08.04.2026 18:09
A striking statement came from Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek. Meeting with the members of the Turkish Grand National Assembly's Research Commission on Juvenile Offenders, Minister Gürlek said, "We call them 'juvenile offenders'; in fact, we need to change this concept from the very beginning. There is a perception among 81% of the society that the penalties given to children are insufficient. This is the general opinion of the society. I share the same opinion."
The Minister of Justice, Akın Gürlek, said, "'We call them 'children pushed to crime'; in fact, we will need to change this concept from the very beginning. 81% of society perceives that the penalties given to children are insufficient. This is the general opinion of society. I share the same opinion."
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek met with members of the TBMM Research Commission on Children Pushed to Crime at the Ankara Judicial House. Minister Gürlek reminded that they had a meeting with victim families last Sunday at the Istanbul Judicial House with the Commission President, AK Party Istanbul Deputy Müşerref Pervin Tuba Durgut.
MINISTER GÜRLEK: I ALSO BELIEVE THAT PENALTIES ARE INSUFFICIENT
Minister Gürlek recalled that they listened to the problems of victim families, stating, "I knew this beforehand, but since I came from practice, especially when I interacted one-on-one with the victim families, I really saw that there are problems and difficulties. We call them 'children pushed to crime'; in fact, we will need to change this concept from the very beginning. 81% of society perceives that the penalties given to children are insufficient. This is the general opinion of society. I share the same opinion."
"IF NECESSARY, WE WILL MAKE LEGAL REGULATIONS"
Minister Gürlek expressed that the TBMM Research Commission on Children Pushed to Crime has also done very valuable work, saying, "Here, we want to do whatever is our responsibility. If legal regulations need to be made, of course, we will make these legal regulations together. The report you will hold is very important for us, it will be a guiding factor."
Stating that they are working on the 12th Judicial Package, Minister Gürlek said, "The suggestions and proposals that will come from you, your very valuable field research, are related to the items we are considering. As the Ministry of Justice, we believe that these penalties are particularly somewhat insufficient and that there is a perception of impunity in society. I think that working together on this issue is very beneficial. I believe that your field studies and your final report will greatly contribute to us."
"PREVENTION MECHANISMS NEED TO BE ACTIVATED"
Minister Gürlek emphasized the need for prevention mechanisms to be activated regarding children's entry into crime, stating, "The activation of these prevention mechanisms is not solely the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice. Here, the family factor is certainly decisive. The child's educational life is decisive. The social environment in which they are raised is decisive. We have joint studies with the Ministry of Family and Social Services and the Ministry of National Education. The Ministry of Justice starts its duty after a crime has been committed. The factors that push the child into this crime environment need to be examined. Our children are very precious to us, but on the other hand, we have victim families."
"THE PERCEPTION OF IMPUNITY IS DISTURBING"
Gürlek stated that he was very affected by the meeting with victim families, saying, "Very emotional moments occurred. We deeply felt their sadness one-on-one. We say 'child.' Of course, we all have children, but on the other hand, there are victim families. We need to balance crime policy. Unfortunately, the 'perception of impunity' disturbs society. Of course, we will make legal regulations on this issue. We are currently in the working phase. We will carry out this process together with your studies. We are eagerly awaiting the reports from your commission, as the report that will come out of there is very important."
"JUDGES AND PROSECUTORS HAVE A BROADER DISCRETIONARY POWER"
Minister Gürlek stated that the commission has interviewed 700 judges and prosecutors and personally listened to victim families, expressing that they want to contribute to this process as much as they can. Emphasizing that legal regulations need to be made as soon as possible, Minister Gürlek noted that there is a general opinion in society that the penalties given to children are insufficient at a rate of 81%. Stating that judges and prosecutors can sometimes use their discretionary powers differently, Minister Gürlek said, "The discretionary powers given to judges and prosecutors are somewhat broad. If necessary, we should express the sensitivity on this issue by frequently meeting with judges and prosecutors and holding consultation meetings. If a change in the law is necessary, then a change in the law. The issue of preventive and deterrent measures is also very important. I find the collaboration of our three ministries very valuable."