20.07.2025 09:20
Turkey is entering a critical process in line with the goal of a 'Terror-Free Turkey.' Following the PKK's decision to begin laying down arms, it is expected that a commission will be established in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM). The commission will prepare a roadmap for the process. It is anticipated that work will be conducted under four categories: those involved in crimes, those not involved, leaders, and those who gave orders.
Turkey is entering another critical phase in line with its goal of a "Terror-Free Turkey." Following the PKK's beginning to lay down arms, a new commission is expected to be established in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) this week. The main task of the commission will be to prepare a roadmap for the legal status of the organization members who have laid down their arms, legislative changes, and the social integration process.
THERE IS A GAP IN LEGISLATION
There is no specific provision in the current Turkish Penal Code and the Anti-Terror Law regarding the members of a terrorist organization that disbands itself. Therefore, the commission to be established will evaluate the status of the organization members within the Turkish legal system and will address the necessary legal regulations.
The commission will seek answers to questions such as "What legal regime will apply to the members of the organization who have laid down their arms, how their trials will be conducted, and under what conditions they can be exempted from responsibility."
'RETURN LAW' WILL BE ADDRESSED UNDER FOUR HEADINGS
According to a report by Yücel Kayaoğlu from Türkiye newspaper, one of the most important topics that will come to the agenda with the progress of the disarmament process will be a type of "return law." In this context, the legal status of the organization members will be evaluated under four separate categories:
- Members of the organization who have not committed a crime
- Members of the organization who have committed a crime
- Organization leaders
- Those who give orders
Separate legal frameworks and procedural proposals will be prepared for each category. Especially for organization members who have not committed a crime and wish to return to Turkey, steps for integration and reintegration into society are planned to be prioritized.
EXAMPLES FROM AROUND THE WORLD WILL BE EXAMINED
The agenda of the commission to be established under the TBMM will not only include legal processes but also social integration policies. Commission members will evaluate suitable models for Turkey by examining examples from countries that have experienced similar processes.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO PKK MEMBERS IN PRISON?
According to data from the Ministry of Justice, there are currently around 4,600 PKK terrorists in prisons, including 359 detained, 512 convicted (those whose sentences have not yet been finalized but are still detained), and 3,811 sentenced. The DEM Party delegation recently requested a special regulation regarding the status of these individuals during a meeting with the AK Party.
However, AK Party sources indicate that at this stage, there is no legal regulation on the agenda that would qualify as an "amnesty," and that progress could be made more on the basis of individual circumstances and crime differentiation.