25.12.2025 23:56
After the 11th Judicial Package was accepted and came into effect by the Turkish Grand National Assembly, unforgettable scenes unfolded today in front of prisons. Across Turkey, inmates who were granted early release were welcomed with drums and zurna, white doves were released, and tears of joy were shed. The joyful photos taken in front of the prisons became the most shared images of the day.
With the enforcement of the 11th Judicial Package, the front of the prisons turned into a festive place today. As prisoners released across Turkey were welcomed with drums and zurna, white doves were released, and tears of joy were shed, the enthusiastic scenes from the prisons were captured on camera throughout the day.
MORE THAN 40,000 PRISONERS WILL BE RELEASED
The law numbered 7571, known to the public as the 11th Judicial Package, which amends the Turkish Penal Code and certain laws, has been published in the Official Gazette and has come into effect. Initially, it is expected that more than 40,000 prisoners will be released under this regulation.
FAMILIES GATHERED IN FRONT OF PRISONS HOURS IN ADVANCE
Families wanting to welcome their released relatives began to gather and wait in front of the prisons. Prisoners who completed their preparations and necessary paperwork started to exit the prisons after the procedures. The embraces of families reuniting after years were accompanied by applause and cries of joy.
This exciting wait and emotional reunions took place in almost every city in Turkey. In some cities, drums and zurna were played, while in others, doves were released. However, the common point in all cities was the happiness brought by the reunion and the embrace of longing.
THERE WERE ALSO THOSE LEFT ALONE
Those who had no one to welcome them loaded their bags and sacks filled with their belongings from the prison and headed home.
200 PRISONERS WILL BE RELEASED IN MALATYA
Approximately 200 prisoners are expected to be released across Malatya. Releases began in the Akçadağ Type T Closed Prison from the evening hours. Spouses, children, and relatives gathered in front of the prison, waiting with great excitement.
300 PEOPLE IN AYDIN TASTED FREEDOM AGAIN
Approximately 300 prisoners were released in Aydın. Those who came out of prison embraced their families, whom they had longed for.
DRUMS AND ZURNAS PLAYED FOR FREEDOM IN DIYARBAKIR
Released prisoners in Diyarbakır were welcomed by their relatives with drums and zurna. The enthusiastic moments were recorded on mobile phones.
WHITE DOVES WERE RELEASED IN DÜZCE
In Düzce Type T Closed Penitentiary, 326 inmates were released. During the releases, white doves were released, and emotional moments were experienced.
SIMILAR SCENES ACROSS TURKEY
Similar joyful scenes were experienced in prisons in almost every city in Turkey, especially in Ankara, Bolu, Sakarya, and Kocaeli. Families described this day as "a second holiday."
WHO IS AFFECTED?
The regulation covers crimes committed on or before July 31, 2023.
Accordingly:
Prisoners in closed prisons will be allowed to transition to open prisons 3 years earlier,
And those in open prisons will be granted the right to supervised release 3 years earlier.
CRIMES EXCLUDED FROM THE SCOPE
Rights will not be applied in cases of terrorism and organized crimes, as well as murders targeting family members or the disabled, sexual assault-abuse, and earthquake-related crimes.