Government Issues Ordinance Granting Immunity to July Uprising Participants

The government has officially issued the "July Uprising (Protection and Accountability) Ordinance, 2026" to grant legal protection to the participants of the July-August 2024 uprising and withdraw all cases filed against them. The Gazette concerning this ordinance was published by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs on Sunday, January 26, 2026.

According to the ordinance, participants in the uprising, which began on July 1, 2024, and aimed to overthrow the fascist regime and establish democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, are referred to as "Uprising Participants." All civil and criminal cases filed against them will be withdrawn.

The ordinance further stipulates that any ongoing cases against the participants will be immediately dismissed by the courts upon an application by the Public Prosecutor. Additionally, the accused will be granted amnesty or acquittal, and no new cases will be allowed in relation to this matter in the future.

It clearly distinguishes between "political resistance" and the "criminal misuse of disorderly situations." In cases of alleged killings, the National Human Rights Commission will investigate. If the act is deemed part of "political resistance," no further legal action will be taken. However, the Commission may order compensation for the affected families.

If a killing is found to be due to personal interests or "criminal misuse," the Commission will report to the court, and the court will proceed with the case accordingly. The ordinance, enacted under Article 93(1) of the Constitution, will be effective from July 1, 2024, and supersedes any conflicting laws.

The ordinance has been issued in light of the ongoing parliamentary dissolution and the urgent need for legal action in the prevailing circumstances.