Paris. World Refugee Day: A Voice for the Victims of Transnational Repression and Political Prisoners of Turkmenistan On June 19, 2026, on the occasion of World Refugee Day, a solo protest was held in the heart of Paris in support of victims of transnational repression and political prisoners of Turkmenistan. The protest was organized and conducted by Diana Dadasheva, Chair of the Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “Dayanch” / Turkmenistan. The event was dedicated to citizens of Turkmenistan who have been subjected to political persecution, enforced disappearances, unlawful deportations, intimidation by state authorities, and who have been forced to leave their homeland in search of safety and protection. The protest was accompanied by a live broadcast featuring representatives of Turkmen civil society, human rights defenders, public figures, and relatives of victims of transnational repression. Among the guests were Lala Abdyrakhmanova, representative of the Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “Dayanch”; Nurjan Suzer, representative of the political organization Democratic Choice of Turkmenistan (DCT); Muhammet Deveji, Chair of the Coordination Council of Democratic Forces of Turkmenistan; Ziuar Niyetbanovna, Chair of the human rights organization Birlik; and Gulala Hasanova, the wife of forcibly disappeared civic activist Alisher Sakhatov. Why Do Citizens of a Resource-Rich Country Become Refugees? One of the central topics of discussion was a question increasingly raised by both Turkmen citizens and the international community: why are citizens of a country possessing some of the world’s largest natural gas reserves forced to leave their homeland and seek refuge abroad? Participants noted that migration from Turkmenistan is driven by a combination of factors. These include economic hardship, unemployment, low wages, rising prices for food and essential goods, limited access to quality healthcare and education, and broader social challenges affecting a significant portion of the population. Particular attention was given to the difficulties faced by young people entering the labor market and by families that rely heavily on remittances from relatives working abroad. According to participants, many citizens leave Turkmenistan in search of employment opportunities, the ability to support their families, access to education for their children, and adequate medical care. For many, migration is not a choice but a necessity for survival. Participants also emphasized that economic and social difficulties are closely linked to restrictions on civil liberties, the absence of independent institutions, and the inability to openly discuss public concerns or seek solutions through legal and democratic channels. In their view, the combination of socio-economic challenges, restrictions on fundamental rights and freedoms, and the lack of effective mechanisms to protect citizens has led thousands of Turkmen citizens to leave the country in search of safety, stability, and a better future. Transnational Repression Remains a Reality Particular attention during the protest was devoted to the issue of transnational repression — the persecution of citizens of Turkmenistan beyond the country’s borders. Participants recalled cases of enforced disappearances, unlawful deportations, abductions, and pressure placed on the relatives of activists. According to speakers, many Turkmen citizens continue to face threats and intimidation even after leaving the country. One of the most alarming cases remains that of civic activists Alisher Sakhatov and Abdulla Orusov, who disappeared after being detained in Turkey. Their whereabouts remain unknown. Speaking during the broadcast, Gulala Hasanova, the wife of Alisher Sakhatov, described her family’s ongoing efforts to determine his fate and called on the international community not to remain indifferent to the suffering of victims of transnational repression. Names That Must Not Be Forgotten During the protest, the names of victims of transnational repression and well-known political prisoners of Turkmenistan were publicly read and honored. Participants emphasized that behind every name is a human life, a family, and a story of resilience, dignity, and the pursuit of justice. They noted that many political prisoners have remained imprisoned for years, while information regarding their health, legal status, and conditions of detention remains inaccessible to independent observers and international human rights organizations. The participants paid tribute to those who have become victims of political persecution and expressed solidarity with families who continue to seek truth and accountability. A Call to the Authorities of Turkmenistan During the protest, participants called upon the authorities of Turkmenistan to respect the country’s Constitution and fulfill its international human rights obligations. They stressed that state institutions should protect the rights and freedoms of citizens rather than use governmental structures to persecute peaceful activists, human rights defenders, journalists, and bloggers. Particular attention was given to the need to end pressure on civil society, guarantee freedom of expression, and create conditions for open public dialogue. According to the participants, criticizing the government, engaging in human rights work, and peacefully expressing one’s views should never be treated as criminal acts. Freedom of Expression Is Not a Crime The organizers reminded the public that freedom of expression is a fundamental human right protected both by the Constitution of Turkmenistan and by international treaties to which the country is a party. The protest in Paris became a symbol of solidarity with those persecuted for their beliefs and a reminder to the international community that the human rights situation in Turkmenistan requires continued attention and action. Participants expressed hope that all victims of transnational repression will be located, that political prisoners will be released, and that those responsible for human rights violations will be held accountable in accordance with the law. A person can be silenced. A person can be deprived of freedom. A person can be forced to leave their homeland. But their name, dignity, and pursuit of justice can never be erased. --- Video of the Protest 📹 English-language broadcast and recording of the protest: https://youtu.be/sHRknUtrJFg?is=STJjy28pi0GfU6lU Organizer Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “Dayanch” / Turkmenistan Photo and Video Source Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “Dayanch” / Turkmenistan Contact Information 📧 dayanch.civil@gmail.com 🌐 https://dayanchplatform.com The views expressed by the participants of the protest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board.
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