The “Law on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Integration”, which was drafted as part of the process and adopted by the General Assembly of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, has been published in the Official Gazette. “The Council, as defined in the Act and to be chaired by the Vice-President, has been established following the publication of the Act,” said Yılmaz, adding, “Our ministers and institutions serving as Council members have also commenced work within their respective areas of responsibility. “We plan to hold the Council’s first meeting on Monday, 24 August.
At this meeting, we will discuss the Council’s working procedures and principles, as well as the sub-committees to be formed in line with the requirements of the disarmament and dissolution process. Furthermore, assessments may be made regarding matters that Council members may raise and which require coordination between our institutions,” he said. MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli also made statements to the Türkgün newspaper, which is known for its proximity to his party.
Bahçeli delivered messages regarding the process referred to by the regime as ‘A Turkey Free of Terrorism’. “The full success of this process will only be possible once, beyond the terrorist organisation laying down its arms, the elimination of any political ideology that condones terrorism in any way, or that relies on terrorism or vandalism, and the end of the divisive mindset.” Bahçeli added, “The aim of ‘A Turkey Free of Terrorism’ is not only the elimination of terrorist elements in the mountains, but also the dismantling of radicalised and marginalised structures, and the complete eradication of violence.” ‘DEMİRTAŞ AND YÜKSEKDAĞ WILL BE RELEASED’ Speaking to İLKE TV, DEM Party Deputy Co-Chair Tayip Temel said, “Everyone except 700–800 people is being released from prison.” Temel added, “I believe the number of releases is close to 4,000. The situation of those excluded from the scope will be assessed by the periodic committee, which will examine these cases one by one… Therefore, what we see is this: if a paradigm shift takes place, the state must ensure that no one remains behind,” he stated.
Temel added, “Our Co-Chairs, Figen Yüksekdağ and Selahattin Demirtaş, have also faced PKK-related charges. Consequently, they are all being released. I believe this figure is close to 4,000,” he explained.
THE LAW’S SCOPE REMAINS TOO NARROW Responding to criticisms that the scope of the law is too narrow, Temel said, “In an environment where weapons have been laid down and those released have integrated into society and democratic life, Can Atalay would not remain in prison, nor would Bekir Kaya. This is a matter of atmosphere. We have fought hard for this law to cover all anti-democratic practices and those imprisoned for their political views.
But because we are faced with a mindset focused on the PKK laying down its arms, the scope remained narrow," he said. Note: This article is translated from the original article titled Kurul ilk toplantıyı haftaya yapacak, published in BirGün newspaper on August 19, 2026.
