The fine for violating the curfew will be 3,186 TL. As part of measures against the coronavirus, authorities announced yesterday at 21:45 a last-minute decision to impose a 48-hour curfew. If the planned two-day restriction is breached, a cash penalty of 3,186 TL will be imposed on violators. Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu made several statements about the coronavirus and emphasized that they have not overlooked four key priorities. He summarized them as follows:
- First: public order,
- Second: keeping the healthcare system functioning,
- Third: maintaining production,
- Fourth and most importantly: social isolation.
Following these considerations, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan approved the curfew by directive. The restriction will be in effect from 11.04.2020 to 12.04.2020 and will apply to 30 metropolitan provinces and Zonguldak. Minister Soylu addressed citizens and stressed that there is no need for panic.
Violation Results in a 3,186 TL Cash Fine
Minister Soylu announced that anyone who violates the curfew will face a cash fine of 3,186 TL. In addition to the administrative fine, Article 195 of the Turkish Penal Code provides for criminal sanctions that can range from two months up to one year for curfew violations. Soylu reassured the public, asking citizens to remain calm and emphasizing that these measures are necessary for the country.
The minister also explained that the curfew decision was not taken in isolation; measures have been implemented in sequence and at appropriate times. Initially, a ban on leaving the house for those aged 65 and over was introduced, followed by the closure of 212,000 workplaces. Restrictions on entering and leaving 31 cities were then imposed, and social distancing measures were applied. The 48-hour curfew officially began at 00:01 last night. The penalties for violating the curfew are listed below.
- Administrative fine: 3,186 TL.
Additionally, under Article 195 of the Turkish Penal Code, violators may face criminal penalties ranging from two months to one year of imprisonment.