23.10.2025 16:02
The President's Chief Advisor, Mehmet Uçum, made important assessments regarding the topics of "transition to a terrorism-free Turkey," "legal regulations," and "democratization." Uçum stated, "A general amnesty or reduction of sentences is not on the agenda in Turkey. What needs to be done is to enact a temporary special law specific to this particular situation."
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President's Chief Advisor Mehmet Uçum met with journalists as part of the "Anatolian Conversations" program organized by the Turkish Press Federation. In the program, Uçum made important evaluations regarding the topics of "transition to a terrorism-free Turkey," "legal regulations," and "democratization," and answered questions from journalists.
During the meeting, Uçum particularly addressed the vision of a "Terrorism-Free Turkey," the democratization process, and the recent political stance of the Republican People's Party (CHP), emphasizing the state's determination in the fight against terrorism. Uçum reminded that 13 months have passed since the process that began with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's opening speech for the legislative year on October 1, 2024, and stated that Turkey has reached a historic stage in its fight against terrorism during this period.
"TURKEY HAS GAINED A LOT IN A YEAR"
Referring to the beginning of the process, Uçum said, "In this process that started on October 1, 2024, a terrorist organization with a history of over 50 years has dissolved itself. It decided to lay down its arms. The founder of the organization, Abdullah Öcalan, also announced with the February 27 declaration that there would be no claims of independence, autonomy, or cultural rights for Turkey."
The President's Chief Advisor stated that following these developments, the security environment in Turkey's Eastern and Southeastern regions has fundamentally changed, systematic terrorism has ended, and people are now looking to the future with more hope.
"TURKEY IS STEPPING TOWARDS A TERRORISM-FREE FUTURE"
Uçum stated that one of the most important results of this process is the strengthening of social and political accumulation, saying, "Topics that could not be discussed before can now be debated. This shows Turkey's intellectual and political maturity. Evaluations suggesting that the process has weakened are not accurate. Turkey is stepping towards a terrorism-free future," he said.
"THE TRANSITION PROCESS SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT WITH A SPECIAL AND TEMPORARY LEGAL REGULATION"
Uçum noted that the process that began with the dissolution of the terrorist organization is referred to as the "transition process to a terrorism-free Turkey," emphasizing that it focuses solely on the elimination of terrorism and the integration of organization members into society. Uçum stated, "This process is neither an amnesty process nor a general penal law regulation. General amnesty or reduction of sentences is not on the agenda in Turkey. What needs to be done is to enact a temporary special law specific to this different situation," he expressed.
Uçum stated that this law would not violate the principle of equality in the constitution and that different rules could be applied to those who are not in the same situation, saying, "There is a special situation regarding an organization that has dissolved itself. This requires a special regulation. However, this regulation must be made entirely within the constitutional framework." Uçum also noted that any potential law to be enacted should be based on the principle of "temporariness," stating, "Those who apply within a certain period will benefit from the opportunities provided by this law. After the period ends, normal legal processes will take place. This is a method that is in line with the principles of justice and equality."
"COMMISSION WORK WILL CREATE A STRONG REFERENCE FOR THE PARLIAMENT"
Uçum reminded that the National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission established in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey is working to determine the legal framework of the process, stating that the report prepared by this commission will be extremely important. Uçum pointed out that the commission is working on three main topics: "Listening activities, legal report regarding the transition period, and the perspective of democratization." He continued his remarks by saying, "This report will be a strong reference for the Parliament. It may be one of the most comprehensive regulations ever made by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey."
"NO ELEMENT CAN BE AGAINST THE CONSTITUTION"
Uçum emphasized that all work related to the transition process must remain within the existing constitutional framework, stating, "The first four articles of the Constitution, as well as Articles 42 and 66, cannot be a subject of discussion. Definitions of citizenship or regulations regarding the mother tongue are not part of this process. The law of the transition process only covers criminal, integration, economic, and social dimensions." At this point, Uçum drew attention to the incorrect interpretations made in public opinion, stating that "care should be taken against intellectual sabotage." Uçum said, "Sometimes, the process is attempted to be distorted with disinformation that is done either consciously or unconsciously. However, this process is a limited and controlled policy aimed at completely freeing Turkey from terrorism," he said.
"MAXIMALIST DEMANDS ARE NOT THE SUBJECT OF THE TRANSITION PROCESS"
Uçum stated that it is not correct to associate some "maximalist demands" expressed in public opinion regarding the nature of the process with the transition process, continuing his remarks as follows: "This process is being carried out not for the resolution of the Kurdish issue, but for the transition to a terrorism-free Turkey. The terrorist organization or its leader does not represent all Kurds. Therefore, the actors of the process are limited. Discussions on democratization or a new constitution should be conducted outside of this process."
"DEMOCRACY IN TURKEY IS NOT SUSPENDED"
Uçum rejected criticisms regarding the regression of democracy in Turkey during the meeting. Uçum stated, "The sharpest forms of opposition can be freely practiced in Turkey. Even the President can be openly criticized. This shows the strength of democracy. Two years ago, in the presidential election, the public left it to the second round. Would this happen in a suspended democracy?" He also argued that criticisms directed at judicial processes mean "targeting the functioning of the law," stating, "The duty of prosecutors is to investigate allegations of crimes. The functioning of the judiciary does not harm democracy; on the contrary, it strengthens it. If a person believes that the allegations against them are unjust, they can prove it in the judicial process. The right to a fair trial exists in Turkey in all its aspects."
"AS THE THREAT OF TERRORISM IS ELIMINATED, THE DEMOCRATIC SPACE WILL EXPAND"
Uçum stated that the goal of a Terrorism-Free Turkey is critical not only from a security perspective but also from a democratization perspective.
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Uçum stated, "Some measures taken necessarily during the fight against terrorism will already be lifted when the terrorist risk is eliminated. Some measures, such as the appointment of trustees, are examples of this. This will naturally expand the democratic space." Uçum expressed that successfully completing the transition process will inherently lead Turkey to a "more civilian, more libertarian, and more secure democracy."
"TURKEY'S GAINED EXPERIENCE WILL BE PERMANENT"
Uçum noted that the goal of a terrorism-free Turkey is not only a security policy but also a vision that strengthens the integration of the state and society, stating, "Every discussion and every step taken during this process is a gain for Turkey. Even if there are complications, this accumulation is permanent. Turkey has now become a country that has freed itself from the tutelage of terrorism and looks to the future with confidence." Uçum pointed out the difficulties of commenting on the ongoing legal process within the CHP and the related legal discussions. He emphasized that everyone should evaluate within their own legal framework. Uçum said, "There are ongoing processes. The criteria addressed by different authorities in terms of substance and procedure are different. It is not correct to see these differences immediately as a conflict. Everyone is being evaluated within their own channels and legal systems."
"THE SITUATION HAS DIFFERENT ASPECTS IN TERMS OF BOTH SUBSTANCE AND PROCEDURE"
Uçum also addressed the discussions regarding the provincial chairmanship in the CHP, stating that the situation has different aspects in terms of both substance and procedure, saying, "When you look at the essence of the matter, it seems that there is a situation where Mr. Gürsel is in the substance, and Mr. Özgür is in terms of procedure. However, the processes are not yet complete, and there is no definitive position at any point."
"ACCESS TO LAW IN TURKEY IS STRONG"
Speaking about criticisms regarding the judiciary, Uçum emphasized the independence and accessibility of the judiciary in Turkey, continuing his remarks as follows; "In Turkey, discussions about independence are taking place to an extent not seen throughout judicial history. Making requests to the judiciary and criticizing it are different things; the functioning of the judiciary in its own channel is another matter. Requests are not orders."
Uçum also touched upon citizens' right to access the judiciary, stating that the ease of filing a lawsuit in Turkey actually demonstrates the strength of the right to access the law. Uçum said, "It is extremely easy to file a lawsuit here, and that is not a bad thing. On the contrary, it means that citizens have the opportunity to seek their rights. It is much more difficult to file a lawsuit in Europe. If there are many lawsuits in Turkey, it is an indication that access to the judiciary is strong."
"NO AIRPLANE REMAINS IN THE AIR"
At the end of his statement, Uçum emphasized that the judicial processes within the CHP will definitely be completed, concluding his remarks as follows; "Is there a mismatch here? Yes. But this mismatch will be resolved when the processes are completed. No airplane remains in the air; what matters is knowing how to land it."
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