“The Year of International Law” Turkmen-Style: When Law Is Crushed by the Bulldozer of Impunity

“The Year of International Law” Turkmen-Style: When Law Is Crushed by the Bulldozer of Impunity Article by the Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” At the World Government Summit in Dubai, Turkmenistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov solemnly proposed declaring 2028 the “Year of International Law.” It sounds beautiful. Almost ceremonial. But a simple and deeply uncomfortable question arises: what kind of law is a representative of a state talking about — a state where neither international law nor even basic human rights exist? While Turkmen authorities speak about global governance, future alliances, and “sustainable development,” inside the country the rule of law has long been destroyed — systematically, deliberately, and with total impunity. Law That Does Not Exist in Turkmenistan In Turkmenistan: — people are forcibly held in prisons for years without any information provided to their families — activists are kidnapped, intimidated, beaten, and silenced — citizens are arbitrarily banned from leaving the country — people are turned back at airports without explanation — diplomatic missions abroad massively refuse to issue or renew passports, turning thousands into undocumented migrants — freedom of speech does not exist at all — peaceful assemblies are effectively and physically prohibited — any dissent is met with repression — torture and pressure by security forces are routine practices These are not “system errors.” This is the system itself. An Economy of Fear Instead of an Economy of Development Behind the beautiful speeches about global cooperation, the country is sinking into economic crisis: — people survive on miserable wages — debts are growing — labor migration is increasing — families are torn apart — the state refuses dialogue with citizens — complaints are ignored — legal protection is absent The government does not rule by law — it rules by fear. International Law as a Decorative Prop Turkmenistan’s proposal of a “Year of International Law” sounds especially cynical given that the country: — systematically violates the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights — ignores UN recommendations — conceals the fate of forcibly disappeared persons — suppresses all forms of public activity Talking about international law while crushing one’s own citizens is like giving lectures on healthcare while burning hospitals. A Bulldozer Over Law — and Zero Accountability The Turkmen authorities do not merely violate human rights. They have run them over with a bulldozer — openly, arrogantly, and without consequences. Not a single high-ranking official has been held accountable for torture. Not a single security officer for beatings. Not a single leader for repression and destroyed lives. Impunity has become official state policy. A Real “Year of Law” Begins With Respect for People If Turkmen authorities truly want to speak about law, they must begin not at international summits but with basic steps: — end repression — release political prisoners — stop kidnappings and intimidation — guarantee freedom of speech and movement — return citizens’ documents — begin dialogue with society — comply with international obligations Without this, all talk of “international law” is nothing but diplomatic theater. Conclusion In a state where law is destroyed at home, discussions about global legal order sound like mockery. Today’s Turkmenistan is not an example of preventive governance. It is an example of systematic lawlessness. And as long as fear, repression, and impunity rule the country, any initiatives about a “Year of International Law” will look not like concern for the world — but like yet another curtain hiding crimes against its own people. ?? Source: https://www.hronikatm.com/2026/02/r-meredov-vystupil-na-sammite-v-oae-i-vstretilsya-s-ministrami-strany/?