AKP's 'opening' report revealed: A 3-stage roadmap

The content of the report that the AKP is preparing to submit to the National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission, established within the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) as part of its second 'opening' process—which it calls 'Terror-Free Turkey'—has begun to emerge. According to a report by Zübeyde Yalçın from the Sabah newspaper, the AKP is working on a three-stage legislative calendar.

The report, which is planned to be forwarded to the Speaker of the Parliament following the approval of AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is expected to be presented within the week. The regulations envisioned to be included in the document are gathered under the following headings:

FIRST STEP: REGULATION FOR THOSE NOT INVOLVED IN CRIMES

Within the scope of the practice known in the public eye as 'Return Home,' a legal framework will be established for members of the terrorist organization who have not been involved in any crimes. These individuals will be released on probation for a period of 5 years. Those currently outside of Turkey will also be granted the opportunity to return to the country.

No special rehabilitation program is planned at this stage. However, for those who request it, the implementation of support mechanisms such as vocational training courses, opportunities to complete their education, and similar measures is envisioned.

It is stated that security units possess detailed records regarding organization members located abroad, particularly in Syria and Iraq. It is estimated that approximately 80 percent of these individuals have not been involved in crimes.

SECOND STEP: SENTENCING REGULATION FOR THOSE INVOLVED IN CRIMES

The implementation of the second stage, aimed at members of the terrorist organization who have been involved in crimes, will depend on developments in Syria. For this stage to be reached, it will be a requirement that security units officially certify that "the organization's dissolution process has been completed and that weapons have been completely surrendered."

At this point, the regulation to be made is planned to be in the form of a sentence reduction. Currently, sentences and execution periods for terror-related crimes have been increased under the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) and the Anti-Terror Law (TMK). However, if the terrorist organization PKK is completely eliminated, the crimes committed by organization members will be evaluated as ordinary criminal offenses rather than terror crimes.

In this context, sentencing and execution periods will be applied according to the provisions for ordinary criminal offenses. Beyond the primary crimes, no separate sentences will be given for acts such as membership in an organization, aiding and abetting, or propaganda. Following these regulations, the way will be cleared for the release of convicts whose execution periods have been completed. It is stated that there are currently approximately 4,200 PKK/KCK members in prisons.

THIRD STEP: PLANS FOR THE SO-CALLED LEADERS OF THE ORGANIZATION

In the third stage, steps regarding the so-called leaders of the terrorist organization will come to the agenda. In this context, options such as directing these individuals to third countries are being considered.

It is stated that the People's Alliance (Cumhur İttifakı) fully supports the 'Terror-Free Turkey' process. Officials emphasize that the process is designed not as a short-term step, but as a long-term, phased, and controlled transition.

The report suggests that in order to ensure public support, the management of the process will be built on 3 fundamental principles: 'transparency, the right actors, and consistent rhetoric.'