Turkey's Mehmet Uçum details 'Terror-Free Turkey' transition process

Mehmet Uçum, Presidential Advisor and Deputy Chairman of the Legal Policies Board, has provided an assessment of the 'Terror-Free Turkey' transition process. He stated that significant progress has been made toward this goal and that the completion of this phase will lead to a new era of major reforms.

The process is governed by Law No. 7595, regarding the Strengthening of National Solidarity and Social Integration, which was published in the Official Gazette on August 18, 2026. Uçum clarified that this is a transition process rather than a traditional solution process. The legal framework includes a postponement mechanism that requires a National Security Council decision confirming the end of the organization's physical presence and the surrender of weapons and ammunition.

Regarding Abdullah Öcalan, Uçum addressed the housing provided to him on İmralı. He described the facility as a unit attached to the prison building, designed to create a working environment appropriate for his role. He dismissed interpretations of this arrangement as privileges or releases, labeling such views as ‘not well-intentioned.’

Under the law, eligible individuals must apply within six months of the announcement. Following a judicial review of their crimes and status, a postponement may be granted. If no terror-related crimes are committed during the postponement period, the individual's legal status may result in a decision of non-prosecution, dismissal, or the conclusion of the sentence.