Kurdenkonflikt: Schritt zum Frieden? - Türkei bringt PKK-Gesetz auf den Weg

The Turkish parliament has passed legislation that could lead to the release of numerous members of the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK). The bill, approved by an overwhelming majority of members of the Grand National Assembly in Ankara, provides for a deferral of penalties for PKK members under certain conditions. It aims to advance a peace process between the banned PKK and the Turkish state, which have been at odds for decades.

The ruling Islamist party, the AKP, describes this as a historic step, but critics point out significant shortcomings. The legislation covers offenses such as PKK membership, support, propaganda, and terrorism financing. There is a five-year exemption from incarceration and ten-year exemption for those convicted of longer or life sentences.

Notably, PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan, who has been in prison since 1999, would not benefit from the new rules, as his conviction dates from before June 1, 2005. The exact timing of the Security Council's approval of the bill remains unclear, but individuals have six months after publication in the official gazette to declare their intent to avail themselves of the legislation.

The decade-long bloodshed between PKK and Turkey has claimed tens of thousands of lives. In May 2025, the PKK announced its dissolution, following Öcalan's call, and withdrew its fighters to northern Iraq. The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization in the Turkey, EU, and USA. A previous peace process failed in the summer of 2015.

The new initiative's advancement is partly due to ultranationalist politician and MHP party chief Devlet Bahceli, who is an ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and opposes reconciliation with the PKK. Erdogan may hope for a pro-Kurdish constitutional amendment to run for president again. Despite concerns from experts and some opposition parties, the PKK's weakened state after years of Turkish aggression in Iraq and the collapse of the Kurdish autonomous region in Syria suggests a chance for success. However, whether the peace process will be successful remains uncertain.