Stadium Inspected — Human Rights Ignored: Forced Mobilization of Citizens at Football Events in Turkmenistan

Statement of the Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” Following state media reports that Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov “inspected the readiness of the Olympic Stadium in Ashgabat” ahead of the football match between FC Arkadag and Al-Nassr, the Human Rights Platform DAYANÇ finds it necessary to draw attention to the ongoing human rights violations that accompany such showcase events. Authorities speak about lighting, grass quality, and international standards — yet completely ignore the human cost behind these staged displays. Forced Attendance Is Systematic For years, students and public sector employees in Turkmenistan have been: — forcibly sent to stadiums — required to remain for hours without proper conditions — often without hot drinks, food, or protection from extreme weather — at the expense of their studies, work responsibilities, personal time, and health Refusal frequently leads to pressure, threats, academic consequences, or workplace sanctions. Manufactured Crowds for Propaganda One of the most troubling practices includes: — forcing students to memorize chants — organizing “crowds” for television broadcasts — creating an illusion of popular enthusiasm under administrative control This is not sport. This is coercion and manipulation. International Appeals Have Been Sent The Human Rights Platform DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan has officially addressed: — FIFA — Al-Nassr Football Club — Cristiano Ronaldo personally These letters detailed the real human rights situation in Turkmenistan, including the forced mobilization of citizens for mass sporting events. The international sports community must not remain silent while human rights are violated in the name of spectacle. “Inspection” Rings Hollow Amid Abuses Speaking about “international standards” while ignoring: — forced labor and coercion — violations of the right to education and rest — pressure on students and state employees is deeply cynical. As long as people are compelled to fill stadiums under threat, no inspection can be called progress in sport. Football Must Be Voluntary — Not Forced Football should unite people by choice, not by order. Using sport as a propaganda tool at the expense of human dignity is unacceptable. DAYANÇ calls for: • an immediate end to forced attendance at public events • respect for citizens’ freedom of choice and personal time • an end to pressure on students and public sector workers • decent conditions at any voluntary public gatherings Human rights are more important than any staged “stadium readiness.” Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan