To the Government of the Republic of Austria

To the Government of the Republic of Austria Dear Sir or Madam, The Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “Dayanç” (Turkmenistan) expresses its serious concern regarding the planned visit of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, to the Republic of Austria. We consider it necessary to underline that the status and authority of this official lack clear and transparent legal grounding within internationally recognized democratic frameworks, raising legitimate concerns regarding the legitimacy of such international engagements. In this regard, we call on the Government of Austria to refrain from officially receiving him, as well as from engaging in political, economic, or any other form of cooperation with representatives of the Turkmen authorities until fundamental human rights and freedoms are ensured in Turkmenistan, including: freedom of expression freedom of movement and access to identity documents an end to enforced disappearances an end to transnational repression against civil activists the right to family reunification establishment of an independent judiciary fair wages in line with international standards economic justice and affordability of essential goods freedom and independence of the media genuine dialogue between the state and civil society We draw particular attention to the alarming case of the disappearance of civil activists Alisher Sakhatov and Abdulla Orusov on July 24, 2025. According to independent sources, they were forcibly transported on the same day aboard a cargo aircraft. This case raises serious concerns regarding their fate and requires an independent international investigation. This case is not isolated. According to international human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, Turkmen citizens in Türkiye have faced risks of deportation, disappearance, and serious human rights violations: https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/07/30/turkiye-turkmen-risking-deportation-reported-missing⁠� Human Rights Watch has also documented systematic denial of passports to Turkmen citizens abroad, effectively trapping them and violating their freedom of movement: https://www.hrw.org/report/2024/11/11/its-i-live-cage/turkmen-authorities-denial-passports-turkmen-citizens-turkiye⁠� Furthermore, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) continues to highlight serious and ongoing human rights violations in Turkmenistan: https://www.uscirf.gov/countries/turkmenistan⁠� Additional independent reporting and documentation are available here: https://share.google/HVX7weQ6bFb2L1OoX⁠� We further report systemic human rights violations in Turkmenistan, including: forced labor practices compulsory financial exactions imposed on citizens extremely low wages widespread corruption signs of economic collapse mass labor migration violations of the rights of women and children deteriorating infrastructure in regions These realities are often concealed behind the façade of prosperity in cities such as Ashgabat and Arkadag. The Republic of Austria is a democratic state founded on the principles of the rule of law and respect for human rights. In this regard, we express our hope that Austria will take a principled position and stand in solidarity with the people of Turkmenistan, whose rights are systematically violated. We demand: respect for human rights in Turkmenistan adherence to the Constitution of Turkmenistan compliance with international legal obligations Until these issues are addressed, we strongly urge you to refrain from supporting the current regime. Respectfully, Chairperson Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “Dayanç” Turkmenistan https://www.dayanchcivil.com/⁠�