Turkey Parliament Passes Framework Law for PKK Peace Process—But Leaves Öcalan Out, Sparking 'Amnesty' Firestorm

The legislation, which cleared the parliamentary justice committee after nearly 18 hours of talks before moving to the full assembly, sets legal groundwork for negotiations and allows for reduced sentences or reintegration programs for PKK members who lay down their arms and cooperate with authorities [214811][216189]. The law does not provide blanket amnesty; beneficiaries must renounce violence and meet specific requirements [216189].

Supporters call the law a "landmark decision" and a step toward a "terror-free Turkey," while opposition outlets have slammed it as an "opening" and "amnesty" [216899]. Pro-government media celebrated the vote as a "historic compromise," but critics warn the legislation grants legitimacy to a group designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union [216861][216899].

The law deliberately leaves Öcalan’s case unresolved, signaling his future will be decided through political negotiations rather than legislation [216875]. This has drawn sharp criticism from Kurdish figures. Mustafa Karasu, a senior member of the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), said no law alone can solve the Kurdish problem and stressed that Öcalan’s active participation is essential [216879]. The Movement for a Democratic Society similarly warned that key provisions of the law cannot be implemented unless Öcalan coordinates the board the law would create [215757].

The law could also free jailed politician Selahattin Demirtaş, former co-leader of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP). According to his lawyer, once the new regulation takes effect, there is no legal obstacle to Demirtaş’s release [216877].

The United Nations has voiced support for all initiatives promoting peace with Kurdish groups, with deputy spokesman Farhan Haq saying, "We support all initiatives that promote peace" [216880]. Meanwhile, DEM Party co-leader Tülay Hatimoğulları called on Turkey’s National Security Council to finalize its report without delay, calling the moment "a first step toward achieving peace on these lands" [216898].

Senior Turkish lawmaker Mehmet Emin Ekmen, group leader of the New Path Party (Yeni Yol), warned that the law leaves "no space for errors or stalling," calling it a "knife-edge balance" [216889]. Analysts say the real test will be whether both sides honor the process on the ground, as the law does not address core issues such as Kurdish political rights or Öcalan’s status [216861][216875].

The conflict between Turkey and the PKK, which has fought for Kurdish autonomy since 1984, has killed tens of thousands of people [216875][216189].