02.01.2026 12:45
Discussions on simplifying sentences that have long been on the agenda of the penal execution system have turned into concrete steps. If the work aimed at ensuring equality in execution becomes law, inmates who receive a 10-year prison sentence and complete half of their sentence in prison will be granted the opportunity for release. It is expected that between 40,000 and 50,000 inmates will benefit from the regulation.
The simplification of sentences, which has long been a topic of discussion in the penal execution system, has been initiated with regulations aimed at making them clearer and more permanent. In addition to the AK Party and MHP, the Justice Ministry bureaucracy has frequently brought up the need for a new execution system.
According to a report by Yücel Kayaoğlu from Türkiye Gazetesi, it is planned to bring the studies initiated to ensure equality in execution to the agenda of the Parliament within this year. Legal advisors of the AK Party state that the upcoming regulation will be addressed in three steps, initially ensuring the equalization of execution periods applied for different crimes.
NO RELEASE FOR SERIOUS CRIMES
AK Party sources said, "In judicial crimes, convicts can benefit from conditional release after serving half of their sentence in prison. In terrorism offenses, the period can extend up to three-quarters, while for some other crimes, it can go up to two-thirds. The planned regulation aims to equalize execution periods. However, for crimes that disturb the conscience of society, such as those committed by women, children, parents, and siblings, as well as harassers and rapists, a longer execution period is expected." It is stated that subjecting convicts who commit the same crime and receive similar sentences to different execution regimes due to different dates undermines criminal justice.
THOSE WHO SERVE HALF WILL BE RELEASED
For this reason, the general view within the AK Party has emerged in favor of applying execution at a half rate. If this formula becomes law, a convict sentenced to 10 years in prison will be allowed to spend the remaining time outside after serving 5 years in prison, and those who are still serving 50% of their sentence will also be given the opportunity for release.
THE MAIN FORMULA WILL BE "GOOD BEHAVIOR"
In the phase of applying the execution period at a half rate, the good behavior assessments made by the Prison Administration and Observation Boards will play a significant role. During the terrorism-free Turkey process, the DEM Party frequently communicated its criticisms to the government regarding the lack of objective evaluations by these boards. In discussions with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Ministry of Justice, these boards were also a key topic. Therefore, in the second phase of the new legal changes to be made by the AK Party, steps will be taken regarding the functioning of prison observation boards.
EXPERTS MUST BE PERSUADED
In this context, a monitoring mechanism specific to the nature of the crime will be introduced. The effectiveness of experts such as psychologists, pedagogues, and psychiatrists in the observation boards will be increased. Thus, it will be better determined whether a convict is truly remorseful, whether they will commit a crime if released from prison, and whether they can reintegrate into society. Those who are seen as able to adapt to society will benefit from conditional release conditions.
FOLLOW-UP AFTER PRISON
In the third phase, steps will be taken to monitor those who will complete their remaining sentences outside with conditional release. Support will be provided to these individuals, including psychological support for themselves and their families, to help them adapt to society. Efforts will be made to help these individuals find jobs. Support for establishing a new life and rehabilitation, including vocational training assistance, will be brought to the agenda.