05.02.2026 15:47
MHP's Deputy Chairman responsible for Legal Affairs, Feti Yıldız, clarified the issue of "right to hope" discussed for Abdullah Öcalan. Yıldız reminded that the provisions for conditional release have never been applied in certain crimes, stating that the sentences of those convicted of crimes against state security continue until death. However, Yıldız noted that this situation violates Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
The Deputy Chairman of the MHP Responsible for Legal Affairs, Feti Yıldız, made statements regarding the discussions about the "right to hope" for Abdullah Öcalan on his social media account.
Emphasizing the importance of referring to the legislation in news and comments on legal matters, Yıldız stated, "When making news and comments on legal issues, looking at the relevant legislation will increase the value of the news and commentary." Yıldız also included the relevant articles and provisions of the Constitution in his post.
Yıldız, who said, "The view that there should be a possibility for the convict to regain freedom in life sentences has been termed 'the right to hope'," concluded his statement by referencing the case law of the European Court of Human Rights.
WHAT DOES THE PENAL EXECUTION LAW SAY?
Yıldız drew attention to the regulations in the Penal Execution Law No. 5275 and shared the following information:
"Those sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment can benefit from the right to conditional release when they have served 30 years of their sentence, while those who receive aggravated life sentences for establishing, managing, or committing crimes within the scope of organized crime can benefit after completing 36 years."
Yıldız particularly emphasized that the expiration of these periods does not directly mean release.
AGGRAVATED LIFE SENTENCES WITHOUT HOPE OF RELEASE
Yıldız reminded that the provisions for conditional release are not applied at all for certain crimes. Referring to the Turkish Penal Code, Yıldız stated, "In cases of crimes against the security of the state, the constitutional order, the functioning of this order, and national defense," and noted that conditional release is not possible for those sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment for these acts committed within the framework of organized crime. He expressed that the sentences of those convicted in this context continue until death.
THE SAME REGULATION EXISTS IN THE TMK
Yıldız reminded that a similar regulation is also found in Article 17 of the Law on Combating Terrorism No. 3713. According to this article, those sentenced to death for terrorist crimes, converted to life imprisonment or aggravated life imprisonment, as well as those directly sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment, cannot benefit from the provisions of conditional release.
THE ECHR'S DEFINITION OF THE RIGHT TO HOPE
In the final part of his statement, Yıldız addressed the concept of "the right to hope," indicating that the views regarding the necessity of the possibility for the convict to regain freedom in life sentences are expressed with this concept.
Feti Yıldız pointed out that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) considers serving a life sentence without a certain hope of release as a violation under Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, emphasizing that these decisions should be addressed in the correct context in legal and political discussions.
"WE HAVE REACHED A CONSENSUS ON THE RIGHT TO HOPE"
On the other hand, the 5th meeting of the National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission took place yesterday. After the meeting, Feti Yıldız stated, "We have reached a consensus on the right to hope with all political parties participating in the commission. The report will recommend compliance with ECHR decisions."
WHAT IS THE RIGHT TO HOPE?
The right to hope means that a person sentenced to life imprisonment or aggravated life imprisonment should not remain in prison unconditionally until the end of their life, and that the possibility of regaining freedom after a certain period should not be legally completely eliminated.