July fighters granted immunity by ordinance

The ordinance, published by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Law Ministry, provides for the withdrawal of all existing civil and criminal cases linked to the uprising and bars the filing of any new cases against its participants.

The July Uprising refers to the mass protests in July and August 2024, when students and citizens mobilised against what the ordinance describes as a fascist regime, seeking to restore democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

According to the ordinance, participants were compelled to take necessary actions, including self-defence, to prevent arbitrary killings and armed attacks and to restore public order during the unrest.

It stipulates that all civil or criminal cases, complaints or legal proceedings filed against participants for their involvement in the uprising must be withdrawn. If any such case is filed, public prosecutors or government-appointed lawyers are authorised to apply to the relevant court to halt proceedings, resulting in the immediate acquittal of the accused.

The ordinance allows allegations of killings during the uprising to be investigated by the National Human Rights Commission. However, officials from institutions or law enforcement agencies implicated in the events cannot be assigned to such investigations. Any arrest during the inquiry process will require prior approval from the commission.

If investigations determine that the actions were part of political resistance, the commission may recommend government compensation for affected families, but no criminal or civil cases may be filed.

The government may formulate rules as required to ensure effective implementation of the ordinance.