The Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “Dayanç” (Turkmenistan) expresses serious concern regarding an incident that took place in Dubai involving a citizen of Turkmenistan, Maral. According to available information, employees of the Turkmen diplomatic mission filed a complaint with the law enforcement authorities of the United Arab Emirates, accusing Maral of prostitution. Based on this complaint, she was detained and held in police custody for two days. During the investigation, these allegations were not substantiated. This case вызывает not only concern due to its groundlessness, but also because of the nature of the actions themselves. Instead of protecting their citizens, diplomatic structures—whose mission is to provide assistance and support—are using their authority to exert pressure, discredit, and intimidate. Particular concern arises from the fact that the victim is a woman with young children, which makes such actions even more cynical and inhumane. We consider this incident as yet another manifestation of a systemic practice of pressure against Turkmen citizens abroad. Such cases are not isolated—human rights defenders regularly document instances of persecution, threats, and attempts to discredit civil activists by representatives of Turkmen diplomatic missions. This policy is aimed at suppressing freedom of expression and eliminating any form of civic activity. Instead of addressing internal problems and ensuring the rights of their citizens, efforts are being made to silence those who openly speak about human rights violations. The Human Rights Platform “Dayanç” emphasizes that freedom of expression is an inalienable and internationally protected right, and it must not serve as grounds for persecution. We intend to bring this incident to the attention of the international community, human rights organizations, and relevant institutions in order to ensure accountability and prevent similar cases in the future. We call for an objective and independent investigation into the actions of the diplomatic mission staff, as well as for the protection of the rights of Turkmen citizens abroad. The case of Maral is not just an isolated incident. It reflects a deeper problem in which state structures are used not to protect citizens, but against them. There is no place in the modern world for intimidation, pressure, and persecution for telling the truth. The state must serve its citizens — not fight against them.
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