Discussions on the bill, publicly known as the "12th Judicial Package", started at the General Assembly of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM). The proposal aims to prevent children from being dragged into crime, strengthen family responsibility and provide more effective protection against digital risks.

Within the scope of the proposal, changes are expected to be made in 7 different laws. The aim of the regulation is to prevent children from being involved in serious crimes, reduce the risk of recidivism and increase the care and supervision obligations of families.

The door to a new era in the juvenile justice system is opened with the regulations prepared in line with the assessment previously expressed by the Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek: "We say 'child dragged into crime', in fact, we will have to change this concept from the very beginning. 81 percent of the society has a perception that the punishments given to children are insufficient. I also have the same opinion."

According to the proposal, changes will be made in the Turkish Penal Code for children in the 12-15 and 15-18 age groups. While the sanctions to be applied in serious crimes such as intentional murder and aggravated wounding due to its consequences will be increased, judges will be given wider discretion depending on the characteristics of the concrete case.

One of the striking topics of the package was strengthening family responsibility. While it is planned to increase the sanctions against those who do not fulfill their care, education and support obligations arising from family law, it is also envisaged that the penalties to be given to parents in cases of neglect that cause the child to commit a serious crime will also be increased.

Regulations are not limited to criminal sanctions only. Guidance measures such as social service, book reading, library activities, environmental cleaning, protection from digital risks and fight against addiction will be implemented for children in the judicial process who do not have criminal liability. Thus, it is aimed to prevent children from turning to crime again and to reintegrate them into society.

The proposal also includes new protection measures against the risks that children may face in the digital environment. While it aims to protect children against harmful content, addictive platforms and digital contacts that may lead to crime, rapid treatment and emergency protection processes are envisaged for children who are considered to pose a serious danger to themselves or their environment due to addiction or mental problems.

It is also planned to change the terminology used in the juvenile justice system. It is envisaged that the expression "child in judicial process" will be used instead of the expression "child dragged into crime" in the legislation. This change aims to adopt a protective, rather than labeling, approach based on the best interests of the child.

Within the scope of the package, new bans on the sale of knives and cutting tools to children are also introduced. While sales and exhibition outside licensed workplaces are prohibited, administrative sanctions will be imposed if such devices are sold, purchased or carried by people under the age of 18. In addition, it is envisaged that imprisonment will be given to those who do not use the necessary care and attention to their firearms and cause the child to have access to the weapon.

On the other hand, issuing an indictment against children under the age of 15 without obtaining a social investigation report will be considered a reason for the return of the indictment. Thus, it is aimed to evaluate children's family structure, educational status, social environment and needs more effectively during the trial process.

Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek, in his previous statement on the subject, stated that the issue of children dragged into crime is one of the most sensitive issues of the society and said, "This is our sensitive issue, our fragile issue. There is discomfort in the society about the punishments given to children dragged into crime. We will take the necessary steps to eliminate this discomfort." - ANKARA