24.08.2026 07:30
The Monitoring and Evaluation Board, which will determine the implementation steps of the 'Terror-Free Turkey' process, is meeting for the first time today under the chairmanship of Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz. In the critical meeting, it is planned to establish four sub-boards that will manage different stages of the process, from weapons handover to judicial procedures, and from social cohesion to the registration of applications.
The Monitoring and Evaluation Board, established under the Law on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Integration, is meeting for the first time today to determine the roadmap for the 'Terror-Free Turkey' process.
FIRST MEETING AND STRUCTURE OF THE BOARD
The Board, which will manage the coordination and implementation steps of the process, is convening under the chairmanship of Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz. Participants in this critical meeting include the Ministers of Justice, Foreign Affairs, Interior, and National Defense, as well as the Secretary General of the Presidency, the Head of the National Intelligence Organization (MIT), and the Secretary General of the National Security Council (MGK). The most important item on the agenda is the establishment of sub-committees to manage the different aspects of the process.
SUB-COMMITTEES TO BE ESTABLISHED
During the meeting, it is planned to establish four main working groups that will implement the practical steps of the process on the ground:
- Arms Delivery and Verification Committee: Will oversee the schedule, location, and methods for the delivery of weapons.
- Judicial Proceedings Specialization Group: Comprising officials from the Ministry of Justice, judges, and prosecutors, this structure will classify the files of surrendered organization members according to their legal status.
- Social Cohesion and Rehabilitation Committee: With the participation of psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers from the Ministries of Family and Health, the integration of those who lay down their arms into society will be ensured.
- Application and Registration Group: Will carry out the official registration and follow-up procedures for those who wish to benefit from the law.
SCOPE AND CONDITIONS OF THE LAW
For the framework law, which was accepted with 467 votes in favor in the Turkish Grand National Assembly, to officially enter into force, it is required that the PKK/KCK's disarmament and the end of its de facto existence be determined by a decision of the National Security Council (MGK) and published in the Official Gazette. During the 6-month process that will begin after this announcement, the following legal steps will be taken:
- A 10-year stay of sentence will be applied for crimes requiring more than 15 years of imprisonment, and a 5-year stay for crimes requiring 15 years or less.
- During the stay period, trials will be suspended and those in prison will be released. However, if a new 'terror crime' is committed during this period, the stay will be revoked.
- Individuals benefiting from the regulation will be subject to a political ban of 2 to 3 years.
WHO WILL BE EXCLUDED?
Although the regulation covers crimes such as establishing, managing, being a member of, and propaganda for an organization, it contains strict red lines. Those involved in the crime of 'intentional killing' within the scope of organization activities are excluded from the scope of the law. Additionally, crimes committed before June 1, 2005, that require life or aggravated life imprisonment are also excluded from the law. Under this provision, the possibility of PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan benefiting from the provisions of this law has been completely closed.