Turkish parliament passes peace framework for PKK disarmament

On Monday, August 10, 2026, the Turkish parliament approved a landmark legal framework aimed at ending the decades-long insurgency of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The legislation passed with 468 votes in favor out of 562 lawmakers present, following nearly 10 hours of intense debate. This initiative is supported by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling alliance, the pro-Kurdish DEM Party, and several opposition groups. The conflict, which began in 1984, has resulted in the deaths of approximately 40,000 people.

The new law establishes conditions for the disarmament and reintegration of militants currently based in northern Iraq. It provides for the potential return of lower-ranking members who have not been involved in serious crimes or killings, while explicitly excluding senior leaders, those serving aggravated life sentences, and PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan. Government officials emphasized that the measure is intended to facilitate a structured disarmament process rather than serve as a blanket amnesty. This development follows a formal announcement by the PKK in May 2025 regarding its intent to disband and disarm, signaling a significant shift in the region's security landscape.