Turkish Parliament Passes Conditional Pardon Bill for PKK Fighters

The Turkish parliament approved a bill on Monday with a 468-88 vote to offer a conditional pardon to PKK fighters, marking a significant step toward ending a conflict that began in 1984.

The legislation allows for the release of approximately 3,500 detainees in the initial phase and suspends prosecutions for certain offenses for five to 10 years for those who disarm.

The conflict has resulted in over 40,000 deaths and significant economic strain, with this move following a call for disarmament made 18 months ago by jailed PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan.