To Accomodate Coup Plotters, Turkey to Release 38,000 Prisoners

Turkey has issued a decree for release of 38,000 prisoners to make space for around 35,000 coup plotters detained.

People protest against the coup outside the Parliament in Ankara. (Photo: AP)

Turkey has issued a decree that will pave the way for the conditional release of some 38,000 prisoners in an apparent move to reduce its prison population to make space for coup plotters.

The decrees issued on Wednesday introduce measures including the release of inmates who displayed good behaviour and who have two years or less to serve of their prison terms. People convicted for murder, domestic violence, sexual abuse or crimes against the state are excluded.

Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said on his Twitter account the measure would lead to the release of some 38,000 people. He insisted it was not a pardon or an amnesty but a conditional release of prisoners.

Turkey has detained some 35,000 people for questioning over Turkey’s 15 July failed coup attempt.