TURKMENISTAN: FREEDOM OF RELIGION UNDER SYSTEMIC PRESSURE

TURKMENISTAN: FREEDOM OF RELIGION UNDER SYSTEMIC PRESSURE (Based on the USCIRF 2026 Report) According to the 2026 Annual Report of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), the situation of religious freedom in Turkmenistan remains крайне severe. In 2025, conditions for believers in the country were assessed as poor. The government continues to enforce restrictive legislation aimed at controlling all religious groups. Particular pressure is placed on Muslims whose beliefs do not conform to the state-approved interpretation of Islam, as well as on members of other religious minorities. Key Violations Authorities systematically restrict religious activities, including: worship services distribution of religious literature religious education The 2016 Religion Law effectively bans unregistered religious activity. The 2015 Law on Countering Extremism is used as a tool of repression, allowing authorities to arbitrarily target believers. Persecution and Imprisonment According to the report, dozens of believers have been convicted on “extremism” charges for peaceful religious activity. Among them: Muslim Amanmuradov — sentenced to 15 years in prison Annarat Ataev — 15 years Merdan Gurbanov, Meret Ovezov, Akhmet Mammetnurdiev, Begdjek Bekdjekov, Junazar Khojamberdiev — long-term imprisonment Said Nursidin — convicted for religious practice Kemal Saparov and Kakajan Halbaev — 15 years for religious discussions Ashyraly Bekdjekov — 23 years in prison Bahram Saparov — 15 years for organizing an unregistered religious group Torture and Ill-Treatment The report notes that torture is used in places of detention. In particular, there are reports of severe abuse of Muslim Saparov. The actual number of deaths in custody is likely higher than officially reported. State Control and Pressure Authorities: prohibit unauthorized religious gatherings persecute individuals for practicing their faith compel participation in state-organized events pressure imams to promote state ideology During Ramadan, control intensifies: citizens are discouraged or prevented from fasting religious practices are restricted raids and detentions are carried out Targeting Religious Minorities Particular pressure is directed at: Jehovah’s Witnesses — especially for conscientious objection to military service independent Muslim groups other religious minorities Reported measures include: arrests forced labor fines intimidation by security services Arbitrary Detention and Abuse Security forces: detain individuals on vague “extremism” charges force renunciation of religious beliefs subject detainees to humiliation (e.g., forced shaving of beards) use psychological and physical pressure Overall Assessment USCIRF emphasizes that Turkmenistan remains one of the most closed countries in the world, where: freedom of the press is severely restricted access to information is limited independent reporting is крайне difficult and dangerous Recommendations The Commission recommends: maintaining Turkmenistan’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) imposing targeted sanctions on responsible officials freezing their assets and restricting entry into the United States linking international cooperation to improvements in human rights