The political landscape in Türkiye is witnessing a pivotal moment as the country moves closer to achieving a terror-free status. At the heart of this progress is a framework law designed to expedite the disarmament of the PKK terrorist group. Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş has embarked on a series of consultations with political parties to garner support for this landmark legislation.
The initiative, often referred to as the terror-free Türkiye campaign, has gained momentum following a series of high-level meetings and strategic discussions. The proposed law aims to reduce the sentences of PKK members who surrender to authorities, marking a significant step towards resolving the long-standing conflict.
Parliamentary Consultations and Political Consensus
Kurtulmuş’s consultations began with a meeting with Devlet Bahçeli the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and a key architect of the initiative. Bahçeli’s call to PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan in 2026 set the stage for the current disarmament process. Öcalan’s subsequent message to the PKK in February 2026 led to the group’s announced dissolution, although full disarmament has yet to be confirmed by Turkish security forces.
The Parliament Speaker also met with representatives from the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) known for its links to the PKK. The DEM Party has played a crucial role as an intermediary between Öcalan and Parliament. A delegation from the DEM Party visited Öcalan on the island prison where he is held, relaying his message to the public just before Kurtulmuş’s visit. Öcalan emphasized the importance of creating a legal framework that respects mutual sensitivities and fosters a common life for all.
The Role of the Framework Law
The proposed law is expected to be temporary and will clearly define the fate of PKK members. It will exclude Öcalan and other members sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment but may offer leniency to other members of the terrorist group. The law will only be implemented after Turkish authorities confirm the PKK’s full dissolution and abandonment of arms.
According to media reports, the law’s rationale is to offer benefits to PKK members only after they dissolve the organization and Türkiye confirms this. The National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) are authorized to confirm disarmament, but the National Security Council (NSC) will have the final say. The confirmation will be announced only after the disarmament process reaches around 80%.
The law does not grant amnesty to PKK members but will annul terrorism charges for those imprisoned on charges of PKK membership. This means early release from prison for some convicts or a significant reduction in their sentences. Currently, Türkiye has 4,300 people convicted of terrorism in its prisons. Each inmate’s case will be reexamined by the courts once the law is implemented.
International Implications and Future Prospects
For PKK members residing abroad without any criminal record in Türkiye, the country plans to allow their return, although they will be subject to judicial supervision. However, senior PKK cadres currently hiding in the Qandil Mountains in northern Iraq will be excluded from the law. Sources suggest that these cadres have already left their hideouts for other destinations and may not return to Türkiye even if the law is implemented.
The legislative initiative coincides with a broader effort to shift responsibility for managing the Kurdish issue from political decisions to a legislative process involving Parliament. This approach aims to provide a clearer and broader legal basis for the next stages of the process, reducing its reliance on informal mechanisms and personalised political arrangements.
As Türkiye moves forward with this historic initiative, the role of Parliament in shaping the country’s future cannot be overstated. The proposed framework law represents a significant step towards achieving lasting peace and security, marking a new chapter in Türkiye’s quest for a terror-free future.
