25.07.2025 09:42
The reduction of the sentence due to the perpetrator being under 18 years old following the murder of 15-year-old Ahmet Minguzzi has sparked significant outrage. It is expected that the new legislative session, which will begin on October 1, will revisit the issue of "child discounts" and the categorization of penalties based on age. President Erdoğan has also instructed that steps be taken regarding both the gangs that lead children to crime and the families involved.
While discussions continue regarding the deterrent effect of penalties imposed on those under 18 in the Turkish Penal Code, it is reported that the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) may take a new step on this issue in the coming days. President Erdoğan has also called for action regarding both those who lead children to crime and the responsibilities of families in this matter.
ERDOĞAN GAVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORK TO BE DONE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
The fact that the murderer in the case of 15-year-old Mattia Ahmet Minguzzi, which shocked Turkey, is under 18 and may receive a reduced sentence is causing public outrage. The killer, who is being tried with a request for up to 24 years in prison, could be conditionally released within 10-15 years according to legal experts if a "child discount" is applied. Both Minguzzi's family and the public are opposed to this reduction. Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç announced a study regarding juvenile trials the other day. According to the information obtained, it is expected that in the new legislative year starting on October 1, the TBMM will take steps to increase the penalties for child murderers, stating "There should be no new Minguzzis." President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also instructed that work be done regarding both those who lead children to crime and the responsibilities of families.
PENALTIES WILL BE GRADUATED BY AGE
According to a report in the Türkiye newspaper, within the scope of the study conducted by the Ministry of Justice, it is stated that the penalties for crimes committed by those under 18 will be restructured. The draft report of the research commission established in the TBMM to prevent violence against children also includes proposals for increasing penalties. According to the Turkish Penal Code, children who have not reached the age of 12 at the time of committing the act do not have criminal responsibility. Additionally, those who have not reached the age of 15 do not have criminal responsibility if they cannot comprehend the legal meaning and consequences of the act they committed or if their ability to direct their behavior has not developed. For individuals aged 15-18 at the time of committing the act, sentences of 18-24 years are imposed for crimes requiring aggravated life imprisonment, and 12-15 years for crimes requiring life imprisonment. Discussions are ongoing regarding regulations such as the re-graduation of penalties by age, imposing more deterrent penalties on gangs that lead children to crime, and applying sanctions to parents in this context.
WORLD EXAMPLES WILL BE EXAMINED
In many European countries, it is observed that the penalties for juvenile offenders are more deterrent than those in Turkey. The Ministry of Justice will also examine examples from Europe and will bring up the issue of imposing heavier penalties, especially for heinous crimes like the Minguzzi murder, even if the perpetrators are under 18. In some countries, juvenile offenders are tried as adults depending on the crime they committed. In many states in the USA, children aged 16-17 can be tried as adults for serious crimes. In some states, this limit drops to 14 years. In a case seen in 1993, a 13-year-old perpetrator who killed a 4-year-old child was tried as an adult and no sentence reduction was applied. In Canada, offenders over the age of 14 can be tried in adult courts depending on the severity of the crime they committed. In England, children over the age of 10 who commit serious crimes are tried in other courts instead of special juvenile courts.