Turkey MPs back historic law on reintegrating PKK militants

Turkey's parliament has taken a major step toward ending four decades of conflict with the PKK. The new law sets out how some militants can return to civilian life, but leaves Abdullah Ocalan's future unresolved.

dw.com ·2d ago

On Monday, Turkey's parliament voted 468 to 88 in favor of a bill that offers a conditional pardon and legal protections to thousands of members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party, along with nationalist MHP allies and the pro-Kurdish DEM party, supported the 12-article bill. The law outlines procedures for the PKK's disarmament and dissolution, and the reintegration of some members into civilian life.

The government emphasized that the law is not a general amnesty, with prison sentences potentially suspended and investigations or trials postponed for up to 10 years. If covered individuals commit no terrorism-related crimes during this period, their cases would be dropped. Around 3,500 PKK-linked detainees could be released initially, with exiled members and fighters in Iraq and Syria potentially benefiting as well.

Eligibility is barred for those convicted of intentional killings and those serving life sentences. The measures will only take effect after the National Security Council confirms the PKK's disbandment and surrender of all weapons, with an opportunity for applicants to apply within six months.

Turkey's Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz hailed the vote as a "historic step," emphasizing the importance of political consensus. However, the PKK, led by Abdullah Ocalan, called the legislation a "beginning" but criticized its "serious shortcomings" and called for his release. The law excludes Ocalan, currently detained on Imrali Island near Istanbul, from its provisions.

The PKK has demanded Ocalan's freedom and the removal of barriers for fighters to engage in politics without prosecution. Pro-Kurdish DEM lawmaker Gulistan Kilic Kocyigit expressed hope that the people of Turkey could now "consolidate peace and build democracy."

Opposition lawmakers accused the government of making concessions to the PKK, with Iyi Party leader Turhan Comez questioning the idea of negotiating with terrorists. Nationalist opposition leader Musavat Dervisoglu added that the law could pave the way for Erdogan to remain in power. The PKK's insurgency began in 1984, resulting in over 40,000 deaths and significant economic damage in Kurdish-majority southeastern Turkey.

The conflict has fostered deep political and social divisions. The PKK has shifted its demands, seeking autonomy and expanded rights, and is considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the EU. Previous peace efforts have failed, most recently in 2015. The initiative could impact regional ties, particularly with Turkey's ally Iraq and Syria's Kurdish-led forces.

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