17.08.2026 08:40
MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli emphasized that the new law, which passed with 467 votes in Parliament, is not an amnesty, while delivering striking messages for the upcoming process. Stating that controversial issues, including the implementation of ECHR rulings, could be reconsidered, Bahçeli said that 'necessary conditions must be established' for Abdullah Öcalan to continue contributing to the process.
MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, in an interview with Türkgün newspaper, made assessments regarding the new law adopted in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) in line with the goal of a "Terror-Free Turkey," the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), and the contribution of terrorist organization leader Abdullah Öcalan to the process.
"THE LAW IS NOT AN AMNESTY REGULATION"
Bahçeli, stating that the law adopted with 467 votes in Parliament is not an amnesty regulation, conveyed the legal framework with the following words:
"The 'Law on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Cohesion' is not a regulation that eliminates conviction provisions, changes the legal nature of crimes, or terminates criminal liability. Ongoing investigation and prosecution processes, as well as finalised convictions, will retain their existence with all their legal consequences, and there will be no change regarding the nature of the crime, the conviction decision, or criminal liability. In this respect, the Law, by its legal nature, constitutes a limited and conditional legal regulation pertaining to the criminal justice system and execution law."
"DISARMAMENT IS A PRECONDITION"
Noting that the regulation is a legal ground and a first step for Turkey to be rid of its terror problem, Bahçeli used the following statements:
"This law creates a fundamental framework that constitutes the initial step of the envisaged legal regulations. With the law, it is aimed to permanently establish national solidarity, social peace, and cohesion, based on the indivisible integrity of the Republic of Turkey with its country and nation, the principle of the rule of law, the democratic political order, and public security."
Drawing attention to the necessity of the PKK laying down its arms for the success of the process, Bahçeli said, "I hope that the law yields results in line with its purpose and is auspicious for our country and nation. The legal ground being established will be one of the most important pillars of the goal of Turkey being forever rid of the scourge of terrorism. And undoubtedly, as stipulated in the law, the precondition is for the PKK/KCK terrorist organization and all related formations to end their actual existence and hand over all weapons and ammunition under their control."
"ECHR DECISIONS MAY BE REVIEWED"
Speaking about the new phase, also evaluated in the context of Demirtaş's release, Bahçeli stated that controversial issues, including ECHR decisions, could be addressed, with the following words:
"However, the stage reached with the adoption of the law will not be an end, but the beginning of a new phase for the regulations that need to be made from a legal and administrative standpoint; in this context, the review of controversial issues, including the implementation of ECHR decisions, and the activation of efforts to establish justice may come to the agenda."
The MHP leader also emphasized that in the subsequent stages, it is of critical importance that the steps in the report prepared by the National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission, as well as the necessary legal regulations, are taken in cooperation.
"CONDITIONS MUST BE CREATED FOR ÖCALAN'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROCESS"
At the end of his statements, Bahçeli conveyed messages regarding the participation of PKK ringleader Abdullah Öcalan in the process, making the following assessment:
"Abdullah Öcalan, who, as the founding leader of the PKK, played a significant role in the PKK's decision to dissolve and lay down arms with his 'Call for Peace and a Democratic Society,' should be provided with the conditions that will enable him to continue contributing to the process in the coming period."