Crimes of Moral Turpitude Under Law No. 657
Crimes of Moral Turpitude Under Law No. 657 (Turkish Civil Servants Law)
1. What Are Crimes of Moral Turpitude?
Crimes of moral turpitude are offenses that violate ethical values, undermine public trust, and are considered disgraceful by society.
Law No. 657 on Turkish Civil Servants requires public officials to act with integrity and uphold the dignity of the state. Therefore, civil servants convicted of crimes of moral turpitude may face dismissal from public office.
2. Crimes of Moral Turpitude Under Law No. 657
Law No. 657 does not explicitly define "crimes of moral turpitude," but based on various legal regulations and court rulings, the following crimes fall under this category:
| Crime Type | Relevant Penal Code Article | Penalty Duration | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bribery and Extortion | TPC 252-250 | 4 to 12 years in prison | Accepting bribes or demanding illegal benefits. |
| Fraud | TPC 157-158 | 1 to 7 years in prison | Aggravated fraud carries higher penalties. |
| Theft | TPC 141-142 | 1 to 10 years in prison | If committed by a public official, the sentence increases. |
| Embezzlement | TPC 247 | 5 to 12 years in prison | Misusing state funds or property. |
| Abuse of Trust | TPC 155 | 6 months to 3 years in prison | Misusing authority in public service. |
| Forgery of Official Documents | TPC 204 | 2 to 5 years in prison | Altering official documents or creating fake documents. |
| Bid Rigging | TPC 235 | 3 to 7 years in prison | Manipulating public tenders or procurement processes. |
| Misuse of Public Office | TPC 257 | 1 to 3 years in prison | Misusing public office for personal gain. |
| Intentional Homicide and Assault | TPC 81-86 | Life imprisonment or 1 to 3 years in prison | If committed by a public official, the penalty increases. |
| Sexual Assault and Harassment | TPC 102-105 | 2 to 12 years in prison | If committed by a public official, higher penalties apply. |
For example, if a civil servant commits document forgery, they may be dismissed from public service and sentenced to 2 to 5 years in prison under Law No. 657.
3. Penalties for Civil Servants Convicted of Crimes of Moral Turpitude
According to Law No. 657, public servants convicted of crimes of moral turpitude face several consequences:
| Penalty Type | Application |
|---|---|
| Dismissal from Public Office | Civil servants convicted of moral turpitude offenses are permanently removed from duty. |
| Disciplinary Actions | Officials under investigation may be suspended or dismissed. |
| Financial and Compensation Penalties | In cases of embezzlement or fraud, the state may demand financial restitution. |
| Judicial and Administrative Sanctions | Convicted officials may be permanently barred from holding public office. |
For example, a public official convicted of bribery will be dismissed from civil service and permanently banned from reappointment.
4. Responsibilities of Civil Servants to Avoid Crimes of Moral Turpitude
According to Law No. 657, public officials must:
✅ Perform their duties with honesty and impartiality.
✅ Maintain public trust in government services.
✅ Protect state property and avoid abuse of power.
✅ Act in compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Failing to uphold these responsibilities can result in disciplinary investigations.
5. Consequences of Crimes of Moral Turpitude for Civil Servants
A civil servant convicted of a crime of moral turpitude:
✅ Can face imprisonment.
✅ Will be dismissed from public office.
✅ Will be permanently banned from reemployment in the public sector.
✅ May be subjected to disciplinary and administrative investigations.
For example, a public official convicted of embezzlement will be dismissed under Law No. 657 and sentenced to 5 to 12 years in prison.
Conclusion
Under Law No. 657, crimes of moral turpitude include bribery, fraud, theft, embezzlement, forgery, and abuse of public office.
- Public officials convicted of these crimes are dismissed and permanently barred from public service.
- Penalties are determined under the Turkish Penal Code (TPC).
- Civil servants must act in a manner that upholds public trust and ethical governance.
This law ensures the integrity of public service and protects state institutions from corruption and misconduct
