Conciliation / Mediation (Uzlaştırma)

The conciliation or mediation mechanism (Uzlaştırma) regulated under the Turkish Code of Criminal Procedure (CMK) is a process that can, particularly in cases of “minor offenses”, lead to the avoidance of prosecution or a reduction of the sentence if an agreement is reached between the victim (müşteki) and the suspect or defendant (şüpheli / sanık).

The offenses that fall within the scope of conciliation are explicitly listed in the law (for example, simple assault, insult, etc.).

A request for conciliation is usually made during the investigation phase of criminal proceedings.

If conciliation is successful, no criminal case may be filed.

If the conciliation process is conducted improperly or if the victim does not agree, the ordinary criminal procedure continues.