Turkey reports highest prisoner population rate in Council of Europe member states

According to data cited by the Turkish opposition newspaper Sözcü, Turkey now has the highest rate of incarceration among Council of Europe member states. The country records 487 prisoners per 100,000 residents, compared to 71 in Germany. Official figures indicate a sharp rise in the inmate population, reaching approximately 414,000 in 2026, a significant increase from 57,930 reported in 2007. In addition to those in custody, 490,323 individuals are currently under various forms of state surveillance. This figure includes 230,600 people serving suspended sentences, 124,977 under judicial oversight, and 100,708 enrolled in mandatory rehabilitation programs. The data highlights substantial pressure on the Turkish correctional system, prompting calls for urgent management reforms.