Turkey to release 38,000 prisoners to make room for coup-linked suspects

Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said Wednesday in an announcement on his Twitter account that 38,000 prisoners will be conditionally released but remain under supervision with restrictions on their activities. The 38,000 consist of those convicted of minor offenses who have less than two years remaining in their sentences. Perpetrators of major crimes such as murder, sexual assault and violent robbery will not be freed.
The release is intended to make room for those arrested on suspicion of involvement in the failed military coup who are currently in custody at temporary holding facilities and military bases. The step will help lower the pressure on the Turkish prison system that was overcrowded even before the July 15 attempted coup, which led to the arrests of tens of thousands of people.