AKP statement on general amnesty: Door left open

AKP Group Deputy Chair Özlem Zengin met with journalists at the Anatolian Conversations program organized by the Turkish Press Federation. During the meeting, she provided information regarding the work carried out by the commission established in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) with the goal of a "terrorism-free Turkey."

Zengin emphasized that there have been no preconditions in the discussions held since the beginning of the process. Stating that they have been in communication with the DEM Party group for a long time, Zengin said, "They are aware of the sensitivity of the process. MIT Undersecretary İbrahim Bey also gave a presentation to all political parties in a closed session. As a result of these developments, the call made by the PKK was answered, and weapons were laid down in a ceremony. The delegations will continue to work until the end of this year and will make a recommendation to the Parliament."

"THE COMMISSION'S OPINION WILL BE DETERMINATIVE"

Zengin stated that different regulations would be evaluated for those who were involved in armed actions and those who were not, as well as for those who committed crimes and those who did not. In this context, she said that changes that could be made to the penal code are on the agenda.

She drew attention with the following words: "We do not yet know what the commission will propose to us. I think the commission's opinion is very important. Last week, slogans that disturbed the entire society were chanted at the DEM Party's group meeting. Everyone, especially the DEM Party, needs to take the sensitivities of society into account."

"I DO NOT EXPECT A BLANKET AMNESTY"

Touching upon the discussions on a general amnesty, Zengin shared her personal opinion on the matter and expressed the following:

"My personal opinion is that there will not be a general amnesty regulation. We will evaluate the issue together with members of parliament and criminal law experts. However, there could be a regulation conditional on certain terms; for example, the non-repetition of the crime. I do not think a regulation in the form of a blanket amnesty will be made."

"A NEW CONSTITUTION IS FOR TURKEY'S FUTURE"

The AKP Group Deputy Chair also made statements regarding the new constitution efforts. Stating that a delegation was formed within the AKP before the last legislative year ended, Zengin said, "We believe that this country needs a civilian constitution. We have all worked on the sections that should be included in the constitution. We have examined all previous constitutions and created a framework. We want this framework to be shaped in the TBMM with the participation of all political parties."