YOU CAN ABDUCT A PERSON, BUT YOU CANNOT ERASE THEIR NAME

YOU CAN ABDUCT A PERSON, BUT YOU CANNOT ERASE THEIR NAME International Solidarity and Remembrance Action for Victims of Transnational Repression Against Citizens of Turkmenistan 19 June 2026 The public and political organization Democratic Choice of Turkmenistan (DCT), under the leadership of Murat Klychevich Kurbanov, together with the Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “Dayanch” / Turkmenistan, is organizing an international action of solidarity and remembrance dedicated to civil activists, human rights defenders, bloggers, and political exiles who have become victims of transnational repression. On this day, we will honor and remember those who have been forcibly deported, abducted, unlawfully transferred to the authorities of Turkmenistan, subjected to political persecution, or victims of enforced disappearance because of their civic engagement, human rights work, or peaceful exercise of freedom of expression. We will express our solidarity with and remember the lives and fates of: Alisher Sahatov Abdulla Orusov Merdan Muhammedov Azat Isakov Maral Annayeva Serdar Durdaliyev Malikberdi Allamyradov Rovshen Klychev Maksat Baymiradov Perhat Genjiyev Omurzak Omerkuliyev Jumasapar Dedebayev and many other citizens of Turkmenistan who have suffered from transnational repression, politically motivated persecution, and serious human rights violations. A special part of this action will be dedicated to Merdan Muhammedov, who became a victim of transnational repression in June 2024. After being detained in Turkey, he was forcibly deported to Turkmenistan despite warnings from international human rights organizations regarding the serious risk of persecution. He was later prosecuted in a closed trial and sentenced to a lengthy prison term. His case has become one of the most prominent examples of the persecution of Turkmen activists beyond the borders of their homeland. Today, authorities may attempt to hide people's fates, isolate them from society, silence their voices, or erase their names from public memory. Yet memory is stronger than fear. You can abduct a person, but you cannot erase their name. We call on international organizations, human rights defenders, journalists, parliamentarians, and all people of conscience to support this action and demand: the disclosure of the fate and whereabouts of forcibly disappeared citizens of Turkmenistan; an end to transnational repression; respect for international obligations to protect refugees, activists, and human rights defenders; the release of political prisoners; accountability for those responsible for human rights violations. Their names continue to be spoken. Their stories continue to live on. We remember. We demand justice. 19 June 2026 Democratic Choice of Turkmenistan (DCT) Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “Dayanch” / Turkmenistan Freedom of expression is not a crime. Transnational repression must end. Justice has no statute of limitations.