Turkey’s parliament on April 14 passed a law that will allow the release of tens of thousands of prisoners to ease overcrowding in jails and protect inmates from the coronavirus.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and its ally Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) supported the bill, which was accepted with 279 votes for and 51 votes against in the 600-seat chamber, Deputy Parliament Speaker Süreyya Sadi Bilgiç said.
MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli also attended the voting.
90,000 prisoners to be released
The law will open the way for the temporary release of around 45,000 prisoners to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Those eligible will be released under judicial control until the end of May and the Justice Ministry will be able to extend the period twice by a maximum of two months each time, according to the law.
A similar number would be released permanently under a separate part of the legislation aimed at reducing prison overcrowding.
The legal amendment will enable home confinement for some inmates over 65, women who have children aged six and under and sick prisoners who cannot take care of themselves. It will also bring measures for inmates with communicable diseases.
Justice Minister Abdülhamit Gül said on April 13 there were 17 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among prisoners, including three deaths. He said 79 prison personnel had also tested positive, along with a total of 80 judges and prosecutors, judiciary personnel and forensic science personnel.