The Prosecutor General’s Office has stated that with the Law on Prevention of Gang Crimes and Other Dangerous Crimes, even if a crime is committed without weapons, it can be prosecuted with severe penalties, which will lead to a significant advancement in reducing gang crimes. The President ratified the Law on Prevention of Gang Crimes and Other Dangerous Crimes on May 25th. This law will come into effect from the 25th of this month. As preparations are underway for the implementation of the Gang Crime Law, Public Prosecutor Ahmed Naushad, speaking on PSM News’ “Raajje Miadhu” program, said that there are significant difficulties in taking adequate measures to prevent gang crimes under the previously enacted Gang Crime Prevention Act and the Law on Prohibition of Threatening and Possession of Dangerous Weapons and Sharp Objects.
Naushad said that there have been significant changes changes in the way gangs commit crimes. He noted that while major crimes are now being committed even without weapons, the current laws do not provide robust methods for punishing such crimes. However, the Public Prosecutor stated that with the newly enacted Gang Crime Prevention Act, severe penalties have been set for crimes such as intimidation and kidnapping, even without the use of weapons. “The new law has been formulated based on the experience of previous laws. Especially considering the experiences of intimidation and influence over witnesses during prosecution and court proceedings,” Naushad said.
Naushad said that one of the most significant aspects of the Gang Law is the designation of a group as a criminal gang. He stated that if sufficient evidence is obtained, submitted to the High Court, and the court declares it a gang, the activities of that group can be completely stopped. He also mentioned that under this law, assets considered as unjust enrichment can be traced and penalties can be imposed on those individuals as well. With the Law on Prevention of Gang Crimes and Other Dangerous Crimes, gang crimes can be prevented, those who have unjustly enriched themselves can be punished, and even those who expose minors to crimes can be penalized. Therefore, the government has also noted that the new law will bring significant progress in preventing major crimes.
With this law, penalties for crimes will be significantly strengthened. Life imprisonment can be imposed along with fines, and pardons will not be granted for these crimes. The sentences cannot be reduced through the parole system, and even in cases of plea agreements, the court cannot set a sentence lighter than the minimum proposed by the Prosecutor General.
