12.02.2026 07:30
The draft report prepared by the commission established in the Parliament for a terrorism-free Turkey process has been sent to the deputy group leaders of the coordinating group. Following the call of MHP leader Bahçeli, the most curious topic in the public was whether the application of the right to hope would include Öcalan. The joint draft report does not contain any statement regarding the introduction of the 'right to hope' for PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan.
After the call for disarmament made by PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan last year, the draft report prepared in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) proposed legal regulations to encourage the organization to disarm, while no statement was included regarding the introduction of a "right to hope" for Öcalan.
Following Abdullah Öcalan's call for disarmament and dissolution directed at the organization on February 27, the first concrete step was taken for a legal basis in the "Terror-Free Turkey" process that was initiated. TBMM President Numan Kurtulmuş sent the draft report prepared by the commission established in the Assembly to the deputy group chairs of the coordinating group.
"RIGHT TO HOPE" NOT INCLUDED IN THE REPORT
One of the most curious topics in the public eye was whether a regulation on the "right to hope" would be included to cover Öcalan. According to a report by the Türkiye newspaper, there is no statement regarding the implementation of the "right to hope" for PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan in the joint draft report.
PROPOSALS TO ENCOURAGE DISARMAMENT
The report includes recommendations for legal regulations to encourage the PKK to disarm. In this context, it is suggested to create a legal framework for the complete disarmament of the organization, to clarify the legal status of the organization members who disarm, and to take steps for social integration to encourage returns home.
EMPHASIS ON LEGAL CHANGE AND DEMOCRATIZATION
The draft states that steps should be taken in the field of democratization, particularly regarding the implementation of the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and the Constitutional Court, as well as the Political Parties Law and the Election Law. It is also stated that recommendations for the abolition of trustee practices are included in the report.
Additionally, it is suggested that necessary changes be made in the Turkish Penal Code, the Penal Execution Law, and the Anti-Terror Law to create a suitable legal framework for the disarmament and return processes. The report emphasizes that problematic areas in the implementation of existing laws, particularly issues such as the functioning of prison observation boards, should be identified and administrative steps should be taken.
BAHÇELİ HAD CALLED FOR "RIGHT TO HOPE"
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, in his speech at the TBMM Group Meeting on February 3, stated, "Anatolia is for peace, Öcalan is for hope, and our decision is clear until the Ahmets return to their positions and Demirtaş returns to his nest." When asked about the government's stance regarding this call, Bahçeli replied, "From now on, it is up to the government."
MHP Deputy Chairman Feti Yıldız, in a statement after the coordinators' meeting on February 4, said, "We have reached an agreement on the right to hope. There is no problem." Yıldız explained that they had reached a consensus in principle and elaborated on the details:
"Legal regulations are needed. There are obstacles in the Execution Law and the Anti-Terror Law. There is a conditional release ban for those sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment and death penalty. Changes are needed in these two laws and the Turkish Penal Code. First, the legal obstacle will be removed. Then, the second phase will begin. There is no need for a new law. If regulations are made in these laws, the decisions of the ECHR regarding the right to hope will be implemented."
WHAT IS THE RIGHT TO HOPE?
The "right to hope" encompasses the evaluation of the conditional release possibilities of prisoners sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment based on their good behavior and conduct shown over certain periods, under conditions specified by law.