increased from 8 years to 10 years.

The fact that the new enforcement regulation covers serious crimes, especially sexual crimes, child abuse, and murder, has caused controversy in the public eye.