In recent years, Turkmenistan has stepped up repression of political activists, especially those who have fled the country and found refuge in other countries. The regime under Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has launched large-scale special operations abroad aimed at abducting and forcibly returning its critics and opponents to Turkmenistan. These actions, covered up by accusations of terrorism, links to criminal structures, drug trafficking and attempts to overthrow the government, are part of the regime’s strategy to suppress any dissent. This is evidenced by numerous published interviews with human rights defenders and refugees, in reports by human rights organizations such as Amnesty International, as well as in reports on human rights violations in Turkmenistan.
The Case of Farhad Meymankuliev and Others
One of the most high-profile cases was the August 2023 abduction of Farhad Meymankuliev, an activist who criticized the Turkmen government. Meimankuliev was held in a deportation camp in Turkey, where he was awaiting consideration of his case for political asylum. However, contrary to international norms and procedures, he was kidnapped and secretly brought to Turkmenistan. According to human rights activists, the Turkmen security services falsified documents and agreed with the Turkish authorities to deport Meimankuliev under the pretext of fighting terrorism. Immediately after his deportation, Meimankuliev was tortured, and nothing is known about his subsequent fate. This case demonstrates how Turkmenistan, in cooperation with authoritarian states, uses repression beyond its borders to suppress the opposition.
Meimankuliev’s kidnapping is not an isolated incident. In early August 2024, Merdan Mukhamedov was detained and deported. The Turkish authorities denied him the right to a defense, deprived him of access to a lawyer, and quickly extradited him to Turkmenistan. Mukhamedov’s fate remains unknown, raising serious concerns for his safety. This case is also just the latest in a series of forced deportations of Turkmen activists.
Other activists, such as Perhat Gendzhiev, Rovshan Klichev and many others, have also been expelled from Turkey after criticizing the Turkmen government. The whereabouts of these citizens remain unknown, and their relatives and lawyers have no access to information about their fate. In Turkmenistan, such people are usually sentenced to long prison terms, and lawyers are not allowed to defend the rights of the accused. Inside the country, it is almost impossible to defend one’s rights, and abroad, critics of the government risk becoming victims of falsified criminal cases, under which they are forcibly deported to their homeland.
Turkmenistan’s special operations in Turkey
Over the past few years, Turkmenistan has stepped up its special operations in Turkey aimed at capturing and forcibly returning opposition members and civil society activists. These operations are carried out in close cooperation with the Turkish authorities and are conducted behind closed doors, which deprives the abducted people of the opportunity to defend their rights. The most interesting thing is that the Turkish authorities do not properly check the charges filed by Turkmenistan, which leads to the immediate deportation of people to their homeland. Human rights activists say that Turkey is effectively sending activists to certain death, without providing them with the right to defense and violating international human rights standards.
People detained as part of these operations are usually accused of crimes that have no evidence base, after which they are secretly transferred to Turkmenistan. After deportation, those arrested usually face brutal torture and inhumane conditions of detention. Human rights organizations have repeatedly stated about human rights violations in such cases, but the Berdymukhamedov regime continues to use these methods to retain power.
International reaction
Turkmenistan’s actions are condemned by the international community and human rights organizations. However, despite the resonance and allegations of human rights violations, the states cooperating with Turkmenistan in these operations often turn a blind eye to what is happening. This sets a dangerous precedent in which authoritarian regimes can pursue their opponents abroad without hindrance. And most interestingly, Turkmenistan continues to strengthen its repressive policies, which requires a tougher and more consistent response from the international community. Such actions not only violate international norms, but also create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity for all who oppose the government.
