Ankara: Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek announced on Thursday that the proposed Bill on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Integration does not include provisions for individuals who orchestrated terrorist acts or are accountable for the deaths of Turkish security personnel. "The proposal submitted to parliament contains no provision regarding those who gave orders for terrorism or those who martyred our security forces. No special status is granted to any individual, and the regulation will not be extended to other structures," Gurlek stated in a video shared on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal.
According to Anadolu Agency, Gurlek emphasized that Trkiye is advancing towards a "Century of Trkiye" under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's leadership, aspiring for a more prosperous, just, and peaceful future. He underscored the "Terror-Free Trkiye" vision as a state policy rooted in public peace, state security, and a unified national future. Gurlek remarked that the nation's collective wisdom, state determination, and the sacrifices of security forces have significantly curtailed terrorist threats, necessitating legal, social, and institutional initiatives to ensure lasting peace.
He highlighted that the Justice Ministry contributed to the 12-article draft law, which was presented to parliament with backing from 360 lawmakers. The proposal aims to bolster social solidarity, reinforce a sense of unity, and eradicate conditions that could foster terrorism.
Gurlek outlined that the draft includes clauses on investigation, prosecution, and execution procedures. He noted that the implementation of these provisions requires the complete dissolution of the terrorist organization and the irreversible destruction of its weapons and ammunition, as verified by security institutions and the National Security Council (MGK), and published in the Official Gazette.
He further explained that a board, chaired by the vice president, will be established alongside a parliamentary monitoring commission to oversee and advise on the process as needed.
Reiterating Trkiye's resolve and capability to combat terrorism, Gurlek assured that all procedures would adhere to the Constitution, rule of law, and Turkish people's sensitivities. He stressed that the process would honor the families of martyrs and veterans, ensuring no action would tarnish their memory or honor.
Gurlek described a Terror-Free Trkiye as a shared ambition of the nation's 86 million citizens, promising stronger economic and democratic frameworks, enhanced investment environments, and enduring social solidarity. He extended the vision to regional stability, advocating for a terrorism-free Syria, a stable Iraq, a peaceful Middle East, and robust regional cooperation.
He concluded by asserting that the end of terrorism would limit foreign intervention, secure trade corridors, energy projects, and transportation routes. Gurlek expressed gratitude to Erdogan, MHP Chairperson Devlet Bahceli, political parties, stakeholders, and contributors to the proposal, marking it as a pivotal step towards fortifying the Terror-Free Trkiye initiative's legal framework.