Ankara: The Turkish parliament's Justice Commission is set to begin deliberations on the proposed Bill on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Cohesion this Friday. This legislation is part of the government's "Terror-Free Trkiye" initiative, aimed at fostering lasting social peace through the rule of law.
According to Anadolu Agency, Justice Commission Chairman Cuneyt Yuksel announced that the commission would convene on August 7 to discuss the bill. It was submitted to parliament after the parliamentary National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission completed its work. Yuksel emphasized the bill's significance, noting that it is designed to sustain security gains and does not serve as an amnesty or include person-specific provisions. The bill's implementation depends on the PKK/KCK terrorist organization's dissolution and disarmament, which must be confirmed by a National Security Council decision published in the Official Gazette.
Yuksel highlighted the widespread desire for peace, stating, "From Edirne to Hakkari, the common voice is this: Let weapons, not our children, be buried in the ground." He stressed that each provision adopted in parliament would legally represent this aspiration.
The bill outlines procedures for deferring ongoing investigations and prosecutions, postponing the enforcement of final convictions, and implementing other related measures once the PKK/KCK has ceased activities and surrendered all arms. It addresses offenses such as establishing or leading the PKK/KCK, membership in the group, aiding the group, spreading propaganda, and financing terrorism for the group's benefit.
Deferrals would occur only after security institutions verify the cessation of the group's activities, with the National Security Council's confirmation published in the Official Gazette. Investigations and prosecutions for offenses punishable by up to 15 years in prison would be deferred for five years, while those involving sentences exceeding 15 years, life sentences, or aggravated life sentences would be deferred for 10 years. The measure excludes intentional killings related to the group's activities and certain offenses committed before June 1, 2005.