Urgent Appeal Regarding Torture, Fabricated Charges, and Sexual Abuse of a Child in Turkmenistan

Dear Representatives, The Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” urgently brings to your attention new and deeply disturbing evidence of systematic torture, fabricated criminal cases, and grave human rights violations committed by law enforcement authorities in Turkmenistan. A recently released video published by civic activist Talib Abbasov documents shocking testimonies of brutality by security forces, including: — physical torture and electric shocks — illegal searches without warrants — threats of murder — fabrication of criminal charges — coercion to confess under violence Most alarmingly, the video contains testimony regarding sexual abuse of a nine-year-old girl by law enforcement officers, committed in front of her father as a method of intimidation and pressure. These acts constitute serious violations of international human rights law, including the Convention Against Torture and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. One of the victims, a citizen named Artur, was unlawfully detained after officers forcibly entered his home and allegedly “found” planted evidence in the form of narcotics. He was taken away under direct threats to his life and subjected to torture and humiliation. The full testimony is available here: https://youtu.be/mxt79fAno4I?si=qGFdcKjfeKl7rR5d? Immediate risk to the victim We must emphasize that following the public disclosure of these crimes, Artur now faces a serious and immediate risk of retaliation. In Turkmenistan, individuals who report abuse are routinely subjected to further persecution, enforced disappearances, torture, or extrajudicial punishment. For this reason, we urgently request that: • should Artur seek protection, asylum, or emergency assistance, he be immediately safeguarded • no cooperation be provided to Turkmen authorities that could endanger his life or freedom Our urgent requests We respectfully call on your institution to: Initiate an independent international investigation into the documented acts of torture and child sexual abuse Hold responsible officials accountable under international law Demand access to detention facilities in Turkmenistan by independent monitors Provide protection mechanisms for victims and whistleblowers Publicly condemn the systematic use of torture and repression by Turkmen authorities A pattern of state terror These crimes are not isolated incidents. They reflect a broader system of repression where citizens are tortured, silenced, and punished for speaking the truth. When state institutions engage in torture, sexual violence against children, fabricated prosecutions, and persecution of dissenters, this constitutes: — crimes against humanity — state terror — systematic violation of fundamental human rights Impunity continues to fuel further atrocities. The Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” will continue to document and report every crime committed against the people of Turkmenistan. Silence enables abuse. Accountability saves lives. We urgently request your attention and immediate action. Respectfully, Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan”