11th Judicial Reform Package 2026: Early Release and Probation Rules
Summary: Comprehensive guide on Turkey's 11th Judicial Reform Package (Law No. 7571), covering early release eligibility, probation rules, excluded crimes, and a...
On December 24-25, 2025, the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) enacted the 11th Judicial Reform Package (Law No. 7571), introducing significant changes to criminal sentencing, early release eligibility, and probation (supervised release) rules. This reform affects approximately 50,000 inmates currently serving sentences in Turkish prisons.
Understanding the Turkish Legal System
Overview for International Clients
Turkey operates under a civil law system influenced by European continental law. The criminal justice system includes:
| Court Level | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|
| Criminal Courts of Peace | Minor offenses, preliminary matters |
| Criminal Courts of First Instance | Standard criminal cases |
| Heavy Penal Courts | Serious crimes (murder, terrorism) |
| Court of Cassation (Yargıtay) | Supreme appeals court |
Key Terminology
| Turkish Term | English Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Denetimli Serbestlik | Probation / Supervised Release |
| Erken Tahliye | Early Release / Parole |
| Ceza İnfaz Kurumu | Penitentiary / Prison |
| Açık Ceza İnfaz Kurumu | Open Prison (minimum security) |
| Hükümlü | Convicted Person / Inmate |
What Changed with the 11th Judicial Reform Package?
Key Amendments
The reform package (Law No. 7571) introduces:
- Extended Probation Period: Eligible inmates can benefit from earlier supervised release
- Coverage Period: Applies to crimes committed on or before July 31, 2023
- Excluded Crimes: Terrorism, organized crime, and certain violent offenses remain ineligible
- Open Prison Requirement: Minimum 3 months in open prison before release
Eligibility Criteria
Who Qualifies for Early Release?
To benefit from the new probation rules, an inmate must meet ALL of the following criteria:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Crime Date | Offense committed on or before July 31, 2023 |
| Open Prison | Minimum 3 months served in open prison |
| Good Behavior | No disciplinary violations |
| Crime Type | Not among excluded offenses |
Excluded Crimes
Crimes NOT Eligible for Early Release
The following offenses are explicitly excluded from the reform’s benefits:
Category 1: Terrorism and Organized Crime
- Terrorism offenses (Anti-Terror Law No. 3713)
- Membership in terrorist organizations
- Organized crime (mafia-type organizations)
Category 2: Sexual Offenses
- Sexual assault (TCK Art. 102)
- Child sexual abuse (TCK Art. 103)
- Sexual exploitation of minors
Category 3: Violent Crimes
- Intentional homicide (TCK Art. 81-82)
- Torture (TCK Art. 94)
- Aggravated assault causing death
Probation Conditions
What is Denetimli Serbestlik?
Denetimli Serbestlik (Probation/Supervised Release) is a system where eligible inmates serve the remainder of their sentences under community supervision rather than in prison.
Conditions During Probation
| Obligation | Details |
|---|---|
| Regular Reporting | Check in with probation office |
| Residence Restriction | Remain at registered address |
| Travel Limitation | No international travel without permission |
| Electronic Monitoring | GPS ankle bracelet (in some cases) |
Information for Foreign Nationals
Special Considerations for Expats and Foreigners
Foreign nationals serving sentences in Turkey should note:
Residence Status
- Valid residence permit may be required upon release
- Deportation possible after sentence completion
Consular Assistance
- Contact your embassy/consulate for support
- Request prison visits from consular officers
Legal Representation
- Turkish Attorney with English proficiency recommended
- Power of Attorney may be needed for family members
Application Process
Step-by-Step Guide
- Automatic Review: Prison administration will review eligible cases
- Documentation: Prepare good behavior certificates
- Transfer Request: Apply for open prison transfer if not already there
- Probation Application: Submit application through prison social services
- Court Review: Execution judge reviews application
- Decision: Release order issued if approved
Expected Timeline
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prison review | 1-2 weeks |
| Court processing | 2-4 weeks |
| Release processing | 1 week |
| Total | 4-7 weeks |
Common Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does this reform apply to foreigners? A: Yes. The 11th Judicial Reform Package applies to all inmates in Turkish prisons, regardless of nationality, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Q: Can terrorism charges ever qualify? A: No. Terrorism-related offenses under Law No. 3713 are explicitly excluded.
Q: Is electronic monitoring mandatory? A: Not always. Electronic monitoring (GPS bracelet) is applied based on individual risk assessment.
Q: Can I travel abroad during probation? A: Generally no. International travel requires special permission. Passports may be confiscated.
Legal Services for International Clients
Our law office, based in Konya (Central Anatolia), provides legal services to international clients across Turkey:
- Case Evaluation: Review eligibility for early release
- Application Assistance: Prepare and file probation applications
- Court Representation: Appear before execution courts
- Embassy Coordination: Liaise with consular authorities
Service Areas
We serve clients throughout Turkey, including:
- Central Anatolia: Konya, Ankara, Kayseri, Aksaray, Karaman
- Mediterranean Coast: Antalya (popular expat region)
- Major Cities: Istanbul, Izmir, Bursa
Conclusion
The 11th Judicial Reform Package represents a significant shift in Turkey’s approach to criminal sentencing and rehabilitation. Key takeaways:
- Approximately 50,000 inmates may benefit from early release
- Crime date cutoff: July 31, 2023 or earlier
- Excluded offenses: Terrorism, sexual crimes, intentional homicide
- Foreign nationals: Equal treatment under the law
For personalized legal advice regarding early release, probation, or any criminal law matter in Turkey, please contact us.
Last Updated: December 31, 2025
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⚖️ Attorney Fevzi Yaşkir - Licensed attorney at Konya Bar Association providing legal consultation and case management services for international clients.
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Fevzi Yaşkır, registered with the Konya Bar Association, practices in Criminal Law, Family Law, Labor Law, and Enforcement Law. He is committed to defending his clients' rights at the highest level.