Presidential advisor proposes special law for ‘terror-free Türkiye’ transition

Presidential Chief Advisor Mehmet Ucum has suggested that a dedicated law be drafted to govern Türkiye’s transition to a “terror-free Türkiye,” rather than making amendments to existing legislation. The proposal was outlined in a recent article authored by Ucum.

Ucum emphasized that general laws with special provisions could create legal ambiguities, including questions of equality. “The most appropriate solution is to enact a separate and specific ‘transition law’ tailored to the process,” he wrote.

He noted that the law should focus on societal integration, criminal justice policy, and other aspects specific to the transition, rather than general legislative amendments.

Photo shows General Assembly of Turkish Parliament in Ankara, Türkiye, accessed on July 16, 2025. (AA Photo)

Key features of the proposed law

• Uniqueness: All needs related to the transition should be addressed through a single, dedicated law, with any necessary additional provisions appended.
• Temporariness: The law should be temporary, applying only during the transition period.
• Specificity: It should target only members and supporters of the defunct terrorist organization PKK, with clear, unambiguous language.
• Originality: The law should reflect the unique characteristics of Türkiye’s conflict resolution model, emphasizing unconditional cessation of terrorism, expanded democratic space, and nation-centered politics.
• Inclusivity: It should cover all necessary aspects of societal and economic integration, criminal and penal law, and social legislation.
• Consensus: The process should aim for broad societal and political agreement, with parliamentary commission work facilitating consensus.

General principles

Ucum stressed that the law must comply with the constitution and respect national sensitivities and red lines. Its primary purpose is to establish practical legal conditions to complete the transition successfully, after which citizens will reintegrate into the standard legal and rights framework, supporting strengthened national democracy and enhanced freedoms.

August 24, 2025 12:35 PM GMT+03:00