Turkish Justice Ministry brings heavier penalties for injurious assaults

ANKARA

The Turkish Justice Ministry has introduced heavier penalties for assaults causing injuries, after a controversial court decision to release an assailant caused an uproar in the country. Those who commit intentional offences against the physical integrity of another person will be able to be arrested with the ministry’s draft law, Anadolu Agency reported on Sept. 19. 

The instruction to give heavier penalties for light crimes, especially those against physical integrity which incite indignation in the victim and society, was given by Justice Minister Bekir Bozdağ. 

The changes in the decree include up to two years in prison for the aforementioned crimes. 

It was expected the new draft bill will be sent to the Turkish parliament in the upcoming days, according to Doğan News Agency.

Recently a prosecutor released Abdullah Çakıroğlu, who had been detained for kicking a woman for wearing shorts, in a move which drew wide-scale criticism from all over Turkey. The Justice Ministry’s new draft law came after the incident, and Çakıroğlu will be able to be arrested for assaulting the woman.