The release of 110 convicted prisoners has sparked controversy in the north after it emerged that the director of the central prison had been granted the authority to reduce prison sentences by up to one-third. Among those released were individuals convicted of serious offences, including sexual assaults and human trafficking.
The disclosure was made by Urun Solyali, a "member of parliament" from the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), who criticised the way the "government" allowed the prison director to determine sentence reductions.
The practice was implemented under a regulation that empowered the prison director to substantially reduce the time prisoners spent in custody without requiring a new decision from a "court".
Rule withdrawn after backlash
The public reaction eventually led the "government" to withdraw the controversial amendment. However, the early releases that had already taken place were not reversed.
According to Solyali, the CTP had challenged the regulation, while the "government" opted to withdraw it on the same day a legal appeal against it was due to be examined.
He argued that, despite the withdrawal, important questions remain unanswered regarding the handling of the releases and whether the same practice could continue through administrative directives.
One prison director deciding sentence reductions
What has generated the strongest reaction is the fact that a single "official" was able to decide on reductions to sentences imposed on convicted criminals, including those found guilty of serious offences.
Solyali criticised the concentration of such power in the hands of the prison director, arguing that decisions of this magnitude should not depend solely on the personal judgment of one appointed individual.
He clarified, however, that his party does not oppose the early release of prisoners who demonstrate good behaviour and have shown they can successfully reintegrate into society.
He argued instead that there should be clear criteria governing such decisions, taking into account both the seriousness of the offence and the safety of society.
Regulation amended nine times
According to Solyali, the regulation governing prisoner releases has been amended nine times, highlighting what he described as wider problems with the system.
The Republican Turkish Party (CTP) announced that it intends to draft a new framework governing sentence serving and early release procedures so that such decisions are no longer dependent on the changing preferences of prison administrators.
Solyali said the new framework should take account of:
- The nature of the offence.
- Victims' rights.
- Public safety.
- The conduct of prisoners while serving their sentences.
The controversy centres on the fact that people convicted of serious crimes, including sexual offences and human trafficking, were among those released under the now-withdrawn regulation.
With information from Yenidüzen.
