DistantNews
Support us
Ministers Gürlek and Çiftçi's visit to Bahçeli: Was a 'code law' draft presented?
🇹🇷 Turkey /Elections & Politics

Ministers Gürlek and Çiftçi's visit to Bahçeli: Was a 'code law' draft presented?

From Cumhuriyet · () Turkish

Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Justice Minister Akın Gürlek and Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi visited MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli, sparking speculation about a "code law" draft.
  • Reports suggest a 7-article draft for a "Code Law" aimed at resolving issues related to the Kurdish conflict, including potential legal processes for PKK members who disarm.
  • The draft reportedly also addresses the status of Abdullah Öcalan and changes to the use of trustees, with steps expected before parliament adjourns.

A recent visit by Justice Minister Akın Gürlek and Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi to Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli has fueled speculation about a potential "code law" draft aimed at addressing the Kurdish conflict. The visit occurred shortly after Bahçeli called for the Supreme Court to expedite a decision regarding the Republican People's Party (CHP), signaling a period of political maneuvering.

The Supreme Court must make its decision as soon as possible.

— Devlet BahçeliFollowing Bahçeli's call for a Supreme Court decision regarding the CHP, the ministers' visit gained attention.

According to reports, the ruling coalition has agreed on a 7-article draft for what is being termed a "Code Law" or "framework law" as part of a broader "Terror-Free Turkey" initiative. This draft reportedly focuses on creating a legal pathway for PKK members who decide to disarm and cease hostilities.

The framework law was discussed during the meeting Bahçeli held with Justice Minister Akın Gürlek and Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi.

— Unnamed sourcesReporting on the content of the meeting between the ministers and the MHP leader.

Details emerging from DEM Party officials suggest one article would end legal proceedings for PKK members who formally disband and lay down their arms. The draft is also said to include provisions concerning the status of imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan and potential changes to the controversial practice of appointing trustees to Kurdish municipalities. The government aims to advance these legislative efforts before parliament goes on recess.

One of the articles includes the termination of legal processes such as investigation and prosecution for members of the terrorist organization PKK after the decision to dissolve and lay down arms.

— DEM Party officialsDetailing specific provisions within the proposed draft law.

While the proposed law is intended to act as a "bridge" for a transition, it is noted that there are currently no provisions addressing the "right to hope" for individuals convicted of terrorism-related offenses. AKP sources indicate that the process will follow a defined roadmap and timeline.

The draft also includes legal regulations regarding the status of PKK terrorist organization leader Abdullah Öcalan in İmralı.

— Unnamed sourcesFurther elaborating on the contents of the draft law.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog