80,000 files to be reviewed under framework law: Path to release for thousands of PKK members

It has been stated that judicial preparations regarding the framework law, which came into effect as part of the second opening process called “Terror-Free Turkey,” have accelerated.

According to the report by Özgür Cebe from Nefes, it was learned that the Ministry of Justice requested statistics regarding the legal status of detainees, convicts, and fugitives who are alleged to have committed crimes on behalf of the PKK terrorist organization from courthouses in 81 provinces with an “urgent” code.

INTENSIVE WORK HAS BEGUN IN COURTHOUSES

It was stated that high criminal courts, as well as terrorism and execution prosecutor's offices in courthouses, are working intensively to prepare the requested data. It was noted that approximately 80,000 terrorism files will be handled ex officio and evaluated according to the new regulation under the framework law, and the number of defendants and suspects is expected to exceed 100,000.

RELEASE OF 4,500 PEOPLE ON THE AGENDA IN THE FIRST PHASE

While it was stated that a release process for 4,000 to 4,500 detainees or convicts could be on the agenda in the first phase, it was reported that approximately 12,000 files consist of suspects with arrest warrants and fugitives. These files are also expected to be re-examined within the framework of the new regulation.

WHICH CRIMES WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHIN THE SCOPE?

It was reported that the regulation is not limited only to crimes of membership in an organization and aiding an organization; crimes such as possession of explosives, property damage, arson, and forgery of official documents are also being considered within the scope. It was stated that crimes of murder and attempted murder have been excluded from the scope of the law. However, it was noted that the ministry also requested a list of those tried for these crimes for analysis purposes.

EYES ON THE MGK REPORT FOR IMPLEMENTATION

The data collection process is planned to be completed by the end of the month. It was reported that sub-committees formed together with the high commission in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) will monitor the process of the PKK laying down arms and evacuating shelter areas, and the Disarmament and Politicization Board will follow the process regarding the surrender of weapons. Following the confirmation and assessment report to be prepared by the National Security Council (MGK), the framework law is expected to be put into effect and the mass release process is expected to begin.