HRW slams Turkey's new law increasing child prison sentences

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has strongly criticized a new Turkish law that significantly increases potential prison sentences for children. The organization argues that subjecting children to adult-like penalties contravenes international child justice standards. The new legislation, effective August 18, alters provisions regarding criminal responsibility for minors. Under the revised law, children aged 12 to 14 deemed criminally responsible for severe offenses could face up to 27 years in prison. For those aged 15 to 17, the law permits life imprisonment without age-related reductions for certain serious crimes.

Bill Van Esveld, associate director of children's rights at HRW, acknowledged that serious crimes warrant consequences but stressed that decades-long imprisonment is not the solution for children. He emphasized that children are still developing and possess a different capacity for behavioral change than adults. Therefore, child justice systems should prioritize rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The law also stipulates that children sentenced to more than three years for intentional crimes or five years for negligent offenses must begin their sentences in juvenile detention facilities, with transfers to educational institutions subject to a board's decision.

HRW pointed out that Turkey's age of criminal responsibility is 12, while international standards suggest a minimum of 14. Van Esveld stated that punishing children as adults disregards decades of scientific findings and international law. He asserted that the new legislation represents a regression for both public safety and children's rights in Turkey.