Turkey passes juvenile justice reform following death of 14-year-old Mattia Minguzzi

The Turkish Parliament has approved a juvenile justice reform, now referred to as the ‘Minguzzi Law,’ following the death of 14-year-old Mattia Minguzzi. The teenager was fatally stabbed in an Istanbul market in February 2025.

The new legislation introduces harsher penalties for serious crimes committed by minors, establishes new detention regulations, and implements stricter controls on the sale of knives and dangerous objects to individuals under 18. The law follows the sentencing of two 15-year-olds to 24 years in prison for the premeditated murder of Minguzzi.

Andrea Minguzzi, the victim's father, expressed satisfaction with the reform, noting that while the law cannot return his son, it ensures the tragedy serves as a catalyst for societal and legal change. He emphasized that the reform is a starting point, highlighting the need for continued focus on education, family support, and addressing youth delinquency and organized crime.