The legislation known as the “10th Judicial Reform Package,” which includes amendments to the Law on the Execution of Penal and Security Measures and several other laws, was approved by the General Assembly of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.

Following criticisms from the DEM Party and other opposition parties, eight articles were removed from the 30-article Judicial Reform Bill before it was passed by Parliament.

Increase in sentences

According to the new regulation, the lower and upper limits of prison sentences for crimes such as attempted crime, intentional injury, serious bodily harm, and threats have been increased. For example, the minimum sentence for simple assault has been raised from 4 months to 6 months, and in cases of serious injury, the minimum sentence has been increased from 3 years to 4 years.

Traffic offences

The minimum sentence for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs has been raised from 3 months to 6 months.

Sentences to be served at home reviewed

The scope for serving sentences at night or on weekends has been expanded. Home confinement sentences have also been extended for women, the elderly, and children. Convicts over the age of 80 will be allowed to serve prison terms of up to 6 years at home.

Seriously ill prisoners can serve their sentences at home

If it is determined that severely ill or disabled inmates cannot survive under prison conditions, they will be allowed to serve their sentences at home. However, this provision does not apply to those sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment.

Controversial articles removed

Following opposition criticism, articles regarding internet censorship, regulations related to child detainees, and increased penalties for blocking roads in traffic were removed from the bill. Additionally, provisions granting the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) the power to block access without a court order were also removed.