Turkey to enact law processing 16,000 terror cases as part of 'terror‑free' reforms

The Turkish government is drafting legislation under the "terror‑free Turkey" initiative to handle roughly 16,000 cases linked to the PKK. The proposal creates specialised Terör İhtisas Ağır Ceza Mahkemeleri (Heavy Criminal Courts) that will continue work even during a judicial holiday starting 20 July. It would transfer ongoing PKK cases out of the Terrorism Law, subjecting them to ordinary criminal law with lighter sentences, and imposes a five‑year monitoring period for individuals who do not commit new crimes.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said the administration is working on a legal framework that will speed the dissolution of the organization, noting that "Turkey today has gained a weight and reputation in the world unlike ever before." He linked the reforms to broader diplomatic successes, such as Turkey’s handling of the Iran crisis and its stance against external pressures.