Support for 'framework law' from 16 bar associations

A joint statement of support has been issued by 16 bar associations regarding the "Law on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Integration," which was adopted by the General Assembly of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM).

In the statement issued by the bar associations of Adıyaman, Ağrı, Batman, Bingöl, Bitlis, Tunceli, Diyarbakır, Hakkari, Iğdır, Kars, Mardin, Muş, Siirt, Şanlıurfa, Şırnak, and Van, it was stated that the regulation is a historic step in terms of the goal of "silencing weapons completely" and resolving issues on the basis of law and democratic politics.

The bar associations emphasized that the conflict environment, which has lasted for nearly half a century, has caused severe social and economic consequences, and stated that legal and democratic steps that could contribute to lasting peace should be seen as a historic opportunity.

The statement also noted that the law has aspects that need to be improved in terms of legal technique and scope. The bar associations declared that lasting peace cannot be achieved solely through criminal law regulations and that the process must be carried out on the basis of the rule of law, transparency, social justice, and democratization.

In the joint text, it was emphasized that provisions that could lead to different interpretations in practice should be made clear and predictable, the scope should be clarified, and objective criteria should be established to ensure equal application.

The bar associations announced to the public that they provide principled support for the law, while noting that they reserve their assessments regarding the need to address the shortcomings of the regulation in line with universal legal principles.