Türkiye enacts law offering legal deferrals to PKK members

A new law in Türkiye aimed at strengthening national solidarity and social integration has entered into force, allowing criminal proceedings and the enforcement of sentences against individuals linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) to be suspended if the group ends its activities and surrenders its weapons and ammunition.

The legislation was approved by parliament with 467 votes and entered into force after being published in Türkiye’s Official Gazette, following its signing by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Caliber.Az reports.

Under the law, proceedings involving offences punishable by up to 15 years in prison may be deferred for five years. For more serious offences, the deferral period may extend to 10 years. The suspension will be revoked if the individual commits a new terrorist offence.

A special coordination council, headed by Türkiye’s vice president, will oversee implementation of the process. Parliament will also establish a commission to monitor its implementation.

By Sabina Mammadli