Transnational Repression by Turkmenistan: Abductions, Forced Deportations and Disappearances of Civil Activists

Transnational Repression by Turkmenistan: Abductions, Deportations and Silence Statement of the Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANCH / Turkmenistan” Turkmenistan continues to systematically employ transnational repression against its own citizens — activists, journalists, human rights defenders and critics of the regime. Abductions, enforced disappearances and forced deportations beyond national borders have become instruments of intimidation and silencing. Disappearance of Alisher Sakhatov and Abdulla Orusov On July 24, 2025, in the city of Edirne, Turkey, civil activists Alisher Sakhatov and Abdulla Orusov disappeared immediately after leaving a deportation detention center. At that time, they were under the responsibility of the Turkish authorities. Since then, no official information about their whereabouts has been provided. Credible information indicates that they were abducted and transferred to the authorities of Turkmenistan. Their families and the public remain completely uninformed about their fate. Forced Deportations from the Russian Federation From the territory of the Russian Federation, the following individuals were abducted and forcibly transferred to Turkmenistan: — Azat Isakov — Malikberdy Allamyradov — Saddam Gulamov These actions constitute serious violations of international law, including the principle of non-refoulement. Forced Deportations from Turkey From the territory of Turkey, the following activists were abducted and transferred to Turkmenistan: — Merdan Mukhammedov — Farhad Meimankuliev — Rovshen Klychev — Serdar Durdalyev — Omurzak Omerkuliev — Perhat Gendzhiev — Maksat Bayramyradov — Jumasapar Dedebaev Umida Bekjanova Civil activist Umida Bekjanova has been held in a deportation detention center in Turkey since May 2025 and remains under direct threat of abduction and forced transfer to Turkmenistan. Activists Under Threat Dozens of Turkmen activists remain under constant threat of abduction, including: — Zarina Akhtyamova — Diana Dadasheva — Ahmed Rahmanov — and many other human rights defenders and civil activists. Political Prisoners in Turkmenistan We also remind the international community about the political prisoners in present-day Turkmenistan: — Murat Dushemov — Allamurat Korkhanov — Mansur Mingelov — Murat Ovezov — and many others whose names remain concealed by the system. They are imprisoned for their beliefs, for telling the truth, and for defending human dignity. Transnational Repression Has No Statute of Limitations Transnational repression is an international crime that has no statute of limitations. Abductions, enforced disappearances, and forced deportations must be investigated and prosecuted regardless of time or political circumstances. Our Principle Freedom of expression is not a privilege. Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right. Activists are the voice of the people. The voice of justice. The voice of conscience. We cannot remain silent when crimes are committed against our own people and against humanity. Our Demands The Human Rights Platform “DAYANCH / Turkmenistan” demands: — Immediate disclosure of the fate of Alisher Sakhatov and Abdulla Orusov; — An end to forced deportations and abductions; — An international investigation into Turkmenistan’s transnational repression practices; — Protection for Turkmen activists abroad; — The release of all political prisoners. Conclusion Silence is complicity. Truth is protection. Memory is responsibility. We will continue to speak. We will continue to remind. We will continue to demand justice. Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANCH / Turkmenistan”