Ankara: A law establishing the legal framework for Trkiye's 'Terror-Free Trkiye' process was published Monday in the Official Gazette, formally putting into effect measures approved by parliament earlier this month.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Law on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Cohesion sets out procedures for suspending investigations, prosecutions, and the execution of certain sentences linked to the PKK/KCK terrorist organization and affiliated groups. These measures come into effect once security institutions confirm the group has ended its activities and surrendered its weapons and ammunition under its control, followed by the National Security Council's decision confirming that determination in the Official Gazette.
The law stipulates a five-year suspension of prosecutions for offenses punishable by up to 15 years in prison and extends this to 10 years for more serious offenses. It excludes certain serious offenses, including intentional homicide committed as part of terrorist activities. The legislation addresses crimes such as founding or leading the PKK/KCK, membership, knowingly and willingly aiding the organization, propaganda offenses, and terror-financing offenses committed on its behalf.
If an individual commits another terrorism-related offense during the suspension period, the suspension is lifted, and relevant legal proceedings or execution of the sentence will resume. If no offense is committed during the specified period, the relevant prosecution may be dropped, or the sentence deemed served under the law.
Additionally, the legislation outlines procedures for registering weapons, ammunition, explosives, vehicles, and other materials surrendered or declared by members of organizations covered by the law.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described the parliament's passage of the legislation as an 'important step' in the Terror-Free Trkiye process, emphasizing the government's commitment to work patiently and with determination to rid the country of terrorism "forever."