The Criminal Enforcement Package Has Been Approved — Approximately 45,000 Releases Expected! One of the latest developments is that the penal enforcement law prepared and submitted to the Parliament has been approved. Following the approved package, officials released information about measures taken in correctional facilities and the number of people who will benefit from the law. According to statements, roughly 15,000 inmates are expected to be released from closed penal institutions and around 30,000 from open penal institutions. In addition, due to the coronavirus, approximately 45,000 people from open penal institutions are also expected to be granted temporary leave. Under the law, when inmates are transferred from closed to open institutions, facility staff will accompany those being moved to open penal institutions.
Prisoners Scheduled for Release or Leave Will Be Informed About Coronavirus
Prisoners who are released or granted temporary leave will receive information about the coronavirus from facility staff. Officials will ensure that inmates leaving institutions wear masks and gloves. Brochures prepared by the Ministry of Health explaining the coronavirus will be distributed to inmates. Law enforcement will take necessary measures to prevent crowding during departure procedures. To avoid gatherings created by relatives, inmates benefiting from release or leave will be delivered to the locations they are traveling to by vehicle.
Inmates traveling within the province will be taken to designated central points, while those traveling out of the province will be transported to bus terminals or to the provinces they are headed to. Transport costs will be the responsibility of the inmates. Because of the coronavirus, intercity travel depends on permission. In this context, travel documents for inmates who are released or granted leave will be issued and distributed within penal institutions.
Inmates who test positive for coronavirus or who are still under treatment will be transferred to healthcare facilities. Leave permits for inmates benefiting from the measures in open penal institutions will be valid until May 31, 2020. The Ministry of Justice may extend this leave period up to two times in line with the recommendations of the Scientific Committee.