Children used for terrorist purposes: PKK analysis

This study aims to understand the reason of individuals, who join the PKK terrorist organization and surrendered, why they join the PKK terrorist organization. The research examines the effects of the participants' experiences in the terrorist organization they joined when they were children, on their motivation to leave and their adaptation to civilian life. In this research conducted with qualitative method, a total of sixteen participants were interviewed and the data obtained were categorized in the MAXQDA qualitative research program. It was found that the participants were in socio-economic difficulties and had low levels of education. It was also observed that the terrorist organization influenced the participants with ideological trainings. It was stated that the terrorist organization exploited economic difficulties and emotional deficiencies and deceived the participants. It has been observed that the PKK uses family problems and economic weaknesses to influence militants. It has been determined that the terrorist organization is trying to change the identities of the militants through ideological and practical training and restricts communication. In the research, the experiences within the organization of the militants of the PKK terrorist organization are also examined. The training given by the terrorist organization to its militants, the prohibition of emotional relationships, the use of child soldiers, injustices within the organization, the impact of security policies and attempts to leave the terrorist organization are discussed. The research also examines motivations for leaving the organization and adaptation processes to civilian life. Participants state that the support of the state and family has positively changed their perceptions of the security forces. Militants set goals in civilian life such as starting a family, continuing their education and getting a job. These experiences highlight the importance of the rehabilitation and reintegration processes of people who leave the terrorist organization.