10.05.2026 08:32
AK Party sources stated that legal regulations in the Terror-Free Turkey process can only come to the agenda after the PKK concretely lays down its arms in the field. While party officials noted that granting a status to Abdullah Öcalan is legally impossible, they indicated that intermediate formulas are being considered, such as expanding communication opportunities on İmralı and allowing him to meet with journalists, academics, and various segments of society.
The disagreement over when legal regulations will be implemented in the terror-free Turkey process continues. While the AK Party is not in favor of taking any steps without seeing the PKK concretely lay down arms in the field, the DEM Party and the organization's front demand legal arrangements first.
CLEAR MESSAGE FROM AK PARTY: FIRST, LAY DOWN ARMS
According to the news by Yücel Kayaoğlu from Türkiye Newspaper, AK Party sources argued that the organization has not taken a concrete step regarding disarmament and claimed that some groups are resisting the process. Sources brought up allegations that armories are being reinforced and weapons are being supplied to some caves. Party officials stated, "We cannot pass laws based on possibilities without laying down arms."
“EXISTING LAWS ARE SUFFICIENT” STATEMENT
The AK Party also responded to the DEM Party's statements that some former organization members who had previously laid down arms could not return to Turkey due to the lack of legal regulation.
AK Party sources stated that existing laws allow this, sharing the view that "Individuals not involved in crimes can return to Turkey under current laws."
STATUS DEBATE FOR ÖCALAN
The AK Party administration is cautious about the proposal to grant legal status to Abdullah Öcalan, which was brought up by the DEM Party and supported by MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli. Party sources argue that granting special status to a person sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment is legally impossible.
INTERIM FORMULA FOR İMRALI ON THE TABLE
It is noted that within the AK Party, some interim formulas may be considered instead of legal status. In this context, it is stated that Öcalan's communication opportunities on İmralı could be expanded, enabling more direct contact with Kandil and allowing him to meet with different segments of society. AK Party sources assess that expanding communication channels could increase pressure on the organization.