Who Will Be Released Under the 11th Judicial Reform Package? 

The 11th Judicial Reform Package has become one of the most debated topics in Türkiye, mainly because of the question: “Will any prisoners be released?”
Although the package does not introduce a general amnesty, it includes several changes in sentence execution (infaz)and probation rules, which could lead to significant early releases.

1. What Does the 11th Judicial Reform Package Aim to Do?

According to public statements and draft discussions, the package focuses on:

• Adjusting sentence execution rates
• Reducing time spent in prison for certain crimes
• Expanding probation (denetimli serbestlik)
• Providing special advantages for women, the elderly, and disabled inmates

In short, it is not an amnesty, but it may open the door for many early releases.

2. Who May Be Released?

2.1. Crimes with Reduced Sentence Execution Rates

The draft includes a key change:
Reducing the execution rate from 50% to 40% for certain offenses.

This could benefit those convicted of:

• Simple theft
• Simple fraud
• Threat and insult
• Simple assault (without severe injury)
• Bounced checks or promissory note violations
• Violation of domicile
• Property crimes that do not involve violence or robbery

If this reduction becomes law, many inmates in these categories may qualify for earlier release.

2.2. Expanded Probation (Up to 2 Years)

One of the most impactful proposals is increasing probation from 1 year to 2 years.

If enacted, it may allow early release for:

• Prisoners with short sentences
• First-time offenders
• Those aged 65+
• Women with children aged 0–6

This is expected to be one of the most widely applied articles and could lead to thousands of releases.

2.3. Special Rules for Women, Elderly, and Disabled Prisoners

The draft includes several socially oriented provisions:

• Women with children aged 0–6: Easier access to probation and early release
• Prisoners aged 70 and above: Possibility of home confinement for certain crimes
• Severely disabled inmates: Alternatives to staying in prison

These groups are expected to see a high number of releases.

2.4. Good Conduct (İyi Hâl) and Disciplinary Reform

If disciplinary penalties in prisons are reduced and good-conduct evaluations become more flexible:

• Inmates with no disciplinary violations
• Those participating in work, education, or rehabilitation programs

may qualify for early conditional release.

3. Crimes That Will NOT Benefit from the Package

Search trends show common questions such as “Who will not be released?” and “Are drug crimes included?”
Current statements indicate these crimes remain strictly outside the package:

• Terror-related crimes
• Intentional homicide
• Sexual assault and child abuse
• Drug trafficking (TCK 188)
• Organized crime
• Crimes against state security
• Aggravated robbery (nitelikli yağma)
• Aggravated theft
• Severe violence against women

Inmates convicted of these offenses will not be released under the new rules.

4. Quick Answers to the Most Asked Questions

“Is there a general amnesty?”

No. This is strictly an infaz reform, not an amnesty.

“Will sentences be cut in half?”

Some sentence execution rates may drop from 50% to 40%.

“Will drug offenders be released?”

No. Drug trafficking (TCK 188) is excluded.

“Are there benefits for women?”

Yes. Especially for those with children aged 0–6.

“Will short sentences be served outside prison?”

Yes. Alternative execution methods are included in the draft.

5. Conclusion: The 11th Judicial Reform Package May Lead to Wide Early Releases

Although the package is not an amnesty, it may create a major wave of releases through:

• Lower execution rates for certain offenses
• Expanded probation
• Special rules for women, elderly, and disabled inmates
• More flexible good-conduct evaluations

This means that individuals convicted of minor property crimes, simple offenses, and short-term sentences are the most likely to benefit.