Police for the People — or Are the People a Threat to the Authorities? Balkan Is Being Prepared for a Celebration Like a State of Emergency

Police for the People — or Are the People a Threat to the Authorities? Balkan Is Being Prepared for a Celebration Like a State of Emergency Turkmenistan is once again preparing for a celebration. But judging by what is happening in Balkan Region, the preparations look less like the 35th anniversary of independence and more like preparations for a state of emergency. According to Radio Azatlyk on 8 September, security measures have been sharply intensified in Balkanabat and Turkmenbashi. The outlet’s sources say they have never seen so many police officers on the streets in all 35 years of independence. Police are reportedly stationed near government institutions, banks and intersections, while citizens and residential properties are being subjected to checks. Particular attention is being paid to people arriving from other regions. Individuals temporarily staying in Balkanabat and Turkmenbashi are reportedly being detained and sent back to their places of registration. According to Azatlyk’s sources, they are treated almost like “criminals” and ordered to leave the cities until the celebrations are over. But apparently, even that is not enough. Police are also reportedly stopping men because of long hair, beards or “inappropriate” clothing, ordering them to cut their hair, shave and change their appearance. People who consume alcohol are also reportedly being detained and, according to residents, may subsequently be sent to work in cotton fields for up to 20 days. This raises a very simple question for Turkmenistan’s law enforcement authorities: Officers, what exactly are you checking? Whether citizens are safe? Whether anyone needs help? Whether families have enough money for food and utilities? Whether women and children are protected from violence? Whether people’s rights are being respected? Or are the checks about something else: whether a person is dressed “properly,” whether their hair is short enough, whether they are registered in the “right” place and, most importantly, whether they pose any threat to the authorities’ sense of security? The police do not exist to protect the state from its own population. Their duty is to protect people — their safety, dignity and rights. It is particularly symbolic that all of this is taking place ahead of the Halk Maslahaty meeting on 23 September and Independence Day celebrations on 27 September. While official rhetoric will once again speak of stability, prosperity and national unity, the streets present a very different picture: the louder the claims of prosperity become, the more police officers seem to be needed to protect that image. If, after 35 years of independence, the state needs to check residential properties, remove citizens from cities, police beards, hairstyles and clothing, and deploy an unprecedented number of law enforcement officers simply to hold its own national celebration, perhaps the problem is not the population at all. Perhaps it is time for the authorities to stop checking their citizens — and start examining their own policies. Source: Radio Azatlyk, 8 September 2026.