24.04.2026 10:10
The new legal regulation regarding children pushed into crime has been finalized. According to the draft; the upper limit of prison sentences for the 15-18 age group will be increased, and judges will be authorized to impose adult-like penalties for intentional homicide. Additionally, the responsibility of families will be increased, and penalties may be imposed regardless of whether a complaint is filed.
Work on the new legal regulations regarding children who commit crimes has come to an end. Two separate meetings were held at the Presidential Complex under the chairmanship of Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz. The framework of the draft was outlined in the meeting attended by legal experts. It is planned to introduce the regulations concerning children who commit crimes as a separate package.
According to the draft, which has not yet been finalized, the age range in the current law regarding the punishment of children involved in crime will not change. However, there will be a significant increase in the penalties applied to the 15-18 age range.
Currently, it is stated that children will be sentenced to 24 years in prison for crimes requiring aggravated life imprisonment, and 15 years for crimes requiring life imprisonment. The upper limit of the penalty here will increase to 27 years, and the lower limit is planned to be raised.
DISCRETION FOR JUDGE IN INTENTIONAL HOMICIDE
Additionally, for those aged 15-18 who commit intentional homicide, judges will be granted discretionary authority to deny them reductions and to have them serve their sentences like adults. The judge will be able to impose penalties just like for adults, considering the manner in which the crime was committed and the underlying reason.
FAMILY PENALTIES TO NO LONGER BE COMPLAINT-BASED
Family obligations will also be increased. The lawsuit process, which is currently "complaint-based" in existing laws, will no longer be subject to complaints and will be converted directly into a public lawsuit.
In the current law, under the article titled "Violation of obligations arising from family law," it states: "A person who fails to fulfill the obligation of care, education, or support arising from family law shall be punished with up to one year in prison upon complaint."