28.05.2025 14:41
The AK Party denied claims of a disagreement regarding the regulation of the execution. AK Party Group Chairman Abdullah Güler stated that work is ongoing on the bill proposing amendments related to execution, saying, "We hope to finish the work today and present it, but it may not be completed and could carry over to tomorrow. It's not a disagreement, but rather some technical issues."
AK Party Group Chairman Abdullah Güler responded to claims of disagreements regarding the execution regulation that needs to be submitted to the Parliament.
"IT MAY BE DELAYED UNTIL TOMORROW"
In response to journalists' questions about whether the bill would be submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey today, Güler said, "We hope to finish it if we can, but it may not be completed and may be delayed until tomorrow. The work is ongoing," he stated.
"THERE ARE TECHNICAL ISSUES"
To the question of whether there is a disagreement regarding the COVID-related regulation mentioned in the draft proposal that covers before July 31, 2023, Güler said, "It's not a disagreement, but there are some technical issues. COVID is not an execution regulation; it is an administrative measure. There should be an existence of an administrative measure," he said.
Güler stated that he would provide more information later in response to persistent questions.
DISCUSSION ON WHETHER THOSE CONVICTED OF FETÖ CAN BENEFIT
It is noted that there are those who oppose this regulation on the grounds that if the execution-related regulation also covers those convicted of "organized crimes," those imprisoned for FETÖ will also benefit. Some argue that the regulation should cover everyone within the framework of the principle of equality. Some opposition parties also argue that KHK convicts should be included in the regulation.
DETAILS OF THE EXECUTION REGULATION: 50 THOUSAND PEOPLE WILL BE RELEASED
According to the details in the 10th Judicial Package, it is stated that the capacity of prisons has exceeded 410,000, and with the new execution regulations, 45,000 to 50,000 convicts will benefit from supervised release and will complete the remaining three years of their sentences outside.
WHICH CRIMES WILL IT COVER?
The most curious aspect of the execution package is which types of crimes will benefit from the early release opportunity. According to the information obtained, various crimes committed before July 31, 2023, will allow convicts to transition from closed prisons to open prisons three years early, and their sentences will be completed outside. Those currently in open prisons will be released.
THE BOARD WILL DECIDE
To benefit from the early release opportunity, prison observation boards will need to provide a positive report. AK Party sources stated, "In a sense, we have to take into account the sensitivities of citizens and the public. Someone who will be released early may commit a crime outside. To prevent this, prison boards will have a significant responsibility. If they have psychopathic tendencies, they will not be released, of course. Therefore, observation boards will conduct a very sensitive, meticulous, and thorough work. Those who have a tendency to commit crimes will not be allowed. There will be no automatic release. It will not be said, 'Hey, you have three years left, go out.' If they have good behavior, if they have improved, if they have attended vocational courses in prison and acquired a profession, if they have participated in social projects; all of these will be considered, and the observation board will make a decision. If all these criteria are met, they will be conditionally released," he said.
SPECIAL EXECUTION PROVISIONS FOR PREGNANT, PARENTS, ELDERLY, AND SICK INMATES
Another important regulation in the execution package will be regarding special execution provisions. Special execution provisions will be applied for pregnant women, women with children, elderly, disabled, and sick inmates. Pregnant women and mothers with children will be given the opportunity to complete five years of their remaining sentences at home. For the elderly, disabled, sick, or those who cannot sustain their lives alone under prison conditions, it will be ensured that they complete 8 or 10 years of their remaining sentences outside, based on the reports provided by forensic medicine and prison boards.
EXECUTION REDUCTION FOR REPEATED CRIMES IS ALSO COMING
Currently, those who commit crimes classified as simple and are considered 'repeated' in the legislation must serve their entire sentence in prison without any reduction. AK Party officials stated, "While an execution reduction is made for various crimes, making a distinction only for repeated crimes results in an unjust outcome. If you are inside for a repeated crime, even if you have good behavior, no reduction is applied. Because there is no incentive, repeated offenders can cause more problems in prison. Since they have no hope of getting out, they become more psychopathic. The encouragement of good behavior for those in this situation and their reintegration into society requires some reductions to be applied to them," he said. With the new regulation, conditional release provisions can be applied after 3/4 of their sentences have been completed. The execution reduction will cover sentences for crimes defined as 'simple crimes' such as simple injury, insult, and threat.