Türkiye to reform sentences for repeat offenders amid women’s safety concerns

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) is reportedly advancing a judicial reform package that would allow certain repeat offenders to be conditionally released after serving three-fourths of their sentence, rather than the full term.

The proposed changes are reportedly aimed at promoting rehabilitation and reintegration into society. At a time when concerns have been expressed that crime is on the rise in the country, such a step could provoke a backlash, making the situation even worse.

Revised sentencing for repeat offenders

Under the current Turkish Penal Code, people convicted of repeat offenses must serve their full sentence without the benefit of parole or probation. However, the new legislation will align their sentencing structure with that of other offenders, allowing them to be released early if they show “good behavior”, which is often criticized by the public for its abuse.

According to AK Party sources speaking exclusively to the Türkiye daily, the exclusion of repeat offenders from sentence reductions has been criticized as inequitable. “While sentence reductions are applied to various crimes, repeat offenders remain an exception. This has led to concerns about fairness and rehabilitation,” party officials stated.

Encouraging rehabilitation through ‘good behavior’

The proposal, which is being drafted in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, is designed to incentivize good conduct among repeat offenders in prison.

According to Ministry officials, “For those who exhibit good behavior, serving three-fourths of the sentence in prison while completing the remainder on conditional release could serve as motivation for rehabilitation.”

Support from MHP and opposition consultation

The proposal has gained the backing of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), with Deputy Chairman Feti Yildiz arguing that maintaining stricter terms for repeat offenders compared to terrorism-related offenses is disproportionate. “If convicted terrorists are subject to a three-fourths rule, applying full terms to repeat offenders creates an unfair distinction,” Yildiz stated.

AK Party officials have also indicated they will seek input from opposition parties to introduce the proposal as a joint motion in Parliament.

Reports of Türkiye to end prison sentence reductions for ‘good behavior’

However, there were also reports that the ruling AK Party has proposed significant changes to its legal system, aiming to eliminate sentence reductions based on “good behavior”and “unjust provocation”, as again reported by Türkiye Daily.

According to that report, under the new legal framework, courts will no longer grant sentence reductions to defendants who claim they committed crimes under unjust provocation.

Previously, such claims allowed convicted individuals to receive lighter sentences, particularly in cases of violent crimes. With the reform, those convicted of committing crimes under unjust provocation will now face higher minimum and maximum prison sentences.

• For crimes that require life imprisonment, the minimum sentence will increase from 16 years to 22 years.
• For crimes that require aggravated life imprisonment, the minimum sentence will increase from 22 years to 30 years.

This means that those found guilty of serious offenses will no longer be able to use unjust provocation as a legal loophole to reduce their punishment.

The removal of good behavior sentence reductions also means that convicted individuals will no longer receive lighter sentences based on their courtroom demeanor, attire, or conduct during legal proceedings.

This change aims to ensure that penalties reflect the severity of the crime rather than subjective assessments of a defendant’s behavior.

Implementation and conditional release

According to the latest report if enacted, repeat offenders who display good behavior will serve 75% of their sentence in prison and the remaining 25% under conditional release.

For example, an individual sentenced to 10 years would serve 7.5 years behind bars before being released under supervision for the final 2.5 years.

However, eligibility for conditional release will depend on multiple factors, including the inmate’s compliance with prison regulations, participation in rehabilitation programs, and an assessment by the prison oversight board regarding their likelihood of reoffending.

Public debate and women’s rights concerns

The reform proposal comes amid heated discussions on the Turkish justice system, especially following recent incidents of violence against women. Women’s rights groups have criticized previous judicial leniencies in cases involving violence against women.

Following the Oct. 4, 2024, Istanbul attack, where 19-year-old Semih Celik brutally murdered two women before committing suicide, activists raised concerns about the judicial handling of repeat offenders. Critics argue that systemic failures, including early-release policies, have contributed to continued violence against women.

Organizations have protested the government’s proposed ninth Judicial Reform Package, warning that changes allowing appeals against coercive imprisonment could weaken protections for victims of domestic violence.