The recently approved criminal enforcement regulation in Turkey has drawn widespread criticism for perpetuating discriminatory practices against political prisoners, as human rights groups argue it is in violation of the country’s Constitution.
An omnibus bill introduced to the Turkish parliament on 12 July 2023 included a new setnencing enforcement regulation which was approved the following day. This regulation, part of a greater legislative proposal, has sparked intense debate and raised concerns about its implications for the principle of equality enshrined in the Turkish Constitution.
The Lawyers Association for Freedom (ÖHD) argue that the new criminal enforcement regulation continues the discriminatory practices against political prisoners, further deepening the existing disparities within the criminal justice system. They also see the regulation as granting excessive powers to prison authorities, potentially leading to arbitrary decisions that disproportionately affect political detainees.
Lawyer and ÖHD Istanbul branch co-chair Esra Bilen highlighted the “revengeful” nature of the new regulation against political prisoners. “This arrangement for execution of sentences sends a strong message to society. It says, ‘You can commit heinous acts like murder, sexual assault, drug trafficking or any other crime, as long as you don’t challenge or act against the state’s authority; We’ll pardon everything but that.’ The state’s approach to dissidents bears a striking resemblance to primitive ideas of retaliation and sentiments of revenge,” she said.
