Dear Sir/Madam, The Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ” / Turkmenistan hereby expresses its serious concern regarding reports published by Radio Azatlyk indicating that citizens of Turkmenistan under the age of 60 are being effectively prevented from attending mosques. According to the available information, representatives of law enforcement bodies and security services are restricting access to religious institutions without any publicly disclosed legal basis. If confirmed, such practices constitute a direct violation of the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. Turkmenistan is constitutionally defined as a secular state. Secularism implies state neutrality in religious matters and guarantees equal protection of religious rights for all citizens. It does not authorize interference in peaceful religious practice or discrimination based on age. Freedom of religion is protected under: – The Constitution of Turkmenistan; – Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; – Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Turkmenistan is a State Party. Any restriction on religious practice must be prescribed by law and strictly necessary for the protection of public safety, order, health, or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others. Age-based restrictions imposed without transparent legal justification are incompatible with international human rights standards. We respectfully call for: 1. Official clarification regarding the legal grounds for the reported restrictions; 2. Full compliance with constitutional and international guarantees of freedom of religion; 3. The immediate cessation of any pressure on citizens related to attendance at religious institutions. Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right and must be protected without discrimination. We urge the competent authorities and relevant international bodies to pay close attention to this matter. Respectfully, Diana Dadasheva Chair Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ” / Turkmenistan https://youtu.be/1X7FR6mY-3g?si=rj6sHyp0yKo1009C
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