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TURKEY: Clemency bill to encourage Kurds to lay down arms
Turkish Interior Minister Abdulkadir Aksu has announced a draft bill aimed at encouraging Kurdish rebels to lay down their arms, including outright pardons and sentence reductions. "This is a new and very serious step by the government to establish social peace," Mr Aksu said. The draft bill envisages outright pardons for militants who have not committed crimes other than being members of outlawed groups, and who have surrendered to authorities. The sentences of those who have committed violent acts will be significantly reduced if they supply authorities with information about their underground activities. However, the Minister says senior leaders and commanders are excluded from the scope of the legislation.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt 2003-06-28 |
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| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=15920 |