site.btaNearly 20,000 Prisoners in Turkiye to Be Released under Amnesty

Since Wednesday evening, crowds have gathered outside prisons across Turkiye, awaiting the release of their relatives following the approval of the 10th Judicial Reform Package by the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye. The legislation, which includes an amnesty for approximately 19,800 inmates, was reported by Turkish broadcaster NTV.

The Act was published in the Official Gazette, and the release of prisoners began on Wednesday night. The largest crowds have gathered outside the Maltepe prison in Istanbul and the Sincan prison in Ankara, where the highest numbers of releases are expected.

This government amnesty, the largest in recent years, coincides with the Eid al-Adha ("the Holiday of Sacrifice"), which Turkey celebrates from June 5 to 9. 

Thousands of freed inmates will be able to spend the holiday with their families, Turkish media report.

The 10th Judicial Reform Package stipulates the release of prisoners with lighter sentences, elderly and ill inmates, pregnant women, and those serving time in open prisons. Serious offenders, including those convicted of murder, drug trafficking, and terrorism-related charges are excluded from the amnesty.