Can Turkey's new PKK law bring peace?
Turkey's parliament has passed a framework law for the peace process with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). What does it stipulate, why is it controversial
Turkey's parliament has passed a framework law for the peace process with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). What does it stipulate, why is it controversial and what does it mean for the future of the peace process? One year ago, the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) burned its weapons in a symbolic ceremony. The move was seen as a sign of its willingness to disband. Since then, the Kurdish side has been calling on the Turkish government to take political steps. Now, parliament has passed a bill submitted by the conservative Islamic ruling party AKP and its ultranationalist ally. Officially called the "Law on Strengthening Solidarity and Social Integration," it is intended to provide the legal framework for the ongoing peace process. According to official figures, 467 out of 592 MPs voted in favor of the bill. The ruling party and its ally see this as the beginning of a new era: Under certain conditions, the bill provides for a suspension of sentences for PKK members — but only after the PKK and its affiliated groups have been confirmed to have disbanded and disarmed, so that peace, brotherhood and solidarity can prevail throughout the entire country. The pro-Kurdish DEM party also supports the bill, but it views it only as a first step that must be followed by further reforms. The pro-Kurdish DEM party also voted in favor of the PKK law. At the same time, it is calling for swift political and legal reforms Image: Adem Altan/AFP PKK law divides society and parliament Fierce opposition came from the ultranationalist opposition party IYI. Even during consultations, its delegate Ayyuce Turkes, daughter of the founder of the ultranationalist and right-wing extremist Grey Wolves, accused the government of rushing a landmark bill through parliament. She also criticized what she felt was an overly conciliatory stance toward PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan. She avoided using his name, calling him a "baby killer" instead, just as government agencies and media have done for decades.
There was even a physical altercation. The debate highlights just how deep the divides are within Turkish society. While the ultranationalist IYI party rejects the process, the MHP, from which the Grey Wolves emerged, is now among its most important supporters — even though it had, previously, vehemently opposed earlier peace initiatives. Observers believe this shift in course and the progress in the peace process are also a result of the changed security situation in the region. Among other things, they mention the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, the war in Gaza and the conflict between Israel, the United States and Iran. Syria and Iran are also home to large Kurdish populations that are supported by various regional actors. According to the prevailing view, a more stable relationship with the Kurds who live within Turkey's own borders could provide Ankara with more leeway in domestic and foreign policy. The justice committee of the Turkish parliament convened to discuss the draft "Law on Strengthening Solidarity and Social Integration" Image: ANKA What's in the law? The law applies to convictions for PKK membership, propaganda, financing or intentional support of the organization and its structures. For prison sentences of up to 15 years, enforcement is to be suspended for five years; for longer or life sentences, the suspension is to last ten years. Ongoing investigations are to be put on hold. According to pro-government media, up to 3,600 prisoners could benefit from this. The prerequisite is the complete disbanding of the PKK and the surrender of all its weapons and ammunition. Both of these conditions have to be verified by Turkish authorities and, subsequently, officially confirmed by the Security Council, chaired by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Excluded are PKK members who were convicted prior to June 1, 2005 — the date on which the current penal code came into force — as well as those convicted of homicide and whose convictions are final.
The BriefWire