Turkey to release 38,000 from jail; frees space for plotters

Turkey has issued a decree that will pave the way for the conditional release of some 38,000 prisoners in an apparent move to reduce its prison population to make space for coup plotters.

The decrees issued today introduce measures including the release of inmates who displayed good behavior and who have two years or less to serve of their prison terms. People convicted for murder, domestic violence, sexual abuse or crimes against the state are excluded.

Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said on his Twitter account the measure would lead to the release of some 38,000 people. He insisted it was not a pardon or an amnesty but a conditional release of prisoners.

Turkey has detained some 35,000 people for questioning over Turkey's July 15 failed coup attempt.