Execution Reform in Türkiye: New Regulation May Lead to Release of 50,000 Inmates

WISE NEWS PRESS / ANKARA, TURKIYE — JAN. 2, 2026

The Turkish government, led by the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), has initiated a comprehensive overhaul of the criminal execution system. The proposed regulation aims to "equalize" execution rates across various crime categories, a move that experts suggest could function as a de facto amnesty for approximately 50,000 inmates.

The reform, which is expected to be submitted to the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) within the year, focuses on simplifying the complex execution regime. The primary objective is to restore "judicial equity" by ensuring that inmates who have received similar sentences serve comparable durations regardless of the date of their conviction.

The "Serve Half, Stay Out" Formula

Under the current proposal, the general approach is to implement a 1/2 execution ratio for judicial crimes. This means an individual sentenced to 10 years in prison would be eligible for conditional release after serving 5 years behind bars, completing the remainder of their sentence under supervision. Currently, execution rates vary significantly, with terror-related offenses requiring up to 3/4 of the sentence to be served, while other crimes stand at 2/3.

Strict Exceptions for Violent Crimes

Despite the broadening of release conditions, the draft includes strict "public conscience" safeguards. AKP sources emphasize that crimes against women and children, domestic violence, and sexual assault will not benefit from the reduced ratios. These categories will remain subject to higher execution periods to ensure that justice is served for the most vulnerable members of society.

Three-Step Implementation Plan

The reform is designed as a three-stage process:

1. Equalization: Standardizing execution periods across different ad hoc regulations to ensure legal consistency.

2. Expert Assessment: The role of Prison Administrative and Observation Boards will be strengthened. Inmates seeking conditional release must undergo rigorous evaluation by psychologists, pedagogues, and psychiatrists to determine their potential for re-offending.

3. Post-Release Monitoring: The final phase involves a robust tracking and support mechanism. Released individuals and their families will receive psychological counseling, vocational training, and assistance in finding employment to facilitate successful reintegration into society.

Critics and proponents alike are closely watching the development of the "11th Judicial Package," as its enactment would mark one of the most significant shifts in the Turkish penal landscape in recent years.

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