Will Demirtaş and Yüksekdağ be released?
RastinewsA bill submitted to Turkey's parliament, the "Law Proposal on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Cohesion," contains articles that directly affect the legal status of jailed politicians Selahattin Demirtaş and Figen Yüksekdağ. The 12-article framework law, drafted solely around the PKK, opens a path into politics for members and leaders of the organization who have not committed murder, while the aggravated life sentence against Demirtaş and the European Court of Human Rights rulings in his case remain unresolved.
WHO IS COVERED, WHO IS NOT?
Covered: Only those linked to the PKK/KCK. Those investigated, prosecuted or convicted for founding or leading the organization, membership, aiding it, propaganda or financing. As long as security agencies find no evidence of intentional killing, even those who took part in armed action can benefit from the law.
Excluded: Those who committed murder in connection with the organization's activities, offenses carrying a life or aggravated life sentence committed before June 1, 2005, and members of organizations other than the PKK.
HOW WOULD THE POLITICAL BAN BE LIFTED?
Those whose sentences, trials or investigations are suspended can return to political life by decision of a board. Under the provision, those whose sentences are suspended for 5 years can join a political party and stand as candidates after 2 years, while those suspended for 10 years can do so after 3 years.
HOW WOULD THE PROCESS WORK?
The clock would start once the National Security Council's confirmation that the organization has disarmed and dissolved itself is published in the Official Gazette.
Applications would be limited to six months from the date of publication; those who do not apply within that period would lose the right.
Applications would be filed with the chief public prosecutor's office in the applicant's location or with authorized institutions, with the relevant prosecutors and courts handling the review.