Three categories determined for the judicial processes of PKK members: Convict, detainee, and fugitive files will be separated

Following the adoption of the framework law as part of the "Terror-Free Turkey" goal, a roadmap has been shaped regarding how judicial proceedings for PKK members will be conducted. Accordingly, files will be handled under three separate headings: convicts in prison, detainees whose trials are ongoing, and fugitives with outstanding arrest warrants.

According to the report by Özgür Cebe from Nefes, it is stated that the process has been categorized to reduce the workload that may arise in courthouses during mass surrenders. The report also noted that the judicial proceedings of 3,800 PKK members, who are stated to be in 18 camps, and the process of surrendering weapons have also come to the agenda within this framework.

THREE SEPARATE LEGAL PROCESSES

The first category will include convicts whose convictions for specific crimes have been finalized and who have been determined not to have participated in armed terrorist attacks. Finalized files concerning crimes such as membership in an armed terrorist organization, establishing and managing an organization, knowingly and willingly aiding an organization, opposition to the Anti-Terror Law, financing of terrorism, and terrorist propaganda will be evaluated by the execution judgeships of the province where the conviction was issued.

In these files, it is envisioned that the execution of the sentence will be suspended, the conviction decision will be re-adapted according to the framework law, and a release decision will be issued.

The second category will consist of individuals who are detained for the same crimes but whose trials have not yet reached a final verdict. These files will be handled by the high criminal courts acting as courts of first instance. It is expected that the courts will issue decisions on suspending execution and release based on the status of the file.

For those who have had a decision made but whose files are at the appellate or Court of Cassation (Yargıtay) stage, it was stated that the review will be conducted by the relevant criminal chambers. It was expressed that at this stage, instead of sending the file back to the local court, the higher courts will directly apply the framework law to establish a final verdict.

The third heading includes fugitive PKK members for whom there are arrest warrants. For individuals stated to be in the mountain cadres or the organization's European structure, it is planned for the provincial chief public prosecutor's offices that issued the arrest warrants to handle the files quickly.

It is envisioned that after the statement of the person who surrenders is taken, an indictment will be prepared by the terror crimes investigation bureaus on the same day, and a case will be opened in the specialized high criminal court for terror cases. It was noted that with the opening of the case, the court could lift the arrest warrant and issue a release decision within the scope of the framework law.

SURRENDER OF WEAPONS ALSO ON THE AGENDA

In the report, based on information from security and intelligence sources, it was also alleged that there are 35 separate underground tunnels used as armories and ammunition depots in the shelter areas in northern Iraq.

It was claimed that these tunnels contain armor-piercing missiles, mortars, rocket launchers, infantry rifles, night vision equipment, and various anti-tank systems. It was alleged that a significant portion of the weapons consists of aid weapons sent by the US to Syria.

News Source: 12punto