Former Speaker Arınç calls for amnesty for FETÖ convicts

WISE NEWS PRESS / ANKARA, Türkiye — Dec. 1, 2025

Bülent Arınç, the former Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and a founding member of the ruling party, has called for a "general amnesty" for individuals convicted of links to the FETÖ terror group, arguing that decree-laws (KHK) issued after the 2016 coup attempt were a "disaster."

Speaking to KHK TV, a platform focusing on individuals dismissed from public service via emergency decrees, Arınç’s comments have triggered a new debate within Turkish politics. He argued that the majority of those convicted were innocent of direct involvement in the coup and that the state should seek to heal societal wounds through a broad pardon.

'Decree-laws are a disaster'

Arınç criticized the legal processes that followed the July 15 coup attempt, specifically highlighting the cases of high-profile figures like Alaaddin Kaya and İlhan İşbilen, who received aggravated life sentences. Describing the situation as a "legal tragedy," Arınç condemned the implementation of emergency decrees.

"The decree-law (KHK) is a disaster," Arınç stated. "You dismiss a man one month before he becomes a professor, then put him in prison. Later he is acquitted, but you say, 'We cannot reinstate you.' Such an understanding is unacceptable."

Distinguishing the coup plotters

While acknowledging the July 15 coup attempt as a "treacherous act," Arınç argued for a clear distinction between those who actively used weapons and civilians who were affiliated with the group but did not participate in the violence.

"The perpetrators and those responsible for this event are, of course, those who used these weapons and gave the orders," Arınç said. "Apart from them, even if they are civilians, their direct contribution must be proven. If they have crimes in terms of participating in the action, they should receive the heaviest penalties. But I do not know this side of judges or doctors."

'Let us receive their prayers'

Arınç proposed a general amnesty as a necessity to address what he termed "judicial errors" and "physical inadequacies" in prisons. He suggested that such a move would bring relief to society and reintegrate estranged families.

"The state can and should forgive crimes it believes were committed against itself for very important reasons," Arınç remarked. "If you can relieve people's grievances, if you can get prayers from at least 3-5 people saying 'May God be pleased with you,' and if you can reunite children left without parents, there will be great relief in society."

He concluded by emphasizing the need for social reconciliation: "I view this as a necessity. There is no reason for it not to happen. I know families that have been torn apart; we need to bring them back together."

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