New Turkish law allowing life sentences for children aged 15 sparks rights outrage

Human rights organizations are expressing outrage over a new Turkish law that allows children as young as 15 to be sentenced to life in prison, and those aged 12 and above to receive maximum sentences of 27 years. The amendments to the Child Protection Law, which took effect on August 8, have been widely condemned since their implementation.

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Any serious crime committed by a child deserves a serious response, but locking up children for decades is neither just nor effective, and can be harmful and potentially counterproductive.

Human Rights Watch criticized the law for violating children's rights, particularly by permitting individuals younger than 14 to be tried as adults. The organization also raised concerns about provisions requiring detained children to be held in closed prisons instead of educational institutions designed for rehabilitation.

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Child justice standards are grounded in science that establishes that children have the ability to grow and reform, so they should not be punished like adults.

"Any serious crime committed by a child deserves a serious response, but locking up children for decades is neither just nor effective, and can be harmful and potentially counterproductive," stated Bill Van Esveld, associate children's rights director at Human Rights Watch. He emphasized that child justice standards are based on scientific understanding of children's capacity for growth and reform, arguing they should not be punished like adults.

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While some of the proposals may be positive – such as those that aim to ensure better coordination between child protection and education services and to prevent children from accessing firearms – others raise serious human rights concerns. I am particularly alarmed by the possibility that child offenders could be sentenced to life imprisonment.

Under the revised penal code, those sentenced to life imprisonment can only apply for conditional release after 24 years, with children sentenced to "aggravated life imprisonment" needing to wait 30 years. The law also introduces a provision where courts will decide if children over 12 understand the legal meaning and consequences of their actions. If deemed responsible, they may face lengthy sentences, especially for serious crimes like intentional murders.

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A focus on rehabilitation and reintegration is essential to protect victims and to reduce re-offending. It contributes to safer communities for everyone.