Chemical castration regulation introduced for sex offenders in Turkey

ANKARA

A new regulation introducing chemical castration for sex offenders in Turkey was published in the Official Gazette on July 26.According to the new regulation, medical treatment to lower or terminate sexual drive may be applied to individuals convicted of sex offences, either while they are serving time or during the control period if they are conditionally released.The obligations for sex offenders listed in the new regulation include joining programs for treatment purposes, being barred from living in the area where their victim either works or resides, being barred from approaching the area where the victim is, and being barred from working in an environment that involves being together with children.“Convicts for whom medical [castration] has been ordered may be sent to the related medical establishment if necessary,” the new regulation reads, adding that further punishments will be given to non-compliant convicts.The regulation also states that its decrees will not apply to the convicts under the age of 18.