‘Terror-free Türkiye’ bill moves to commission stage

ANKARA

Parliament’s Justice Commission will begin deliberations on Aug. 7 on a 12-article bill setting out the legal framework for the government’s “terror-free Türkiye” initiative.

The Bill on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Cohesion was submitted to parliament on Aug. 5 with the signatures of nearly 360 lawmakers from ruling and opposition parties. It followed work by parliament’s National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission.

Justice Commission Chairman Cüneyt Yüksel said the proposal did not amount to a general amnesty and contained no person-specific provisions.

The measures could be implemented only after security authorities verify that the PKK/KCK and its affiliated structures have ended their activities and surrendered all weapons and ammunition. The finding would then have to be confirmed by the National Security Council in a decision published in the Official Gazette.

The proposal would allow eligible investigations and prosecutions to be deferred and the enforcement of final convictions to be postponed.

Cases involving offenses punishable by up to 15 years in prison would be deferred for five years. The period would be 10 years for offenses carrying sentences of more than 15 years, life imprisonment or aggravated life imprisonment.

Intentional killings committed as part of the group’s activities would remain outside the scope of the bill, along with certain offenses committed before June 1, 2005. Eligible individuals would have six months to apply after the dissolution and disarmament process is officially confirmed.

Yüksel said the bill aimed to turn security gains into lasting social peace within the rule of law.