Turkey Plans Legal Reform After Mattia Ahmet Minguzzi Murder: Age Reductions for Minors in Serious Crimes to End

The tragic murder of 15-year-old Mattia Ahmet Minguzzi has reignited debate in Turkey about juvenile crime rates and the legal framework that reduces sentences for minors. The case, which drew nationwide outrage, has pushed the government to draft a new legal reform package that will remove age-based sentence reductions for severe crimes such as murder.

Beyond harsher penalties, the plan also includes sanctions on negligent families and even accountability for public officials who fail to implement preventive measures.

Expert Views: Is Punishment Alone Enough?

According to Habertürk, legal experts broadly agree that abolishing age reductions in grave crimes could strengthen deterrence. Yet, they also emphasize that punishment alone cannot solve the root causes of youth crime.

Child Development Specialist Beste Gençtürk underlined the role of family and environment in shaping behavior:

“Family, peer circles, and the education system are decisive in children’s personality development. Neglected children may turn to crime to gain attention. Families must receive pedagogical support, and early childhood education must become more widespread.”

This dual perspective highlights the need for both legal measures and social support systems.

Main Provisions of the Draft

The draft legislation, still in preparation, introduces several groundbreaking elements:

• End of Age Reductions in Serious Crimes
  Judges will no longer be able to apply sentence reductions for minors convicted of crimes such as murder. Authorities hope this will block criminal groups from exploiting children with promises of “lighter sentences.”

• Criminal Liability for Families
  Parents or guardians who neglect their children and indirectly push them toward crime will face criminal proceedings.

• Accountability for Public Officials
  Officials who fail to implement preventive measures or neglect their duties will also be held responsible.

• Preventive Social Policies
  Programs will expand to include family counseling, early education opportunities, and intervention mechanisms for at-risk children.

The Ministry has stated that the final framework will be clarified and announced in the coming months.

Why This Matters

The Minguzzi case underscored a growing concern: organized youth gangs and rising juvenile crime rates. By eliminating sentence reductions in the most serious offenses, the government aims not only to strengthen deterrence but also to send a strong signal that age will no longer shield perpetrators of violent acts.

At the same time, by addressing familial and institutional responsibilities, the law seeks to tackle the deeper social roots of juvenile delinquency.