The Turkish parliament approves a "limited amnesty" law for Kurdistan Workers' Party fighters

The Turkish parliament approves a "limited amnesty" law for Kurdistan Workers' Party fighters

Erbil (Kurdistan24) - In a step described as "historic", the Turkish parliament, on Monday, approved by 468 votes to 88 against, the draft law "limited amnesty" or the so-called "law of solution", which targets the armed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), paving the way for the release of about 3,500 prisoners.

The formal approval came during a parliamentary session attended by 600 MPs, where the law was supported by 468 MPs, while opposed by 88, and 6 MPs abstained from voting. The move comes after the Parliamentary Justice Committee approved the bill last Saturday, to be sent today to the President of Parliament for discussion and final vote.

The decision comes 18 months after the historic plea by imprisoned Kurdistan Workers' Party leader Abdullah Oglan, in February 2025, in which he called on his fighters to lay down arms and adopt democratic means. Although the new law did not determine the fate of Oglan, 77, it came as one of the fruits of the initiative he launched from his prison in "Emiraly".

The Equality and Democracy of Peoples Party (DEM Party) has played a pivotal role in the diplomatic mediation between Ujelan and the Turkish political establishment since October 2024, with party representatives conducting continuous visits to the Emirali prison to transfer messages and facilitate dialogue.

The law, supported by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) led by President Erdogan and the Kurdish Democratic Party (DEM), provides for the suspension of sanctions and legal proceedings for periods ranging from 5 to 10 years. The first phase is expected to include the release of about 3,500 prisoners associated with the party, equivalent to a third of the total of "Kurdish workers" prisoners in Turkish prisons.