'Right to Hope' debate closed: Clear message from AKP leadership!

New developments are taking place in the Imralı process. The process initiated by MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli on October 22 is being conducted through a special commission established in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM). The "Right to Hope" debate, which Bahçeli brought to the agenda for Abdullah Öcalan, the leader of the terrorist organization PKK, while initiating the process, has once again become the center of the political agenda.

IMRALI PROCESS CONTINUES THROUGH COMMISSION

Following Bahçeli's call, the commission formed in the TBMM continues its contacts regarding the process. During the period when the process has been ongoing, the DEM Party has brought the "Right to Hope" issue to the agenda many times. Party representatives had previously clashed with Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç on this matter.

ARINÇ'S STATEMENT: "I WILL MEET WITH ÖCALAN IF NECESSARY"

In recent days, former TBMM Speaker Bülent Arınç drew attention with his statement, "I will go to Imralı and meet with Öcalan if necessary." Arınç's words led to interpretations that the "Right to Hope" had returned to the agenda within the AKP wing. Following this development, new information regarding the process was also published in the pro-government media.

PREPARATIONS FOR NEW REGULATION AFTER 'DISARMAMENT VERIFICATION'

According to the news in the Türkiye newspaper, if confirmation is received that the "disarmament process is complete" in the ongoing process, a legal regulation will be made in Parliament. In this context, it is planned to bring a new draft law to the TBMM. The regulation will include provisions regarding who will be covered and under what conditions they will be evaluated.

STATEMENT FROM AKP LEADERSHIP: "NO AMNESTY FOR ÖCALAN"

The report also included evaluations by AKP leadership on the subject. Reminding of the regulation currently in force regarding organization members who lay down their arms, the leadership stated the following:

"There will be no general amnesty, amnesty for Öcalan, or any other execution regulation in this framework law. Only the status of members of a terrorist organization that lays down its arms and dissolves will be defined."

Reference was made to the "effective remorse" provision in the 2nd paragraph of Article 221 of the Turkish Penal Code. It was recalled that under the current legal framework, no penalty is imposed on organization members who have not committed crimes if they surrender voluntarily.

It was stated that a similar clause would be included in the new regulation and that this provision would only apply to individuals who have not been involved in crimes. It was expressed that with the enactment of the law, those who have not been involved in crimes would be able to return to Turkey and reintegrate into social life.

The report stated that the process would include a special evaluation process not only for those who lay down their arms but also for organization members who have been involved in crimes.

Accordingly, it was reported that the government is focusing on options such as a "comprehensive reduction in sentences" or "re-evaluation of probation provisions."

"RIGHT TO HOPE WILL NOT BE DISCUSSED"

AKP sources, on the other hand, have completely closed the door to discussions regarding the "Right to Hope" issue. Party sources stated the following on this matter:

"No steps will be taken until it is confirmed by the state that the organization has definitively laid down its arms. There will be regulations that will not disturb society and will not offend the families of martyrs and veterans. Demands such as the right to hope will not be opened for discussion."