Minister Gürlek: No personalized legal arrangements in peace process

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

ANKARA, TURKIYE — Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced that the Turkish Parliament will take legislative steps as part of the "Terror-Free Turkey" process, but emphasized that there will be no "personalized" legal arrangements or general amnesties.

During a live broadcast on NTV on February 26, Gürlek stated that parliamentary action would follow the verified confirmation of the organization laying down its arms. He noted that while amendments to execution and anti-terror laws are possible, the government aims to avoid creating a "perception of impunity" or allowing groups such as FETO and ISIS to benefit from the new regulations.

Legislative Framework and "Right to Hope"

The Ministry of Justice has established a technical team to assist Members of Parliament in the law-making process. Gürlek explained that the scope of these regulations could involve creating a "code law," amending existing execution laws, or adding temporary articles to the current anti-terror framework. He reiterated that any changes would be general in nature rather than directed at a specific individual.

Addressing the widely discussed "right to hope"—a legal concept regarding the possibility of release for life-sentenced prisoners—the Minister pointed out that the current commission report does not explicitly use this phrase.

• Current Policy: Under current law, aggravated life sentences for terrorism are applied until the end of the convict's life.

  
  

• Parliamentary Discretion: Whether the Parliament chooses to introduce a new arrangement regarding these terms remains entirely at its own discretion.

Political Context and Commission Report

The debate follows the report by the National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission, which was formed after PKK's decision to dissolve and lay down arms. While the report avoids the term "right to hope," it includes indirect descriptions by referencing European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and Constitutional Court (AYM) standards.

The political atmosphere has been further shaped by recent statements from MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli, who questioned the future "status" of the PKK leadership during a group meeting on February 24. While DEM Party members are advocating for a "legal status" that would redefine communication conditions for Abdullah Ocalan at İmralı, government circles interpret Bahçeli's remarks as a message to both the PKK and the DEM Party to fully comply with disarmament calls.

www.wisenewspress.com