WAN — Doğukan Kudat, Chair of the Dersim Bar Association, called on the Union of Turkish Bar Associations (TBB) to establish legal monitoring and observation committees in light of ongoing talks around the resolution of the Kurdish issue. Hakkari (Colemêrg) Bar Association Chair Ergün Canan added, “A commission will be formed in Parliament, followed by legal reforms.”
On June 17–18, the chairs of 16 bar associations from the Kurdistan region visited the Turkish Parliament to meet with representatives of parliamentary parties and Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş. During the meetings, they submitted a 17-article proposal addressing legal and democratic reforms for a peaceful resolution, including recognition of language and cultural rights and an end to centralized control over local administrations.
‘POSITIVE RESPONSE TO OUR PROPOSALS’
Dersim Bar Chair Kudat said the meetings were constructive: “Political parties responded positively. We offered to contribute legally to the process. However, the public remains concerned due to the lack of constitutional guarantees and the closed nature of the talks.” Emphasizing the importance of transparency and inclusive reforms, he added: “If the public sees sincerity, they’ll support it.”
CALL FOR RELEASE OF ILL PRISONERS
Kudat highlighted urgent legal needs, particularly the release of ill prisoners: “We expected reforms in the latest judicial package, but nothing came. We were informed by Speaker Kurtulmuş that releases are being considered, but we insist they must happen unconditionally.” He also criticized prison monitoring boards for delaying releases and courts for blocking them despite completed sentences.
ECOLOGICAL ISSUES RAISED
Kudat noted that ecological concerns were also discussed: “Large-scale energy and mining projects in the Tigris-Euphrates basin are destroying the environment. We called for these to be treated as rights issues. Likewise, minefields under the Ottawa Convention remain uncleared, endangering lives.”
He called on the TBB to monitor the legal aspects of the process: “This shouldn’t be limited to us. TBB must observe how laws are being shaped. We bar associations are ready to engage.”
‘MEANINGFUL MEETINGS’ WITH PARLIAMENT
Colemêrg Bar Chair Ergün Canan described the meetings as “hopeful and significant”: “We presented our file to Parliament. The discussion with the Speaker gave us the sense that the process is moving positively on both sides.”
Canan emphasized the need for legal reforms to accompany political steps: “Though the PKK has declared its disarmament, Parliament and the government have yet to fulfill their role. Legal steps are essential, and immediate action is needed—especially for around 1,000 ill and elderly prisoners.”
‘A DUTY FOR PARLIAMENT’
He also stressed the importance of the “right to hope” and improving Abdullah Öcalan’s detention conditions: “Öcalan himself urged prioritizing urgent humanitarian issues. Parliament now has a great responsibility. A commission will be formed, and legal changes will follow. All sides must fulfil their part.”
MA / Adnan Bilen