According to the 2026 World Press Freedom Index published on 30 April 2026 by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the situation of media freedom in Central Asia continues to deteriorate. All five states of the region remain in the lower part of the global ranking, and Central Asia as a whole is classified as a region with a “very serious” situation regarding freedom of expression and press freedom. International experts note increasing pressure on journalists, growing censorship, criminal prosecution, media blockages, and restrictions on public access to independent information. Although negative trends are observed throughout the region, Turkmenistan remains the most repressive country in Central Asia with regard to journalism. Turkmenistan Ranked 173rd out of 180 Countries Worldwide In 2026, Turkmenistan ranked 173rd out of 180 countries in the RSF World Press Freedom Index, remaining among the worst-performing countries in the world. On its official country profile for Turkmenistan, RSF describes the situation in unequivocal terms: “News from Turkmenistan, one of the most closed countries in the world, consists solely of praise for the regime.” This assessment accurately reflects the reality in which: State media operate without independence; Journalism has been replaced by propaganda; Criticism of the authorities inside the country is virtually impossible; The population is deprived of access to free and objective information. Systematic Repression of Journalists According to RSF and international human rights organizations, journalists and their sources in Turkmenistan are subjected to: Constant surveillance; Threats and intimidation; Arbitrary detention; Travel bans; Persecution of family members; Forced psychiatric confinement; Professional and informational isolation. RSF characterizes the situation in Turkmenistan as structured, sustained, and absolute repression. Ongoing Persecution of Independent Journalists Particular international concern remains focused on the case of Soltan Achilova, a 77-year-old journalist and one of the last independent reporters still operating inside the country despite years of pressure. In 2024, according to human rights defenders, she was forcibly hospitalized under circumstances widely viewed as an attempt to prevent her from participating in an international event abroad. In the same year, former Radio Azatlyk correspondent Hudaiberdi Allashov died after prolonged illness. According to colleagues and supporters, his health had been severely undermined by years of persecution and pressure. The Case of Alisher Sahatov and Abdulla Orusov Serious concern also persists regarding the fate of Turkmen civil activists Alisher Sahatov and Abdulla Orusov, whose whereabouts remain unknown following their disappearance in July 2025. Their case is regarded by the human rights community as one of the most alarming examples of transnational repression against critics of the Turkmen authorities. Digital Censorship and Public Isolation Turkmenistan maintains one of the harshest internet censorship regimes in the world: Independent international media outlets are blocked; Access to social media platforms is restricted; VPN services are systematically blocked; Citizens’ internet activity is subject to comprehensive monitoring. Such policies further isolate the population from independent sources of information. Conclusion Despite the broader deterioration of press freedom across Central Asia, Turkmenistan remains the country where repression against independent journalism has assumed the most systematic, total, and institutionalized form. Freedom of expression in Turkmenistan is not merely restricted — it is being deliberately dismantled as a public institution. Sources Reporters Without Borders – 2026 World Press Freedom Index https://rsf.org/en/index� RSF Country Profile: Turkmenistan https://rsf.org/en/country/turkmenistan� Azattyq Asia / Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty “Journalism Is Dying”: Press Freedom in Central Asia Assessed as “Very Serious” 30 April 2026 https://rus.azattyq.org/�
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