Turkey passes law offering amnesty to PKK members pending disarmament

Ankara’s parliament approved legislation on Tuesday that establishes a framework for the reintegration of thousands of former members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) into civilian life, contingent on the militant group’s complete disarmament. The bill, which passed with a majority vote, outlines eligibility criteria, security screenings and a series of social and economic support measures designed to facilitate the transition of ex‑combatants back into Turkish society.

The law stipulates that only individuals who have formally renounced the PKK, surrendered their weapons and undergone a verification process by security authorities will qualify for the program, which includes vocational training, housing assistance and access to healthcare. Government officials emphasized that the initiative aims to promote lasting peace in the southeast and reduce the risk of renewed insurgency, while also signaling a willingness to engage in reconciliation provided the PKK fulfills its disarmament obligations. The passage of the bill marks a significant policy shift in Turkey’s approach to the decades‑long conflict.