Ankara: The Turkish Parliament has approved the “Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Integration” bill, a significant component of the “Turkey Without Terrorism” initiative, thereby enacting it into law. This legislative move aims to bolster national solidarity and foster social cohesion by outlining procedures for handling ongoing investigations, prosecutions, and convictions related to terrorism, specifically targeting the PKK/KCK and its affiliated formations.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the new law stipulates that investigations and prosecutions concerning crimes associated with the PKK/KCK will be deferred following the National Security Council’s confirmation of the organization’s complete dismantling and disarmament. Crimes such as establishing, managing, or belonging to the PKK/KCK, providing assistance, or promoting its activities fall under this law. It mandates a five-year deferment for crimes with a maximum penalty of 15 years, excluding premeditated murder and crimes before
June 1, 2005, which warrant life sentences.

Crimes with penalties exceeding 15 years, including life imprisonment, will see a ten-year deferment. During this period, the statute of limitations will be suspended, and relevant evidence and assets will be preserved. A liquidation decision will accompany the deferment, with proceeds benefiting the public treasury. Affected parties retain the right to appeal through legal channels, with specific timelines and authorities outlined for objections and applications.

The law also includes provisions for reassessing detention and judicial supervision measures for defendants, with potential for overturning judgments under review at appellate courts. Deferral records will be maintained in a secure system, accessible only for specified legal purposes. Should a terrorist act occur during the deferral period, the deferral will be revoked, and legal proceedings will resume.

The legislation excludes those convicted of premeditated murder within the organization’s activities
and those sentenced to life for pre-2005 crimes from deferral benefits. For sentences up to 15 years, deferrals last five years, while longer sentences can be deferred for a decade. The law also ensures that confiscation orders remain enforceable, and the statute of limitations is inapplicable during deferment.

Ultimately, if no further crimes occur during the deferment, the sentences are deemed executed, with public prosecutors tasked with monitoring the implementation of deferral decisions.