09.08.2026 02:00
After the acceptance of the 'Law Proposal on Amendments to the Child Protection Law and Certain Laws,' which had been under discussion for a long time in the General Assembly of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek made statements, expressing that with this historic step, the child justice system has been placed on a solid legal foundation that is both more deterrent and protective of the best interests of the child.
The "Law Proposal on Amendments to the Child Protection Law and Certain Laws," adopted in the Turkish Grand National Assembly, has been enacted and entered into force. Following the regulation, Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek made statements, emphasizing that with the new law, the juvenile justice system has been transformed into a much stronger, deterrent, and modern structure that centers on the child's best interest.
"CHILD IN JUDICIAL PROCESS" INSTEAD OF "CHILD PUSHED INTO CRIME"
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek stated that since their first day in office, they have aimed to change the mindset and concepts that associate children with crime. With this revolutionary change in mentality, the term "child pushed into crime," used for years in the legal system, has been completely removed and replaced with the concept of "child in judicial process."
INCREASED DETERRENCE FOR SERIOUS CRIMES
Within the scope of the law, while aiming to prevent children from being used by criminal organizations and street gangs, sanctions against serious crimes that threaten public order and the life and property safety of citizens have been tightened. With the new regulation, social examination has become mandatory in judicial processes for all children under the age of 15.
SHIELD AGAINST CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS AND DIGITAL THREATS
Reiterating their determination to protect children from crime and harmful environments, Minister Gürlek included the following statements in his statement:
"While protecting our children from the dangers of criminal organizations, street gangs, drugs, violence, and the digital world; we will also resolutely fulfill the requirements of justice against serious crimes that threaten the life and property safety of our citizens. Under the leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan; we will continue to work for a Turkey where our children grow up in safety and the peace of our families is strengthened."
Minister Gürlek thanked the Turkish Grand National Assembly, the members of the People's Alliance, and the members of the Justice Commission for their efforts in the preparation and enactment of the law, wishing the new regulation to be beneficial for the nation and children.