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The framework for legal regulations under Türkiye's terror-free Türkiye process is taking shape, with members of the PKK terrorist group to be categorized as either "involved in crimes" or "not involved in crimes," and those wishing to return given a one-year window to surrender, according to a report by Türkiye daily.
The legal framework, expected to be passed by March under the title "Reintegration into Society," will establish a temporary system for PKK members seeking to return to Türkiye.
The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the U.S., and the EU, convened its congress in May and announced its dissolution, following a February call by its imprisoned ringleader, Abdullah Ocalan, for an end to the decades-long attacks.
According to the report by Yucel Kayaoglu, PKK terrorists will be handled in two separate categories under the proposed legislation.
For those not involved in crimes: PKK members who surrender at the border will be received by security forces. If they have no criminal record, they will not be imprisoned but will be subject to judicial control for five years. If they commit no new crimes during this period, charges against them will be dropped. They will be granted the right to reside anywhere in Türkiye.
For those involved in armed actions: A separate procedure will apply. Under the definition of "dissolved terrorist organization," they will not face charges for membership in a terrorist organization. However, if they committed crimes such as murder, theft, robbery, or kidnapping, they will be tried and sentenced for those specific offenses. Since they will not receive sentences for committing crimes on behalf of the organization, they will be released from prison earlier.
According to the report, PKK members currently in Turkish prisons will also benefit from sentence reductions as organization charges will be dropped, with those with ongoing trials or unfinalized sentences will be subject to the same application.
A temporary article will be added to the law granting organization members who wish to come to Türkiye and surrender for a specific time period, reportedly one year.
Those wishing to return will be received by security forces at the border.
The first group to come to Türkiye after the legal regulation is passed is expected to be the children of the "Diyarbakir mothers," families who have held yearslong vigil outside the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) headquarters, demanding the return of their children kidnapped and recruited by the PKK.
The legislation will not include any provisions regarding the leadership of the terrorist organization.
Türkiye will not permit Qandil-based leaders to enter the country. These individuals are expected to go to third countries, particularly Scandinavian nations.
No amnesty will be issued, and no steps implying freedom for imprisoned PKK ringleader Abdullah Ocalan will be taken.
In addition to parliamentary legislation, administrative arrangements will be made according to the Türkiye daily:
These steps are characterized as "confidence-building measures."
Additionally, a coordination board including representatives from relevant ministries will be established to manage the reintegration process for returning organization members. This board will be responsible for the steps taken during the rehabilitation process. Mechanisms for vocational training, employment, and rural support will be activated.
The peace process, which began with Bahceli's call to Ocalan in 2024, recently saw the PKK announce that it has ended its armed activities in Türkiye.
In July, the PKK began publicly destroying its weapons in a ceremony held in Iraq’s Sulaymaniyah province. The event, coordinated by Turkish intelligence, included a delegation from Diyarbakir as well as DEM Party members and civil society representatives.
The terrorist organization has used rural areas and caves as base regions for approximately 41 years.
Discussions are also underway regarding the SDF laying down its arms in Syria and integrating into the newly established government.
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