Has the 'Terror-Free Turkey' initiative stalled? Erdoğan issues new directive for the reconciliation process

There has been no concrete development regarding the legal regulations frequently mentioned in the second reconciliation process—architected by MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli and dubbed 'Terror-Free Turkey' by the government—which is being conducted with the DEM Party and Abdullah Öcalan, the leader of the terrorist organization PKK.

As claims emerge that the process has stalled, it is alleged that AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has intervened.

Nefes columnist Nuray Babacan wrote that Erdoğan issued an instruction to "get this done before Parliament goes on recess" and that the process of surrendering caves and weapons belonging to the PKK terrorist organization has restarted.

The relevant part of Babacan's article titled "The crisis has eased, caves are being entered" is as follows:

"Information was provided that the process of surrendering weapons and ammunition, as well as the caves—the number of which exceeds 20 according to some—has restarted.

In AKP corridors, it has begun to be voiced that President Tayyip Erdoğan gave the instruction to 'get this done before Parliament goes on recess.' During the same period, it was alleged that more than one meeting was held between state representatives and Imralı regarding the framework law.

Immediately afterward, contacts by AKP group executives and ministerial visits to MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli began. According to those evaluating this activity after the holiday;

* According to the consensus reached by the parties, the elements of the execution regulation in the form of 'probation and conditional release' for PKK members in prison, as has been written and drawn for months, will be valid.

* Work under the heading of organization members who were not involved in crimes has begun to clarify. Their entry into Turkey, and demands such as working and engaging in politics, will be regulated under a separate heading. Restrictions may be possible.

* The list regarding those who are not wanted to return to Turkey will be revised. They will need to be removed from the Red Notice list so they can go to third countries. This will be another leg of the work. It is argued that there are around 200 names on this list.

* The main element of the regulation consists of imposing 5 years of probation and a simultaneous 5-year political ban on PKK members. Although different durations are a subject of debate, the focus is largely on this. If a crime is committed during this period, all rights are forfeited.

* What has been listed up to this point is more or less known. However, another issue that legal-minded politicians draw attention to is the other consequences of implementing execution regulations.

* One thing is clear; it is not possible for the regulation to be valid only for PKK members. It is contrary to the principle of equality. Therefore, it may be the case that these provisions cover all criminals in prison, and the regulation turns into a kind of 'general amnesty.'

* Legal-minded politicians say that even if special provisions are applied to PKK Terror Organization Leader Abdullah Öcalan, it is inevitable that other prisoners will benefit from the regulation.

* Above all, it is impossible to avoid the Constitutional Court canceling this and making it valid for all detainees. Such a regulation, which could be accepted as legally correct, will naturally have political consequences.

* Allowing it to legally cover everyone would mean that those convicted of femicide and rape cases, child abusers, fraudsters, and FETÖ members would be released. Keeping it limited only to PKK members would neither be legal nor the worst message to give before the elections."