Transnational Repression Against Turkmen Civil Activists Statement by the Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “Dayanch” – Turkmenistan

Transnational Repression Against Turkmen Civil Activists Statement by the Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “Dayanch” – Turkmenistan Distinguished Chair, Esteemed representatives of the OSCE participating States, Dear colleagues, The Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “Dayanch” – Turkmenistan would like to draw attention to a deeply concerning issue — transnational repression against Turkmen civil activists and human rights defenders. In recent years, a number of Turkmen civil activists have become victims of persecution, detention, forced deportation, disappearances, and other forms of pressure outside Turkmenistan, including on the territories of Türkiye and the Russian Federation. Among those affected are: Merdan Muhammedov, Farhad Meymankuliyev, Rovshen Klychev, Azat Isakov, Malikberdy Allamyradov, Serdar Durdalyyev, Saddam Gulamov, Jumasapar Dedebayev, Perhat Genjiev, Maksat Baymyradov, and Dowran Imamov. Of particular concern is the case of civil activist Umida Bekjanova, who has been held in a deportation center in Türkiye since May 2025. Another alarming case is the disappearance of two Turkmen civil activists — Alisher Sakhatov and Abdulla Orusov, who went missing on 24 July 2025 in Edirne, Türkiye, after leaving a deportation center. To this day, their whereabouts remain unknown. According to information from independent sources, there are indications that they may have been forcibly transferred to Turkmenistan. Reports suggest that a cargo aircraft commander, Amangeldi Amangeldiyev, may have been involved in their transportation and was allegedly awarded a medal afterward. Several independent sources also indicate that the two activists may currently be held in Turkmenistan. However, neither the authorities of Türkiye nor Turkmenistan have provided official clarification or conducted a transparent investigation into this case. This situation raises serious concerns about the safety of Turkmen civil activists outside their country. It leads to a fundamental question: since when have freedom of expression and civic engagement become grounds for persecution, abduction, or disappearance? Today, many Turkmen activists and human rights defenders remain under threat of abduction, forced return, deportation, and other forms of transnational pressure, while effective international protection mechanisms remain insufficient. During previous OSCE meetings in Poland, we proposed several measures aimed at improving the protection of activists. In particular, we called for: the creation of a humanitarian safe corridor for Turkmen activists and human rights defenders in Türkiye who face the risk of abduction or forced deportation; the development of emergency protection mechanisms, particularly for women activists and families with children; the establishment of crisis centers under the auspices of UNHCR, where activists could safely remain while awaiting relocation to safe third countries. We would also like to emphasize that Diana Dadasheva, Zarina Akhtyamova, and Gülala Hasanova, as well as other Turkmen women activists and human rights defenders, are currently among those facing heightened risks and require urgent international protection. We would also like to draw attention to the fact that Türkiye has in a number of cases denied protection to Turkmen activists and human rights defenders, which significantly limits their ability to access international protection mechanisms, including resettlement procedures through UNHCR. As a result, many individuals are left in an extremely vulnerable situation — facing the risk of deportation while being unable to access effective international protection. At the same time, we believe it is important to openly address another issue that we previously raised at the OSCE. Some Turkmen human rights organizations and independent NGOs operating outside Turkmenistan unfortunately fail to provide adequate and equal assistance to Turkmen activists and human rights defenders who are in danger. According to numerous appeals received from activists, assistance from some of these structures is often selective. Activists report that when their views do not align with the positions of certain representatives of these organizations, they may face pressure, lack of support, or refusal of assistance. There have also been complaints about rude, arrogant, or humiliating treatment, as well as the absence of practical support and financial assistance in urgent situations. In some cases, individuals who are already in extremely vulnerable circumstances report experiencing insults or degrading treatment from those who are expected to provide solidarity and professional support. Such practices further aggravate the already difficult situation of Turkmen citizens, many of whom have already become victims of repression, forced migration, and threats to their personal security. For this reason, we previously called — and continue to call today — for monitoring the activities of Turkmen human rights organizations and independent NGOs operating abroad, in order to ensure that their work is conducted with transparency, accountability, non-discrimination, and a genuine commitment to supporting those at risk. It was precisely after encountering these problems — both transnational repression and the lack of consistent and impartial support mechanisms — that we established the independent Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “Dayanch” – Turkmenistan, in order to ensure that citizens, activists, and human rights defenders can receive assistance without fear, pressure, humiliation, or political dependence. We call on OSCE participating States and international organizations to: pay increased attention to cases of transnational repression against Turkmen activists and human rights defenders; support transparent investigations into cases of disappearance, abduction, and forced deportation; strengthen international protection mechanisms for activists and human rights defenders at risk; support the creation of humanitarian protection mechanisms and safe corridors for activists in danger; encourage transparency and non-discriminatory practices among organizations providing assistance to Turkmen activists. Further information and documented cases are available on our website: https://dayanchcivil.com⁠� Thank you for your attention.