Turkey drafts 'terror‑free' law with two‑month return window for former PKK members

The Turkish government is finalising a nine‑point legislative framework aimed at creating a "terror‑free" Turkey. The draft, expected to be presented to the parliament in June, would define the status of former PKK members who lay down their weapons and establish a verification mechanism to confirm the disarmament. Under the proposal, individuals who have surrendered would be granted a limited 1‑ to 3‑month period—ultimately set at two months—to return to Turkey, with extensions possible by the parliament or president if needed. The law also includes a five‑year political ban for former militants, a special “code law” that would consolidate amendments to the Penal Code, Anti‑Terror Law and related statutes, and a three‑year timetable for the complete dismantling of PKK cave strongholds and the conclusion of judicial processes.

The draft categorises former militants into four groups—those who committed crimes, those who did not, fugitives and prisoners—and outlines differentiated legal measures such as sentence reductions, supervised release or conditional parole. The government hopes the framework will facilitate the reintegration of thousands of ex‑combatants while maintaining security oversight.