The details of the new law proposal, which was submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM) and is publicly known as the "child dragged into crime" regulation, have been announced.
Making detailed statements on the subject, the Chairman of the Justice Commission of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Prof. Dr. Cüneyt Yüksel stated that the proposal aims to strengthen the juvenile justice system, increase parental responsibility and protect public safety at a high level.
This comprehensive reform package, consisting of 18 articles and envisaging changes in a total of 7 different laws, brings with it very important innovations in the child protection and penal execution system.
With the new law proposal, a very important step is being taken that will strengthen the child rights approach and the presumption of innocence in the criminal justice system.
The phrase "child dragged into crime" in the legislation is completely removed and replaced with the phrase "child in judicial process".
In addition to the existing shelter, education, health and care measures for children who are not criminally responsible, social and community services, protection from digital risks, books and libraries, respect for the environment and environmental cleanliness, and behavioral addiction measures will be introduced to combat tobacco, nicotine, alcohol, gambling, drugs and stimulants.
A direct bridge is being established between the hospital and the courthouse so that children who are in danger due to mental illness or addiction can quickly access treatment. In addition, in order to protect children's rights, indictments prepared for children under the age of 15 without obtaining a social investigation report will be returned by the courts.
In recent years, deterrent regulations have been made in the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) in order to lower the age of committing a crime and to prevent children from being used by criminal organizations.
With the amendment made to Article 31 of the Turkish Penal Code, the lower and upper limits of prison sentences for children are increased. In the crimes of intentional murder and aggravated wounding due to its consequences; For children between the ages of 15-18, no penalty reduction may be applied at the discretion of the judge (taking into consideration the fault based on intent, past criminal record and the way the crime was committed).
Children in the 12-15 age group will also be allowed to receive smaller penalty reductions under certain conditions.
In order to prevent criminal organizations from using children in the 15-18 age group, the age limit for the application of recidivism provisions is being reduced from 18 to 15.
The bill imposes serious sanctions on the responsibilities of families and adults, as well as children involved in crime.
Penalties for the crime of "Violation of Obligations Arising from Family Law" are being increased. If a child commits intentional murder or serious injury due to the family's neglect of their obligations, the penalty to be imposed on the parents will be increased by half to two times.
Persons who store their firearms contrary to their duty of care and attention and cause it to fall into the hands of a child will be sentenced to imprisonment from 1 to 3 years.
It is forbidden to sell, purchase and carry cutting, piercing and injurious tools to children other than the law no. 6136. Administrative sanctions will be applied to those who act contrary.
Critical changes are being made in the execution regime in order to rehabilitate child convicts and ensure execution justice.
Child convicts will not begin the execution of their sentences directly in educational institutions. Execution will first begin in closed juvenile penal institutions; If the child is determined to be of good behavior, he or she can be referred to educational homes.
In cases of intentional murder, crimes against sexual immunity, drug trafficking and organizing crimes; The practice of "counting 1 day as 2 days" spent in prison by children under the age of 15 is being abolished. In these serious crimes, 1 day will now be calculated as 1 day.
Emphasizing the importance of the bill proposal, Prof. Dr. Cüneyt Yüksel completed his statement with the following words:
"As the Justice and Development Party, all our activities are aimed at developing the principle of the rule of law and strengthening the justice system. This proposal is one of the most important steps in our determination to make the Century of Turkey the Century of Justice, as we promised. I hope that this proposal, based on the best interests of our children, will be beneficial to our country and our beloved nation."
The commission's discussions on the bill, which is expected to be a new milestone in child rights and criminal justice, will begin on Friday, July 16, 2026, at 14:30.