Türkiye’s Parliament is expected to pass a major judicial reform package before the end of the year, as lawmakers resume legislative work following the completion of negotiations on the 2026 state budget, parliamentary sources said on Monday. The reform, known as the 11th Judicial Reform Package, is being positioned as a key step in strengthening public safety and improving the efficiency of the justice system.
According to information obtained by Anadolu Agency (AA), budget deliberations are scheduled to conclude on Sunday, December 21, after which Parliament will reconvene on Tuesday, December 23. The first item on the renewed agenda will be a motion to extend Türkiye’s authorization to deploy troops to Libya for an additional 24 months, reflecting Ankara’s continued engagement in regional security matters.
Once the Libya mandate vote is completed, lawmakers will turn their attention to the judicial reform bill, formally titled Amendments to the Turkish Penal Code and Certain Laws. Parliamentary sources indicate that the bill will be debated during sessions on December 23, 24 and 25, with the goal of final passage before the new year.
A central feature of the reform package involves changes to sentencing and prison regulations. Under the proposal, certain inmates convicted of crimes committed on or before July 31, 2023, would be eligible for earlier transfers from closed prisons to open facilities, and from open prisons to supervised release—up to three years ahead of schedule. However, the measure explicitly excludes individuals convicted of terrorism, organized crime, intentional murder of close relatives, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse.
The bill also introduces significantly tougher penalties for crimes committed within the framework of criminal organizations, especially in cases where children are used as instruments. In such instances, penalties for organization leaders could be increased by up to onefold, signaling a sharper stance against exploitation and organized criminal activity.
Additional provisions address public safety concerns. Blank-firing guns would be classified as weapons that intentionally endanger public security, carrying prison sentences ranging from six months to three years. Penalties for abuse of trust involving motor vehicles would be doubled, while sentencing ranges for negligent injury would also be increased.
The reform package further includes new digital regulations aimed at protecting personal rights online. Individuals who claim violations of their personal rights would be able to seek content removal or access blocking through criminal courts. Internet service providers that fail to comply with court orders could face substantial judicial fines, strengthening enforcement in the digital space.
Separately, the proposal includes a financial relief measure, writing off unpaid general health insurance premiums dating from before January 1, 2016, along with accumulated penalties. Officials say this provision is intended to resolve long-standing administrative and financial burdens affecting citizens.
Turkish officials have emphasized that the 11th Judicial Reform Package is designed to enhance public safety, improve judicial effectiveness, and address persistent legal and administrative challenges. If passed as planned, the reforms would mark one of the most significant legislative overhauls in Türkiye’s justice system in recent years.