Turkmenistan: systemic abductions, torture, and violence. Despite documented violations, international actors continue cooperation. We demand immediate action and justice.https://t.co/41KmbFrxd0
SOS! URGENT APPEAL
Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “Dayanç” / Turkmenistan
Freedom for Maral Annaeva and her children!
The Human Rights Platform of the civil movement “Dayanç” appeals to the international community, human rights organizations, diplomatic missions, and all those who care:
Today we are compelled to speak about a shocking case that once again demonstrates systemic human rights violations against citizens of Turkmenistan.
On April 15, 2026, civil activist Maral Annaeva was forcibly deported from the United Arab Emirates to Turkmenistan together with her two minor daughters — Melek (12) and Nezli (10).
According to available information, Maral Annaeva had previously been subjected to domestic violence by her husband, a law enforcement officer. Despite обращения to the police and the courts, she received no protection.
Fearing for her life and the safety of her children, she was forced to flee the country.
While abroad, Maral Annaeva began speaking openly about the violence she endured, the lawlessness, and the failure of the system to protect her. Following this, she became a target of persecution: questionable charges were brought against her, and she was later detained through an international wanted mechanism.
Despite submitting an asylum request, she was denied protection.
As a result, she was forcibly returned to the country she had fled — a place where she had already faced violence and where her life and safety are now at serious risk.
⚠️ Particularly alarming information:
The Human Rights Platform “Dayanç” has received reports indicating that
Maral Annaeva may be subjected to severe torture, violence, and inhuman treatment following her return to Turkmenistan.
Even the possibility of such treatment requires immediate international intervention.
⚠️ We emphasize:
— A possible violation of the principle of non-refoulement
— Serious risks to the life and safety of a woman and two minor children
— Persecution for exercising freedom of expression
— Possible use of torture, prohibited under international law
❗️ This case is part of a systemic pattern.
We have documented numerous cases of transnational repression, abductions, and forced deportations of Turkmen citizens:
From Turkey: Abdulla Orusov
Alisher Sahatov
Merdan Muhammedov
Farhad Meymankuliyev
Rovshen Klychev
Serdar Durdalyyev
Jumasapar Dedebayev
Perhat Genjiev
Maksat Baymyradov
Dowran Imamov
Omurzak Omerkuliev
From the Russian Federation: Saddam Gulamov
Malikberdy Allamyradov
Azat Isakov
We also highlight: Umida Bekjanova, who has been held for nearly a year in a deportation center in Turkey, remaining in a highly vulnerable situation and under constant threat of forced return.
Some of these individuals have disappeared.
The fate of others remains unknown.
📢 WE DEMAND:
— Immediate clarification of the whereabouts of Maral Annaeva and her children
— Guarantees of their safety
— Access for international monitoring mechanisms
— An independent investigation into the deportation
— An end to the misuse of international mechanisms (including Interpol) for persecution
— Full compliance with international human rights obligations
📢 WE CALL ON:
— International organizations to respond urgently
— Diplomatic missions to intervene
— Media to cover this case
— Civil society to raise awareness and speak out
Silence enables abuse.
Every voice can save a life.
Freedom for Maral Annaeva and her children!
Freedom for all victims of transnational repression!
Stop torture!
Stop forced deportations!
Stop dictatorship!
Alisher Sakhatov is a Turkmen civil activist, blogger, and author of the YouTube channel Erkin Garaýyş (“Free Vision”), where he openly criticized the authoritarian regime in Turkmenistan, human rights violations, and the problems faced by Turkmen migrants abroad.
Basic Information
Alisher Sakhatov was 39 years old at the time of his disappearance.
He lived in Turkey with his family for many years.
He was actively engaged in public activities on social media and YouTube, speaking about the problems faced by Turkmen citizens, corruption, pressure against activists, and the actions of Turkmen security services.
Detention in Turkey
On April 28, 2025, Alisher Sakhatov and blogger Abdulla Orusov were detained by Turkish law enforcement authorities.
Following their detention, they were placed in the deportation center in the city of Edirne.
In May 2025, Turkish migration authorities denied the activists international protection, and later the court approved their deportation.
Enforced Disappearance
According to independent media outlets and human rights organizations, on July 28, 2025, Alisher Sakhatov and Abdulla Orusov were secretly removed from the deportation center and handed over to Turkmen security services.
The administration of the Edirne deportation center later refused to provide lawyers with surveillance camera recordings from the day of their disappearance.
No official confirmation of their deportation was ever issued by either Turkey or Turkmenistan.
Reaction of Human Rights Organizations
Human rights organizations classify the incident as an enforced disappearance and an example of transnational repression.
Reports indicate that if returned to Turkmenistan, Alisher Sakhatov faced the risk of torture, fabricated criminal charges, and a lengthy prison sentence.
International Support
In May 2026, Turkish MP and human rights defender Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu supported an action organized by the Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “Dayanç” / Turkmenistan, dedicated to the anniversary of the detention of Alisher Sakhatov and Abdulla Orusov on April 28, 2025.
During a protest in front of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Ankara, he called on the authorities of both Turkey and Turkmenistan to disclose the whereabouts of the missing activists and conduct a transparent investigation into their disappearance.
Current Status
As of today, the whereabouts of Alisher Sakhatov remain unknown. International human rights organizations continue to demand that the authorities of Turkey and Turkmenistan provide information about his fate and ensure respect for fundamental human rights.@EU_Commission@Turkmenistan@WhiteHouse @vonderlayn
@kajakallas@TrumpDailyPosts
Alisher Sakhatov is a Turkmen civil activist, blogger, and author of the YouTube channel Erkin Garaýyş (“Free Vision”), where he openly criticized the authoritarian regime in Turkmenistan, human rights violations, and the problems faced by Turkmen migrants abroad.
Basic Information
Alisher Sakhatov was 39 years old at the time of his disappearance.
He lived in Turkey with his family for many years.
He was actively engaged in public activities on social media and YouTube, speaking about the problems faced by Turkmen citizens, corruption, pressure against activists, and the actions of Turkmen security services.
Detention in Turkey
On April 28, 2025, Alisher Sakhatov and blogger Abdulla Orusov were detained by Turkish law enforcement authorities.
Following their detention, they were placed in the deportation center in the city of Edirne.
In May 2025, Turkish migration authorities denied the activists international protection, and later the court approved their deportation.
Enforced Disappearance
According to independent media outlets and human rights organizations, on July 28, 2025, Alisher Sakhatov and Abdulla Orusov were secretly removed from the deportation center and handed over to Turkmen security services.
The administration of the Edirne deportation center later refused to provide lawyers with surveillance camera recordings from the day of their disappearance.
No official confirmation of their deportation was ever issued by either Turkey or Turkmenistan.
Reaction of Human Rights Organizations
Human rights organizations classify the incident as an enforced disappearance and an example of transnational repression.
Reports indicate that if returned to Turkmenistan, Alisher Sakhatov faced the risk of torture, fabricated criminal charges, and a lengthy prison sentence.
International Support
In May 2026, Turkish MP and human rights defender Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu supported an action organized by the Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “Dayanç” / Turkmenistan, dedicated to the anniversary of the detention of Alisher Sakhatov and Abdulla Orusov on April 28, 2025.
During a protest in front of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Ankara, he called on the authorities of both Turkey and Turkmenistan to disclose the whereabouts of the missing activists and conduct a transparent investigation into their disappearance.
Current Status
As of today, the whereabouts of Alisher Sakhatov remain unknown. International human rights organizations continue to demand that the authorities of Turkey and Turkmenistan provide information about his fate and ensure respect for fundamental human rights.@EU_Commission@Turkmenistan@WhiteHouse @vonderlayn
@kajakallas@TrumpDailyPosts
Alisher Sakhatov is a Turkmen civil activist, blogger, and author of the YouTube channel Erkin Garaýyş (“Free Vision”), where he openly criticized the authoritarian regime in Turkmenistan, human rights violations, and the problems faced by Turkmen migrants abroad.
Basic Information
Alisher Sakhatov was 39 years old at the time of his disappearance.
He lived in Turkey with his family for many years.
He was actively engaged in public activities on social media and YouTube, speaking about the problems faced by Turkmen citizens, corruption, pressure against activists, and the actions of Turkmen security services.
Detention in Turkey
On April 28, 2025, Alisher Sakhatov and blogger Abdulla Orusov were detained by Turkish law enforcement authorities.
Following their detention, they were placed in the deportation center in the city of Edirne.
In May 2025, Turkish migration authorities denied the activists international protection, and later the court approved their deportation.
Enforced Disappearance
According to independent media outlets and human rights organizations, on July 28, 2025, Alisher Sakhatov and Abdulla Orusov were secretly removed from the deportation center and handed over to Turkmen security services.
The administration of the Edirne deportation center later refused to provide lawyers with surveillance camera recordings from the day of their disappearance.
No official confirmation of their deportation was ever issued by either Turkey or Turkmenistan.
Reaction of Human Rights Organizations
Human rights organizations classify the incident as an enforced disappearance and an example of transnational repression.
Reports indicate that if returned to Turkmenistan, Alisher Sakhatov faced the risk of torture, fabricated criminal charges, and a lengthy prison sentence.
International Support
In May 2026, Turkish MP and human rights defender Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu supported an action organized by the Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “Dayanç” / Turkmenistan, dedicated to the anniversary of the detention of Alisher Sakhatov and Abdulla Orusov on April 28, 2025.
During a protest in front of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Ankara, he called on the authorities of both Turkey and Turkmenistan to disclose the whereabouts of the missing activists and conduct a transparent investigation into their disappearance.
Current Status
As of today, the whereabouts of Alisher Sakhatov remain unknown. International human rights organizations continue to demand that the authorities of Turkey and Turkmenistan provide information about his fate and ensure respect for fundamental human rights. @EU_Commission@Turkmenistan@WhiteHouse @vonderlayn
@kajakallas@TrumpDailyPosts
Alisher Sakhatov is a Turkmen civil activist, blogger, and author of the YouTube channel Erkin Garaýyş (“Free Vision”), where he openly criticized the authoritarian regime in Turkmenistan, human rights violations, and the problems faced by Turkmen migrants abroad.
Basic Information
Alisher Sakhatov was 39 years old at the time of his disappearance.
He lived in Turkey with his family for many years.
He was actively engaged in public activities on social media and YouTube, speaking about the problems faced by Turkmen citizens, corruption, pressure against activists, and the actions of Turkmen security services.
Detention in Turkey
On April 28, 2025, Alisher Sakhatov and blogger Abdulla Orusov were detained by Turkish law enforcement authorities.
Following their detention, they were placed in the deportation center in the city of Edirne.
In May 2025, Turkish migration authorities denied the activists international protection, and later the court approved their deportation.
Enforced Disappearance
According to independent media outlets and human rights organizations, on July 28, 2025, Alisher Sakhatov and Abdulla Orusov were secretly removed from the deportation center and handed over to Turkmen security services.
The administration of the Edirne deportation center later refused to provide lawyers with surveillance camera recordings from the day of their disappearance.
No official confirmation of their deportation was ever issued by either Turkey or Turkmenistan.
Reaction of Human Rights Organizations
Human rights organizations classify the incident as an enforced disappearance and an example of transnational repression.
Reports indicate that if returned to Turkmenistan, Alisher Sakhatov faced the risk of torture, fabricated criminal charges, and a lengthy prison sentence.
International Support
In May 2026, Turkish MP and human rights defender Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu supported an action organized by the Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “Dayanç” / Turkmenistan, dedicated to the anniversary of the detention of Alisher Sakhatov and Abdulla Orusov on April 28, 2025.
During a protest in front of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Ankara, he called on the authorities of both Turkey and Turkmenistan to disclose the whereabouts of the missing activists and conduct a transparent investigation into their disappearance.
Current Status
As of today, the whereabouts of Alisher Sakhatov remain unknown. International human rights organizations continue to demand that the authorities of Turkey and Turkmenistan provide information about his fate and ensure respect for fundamental human rights.
@EuTurkmenistan @WhiteHouse@vonderleyen@kajakallas@realDonaldTrump
Transnational Repression Against Citizens of Turkmenistan
Why Urgent International Action Is Necessary
In recent years, more and more citizens of Turkmenistan have become victims of transnational repression — including forced deportations, enforced disappearances, politically motivated detentions, pressure through family members, abuse of Interpol mechanisms, cancellation of documents, and the use of migration procedures against activists and bloggers.
Particular concern arises from cases occurring in Turkey, CIS countries, and other states where activists and human rights defenders remain vulnerable to possible cooperation between local authorities and Turkmen security services.
Today, effective protection mechanisms for Turkmen activists are practically nonexistent:
obtaining temporary protection in many countries is impossible;
submitting applications to UNHCR is effectively inaccessible without official protection status in the country of residence;
attempts to apply for protection are often accompanied by fear of deportation and transnational repression;
asylum procedures may last for years;
and people continue to face the risk of deportation, abduction, and enforced disappearance.
If the international community is truly interested in preventing transnational crimes and protecting human rights, urgent measures are needed.
Our Proposals
1. Humanitarian Corridor for Activists and Human Rights Defenders
A simplified humanitarian visa mechanism should be created for activists, bloggers, journalists, human rights defenders, and their family members currently located in Turkey, CIS countries, and other unsafe states.
2. Crisis Centers Under UNHCR
Temporary protection crisis centers should be established under UNHCR where persecuted activists could:
stay safely,
receive legal assistance,
and wait for relocation to democratic and secure countries.
3. International Review of the Abuse of Interpol and G-82
The international community should review the use of:
Interpol mechanisms,
the G-82 code,
politically motivated migration restrictions and deportation procedures
against citizens of Turkmenistan.
4. Issuance of Passports Through Diplomatic Missions
One of the simplest and most necessary steps is ensuring the issuance and renewal of passports for citizens of Turkmenistan through diplomatic missions abroad.
This obligation is based on:
the Constitution of Turkmenistan,
Article 29, Paragraph 3 of the migration legislation of Turkmenistan,
and international legal obligations.
The refusal to issue documents leaves people defenseless and significantly increases the risk of deportation and transnational repression.
An International Problem
Transnational repression is no longer an internal issue of Turkmenistan.
When people are secretly deported, forcibly disappeared, or persecuted through international mechanisms, this becomes a threat to international law and the global human rights protection system.
We believe these measures could significantly reduce the risks and help prevent new cases of enforced disappearances and politically motivated deportations.
Information about victims of transnational repression can be found in the comments section. Soon, the website of the Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “Dayanç” / Turkmenistan will launch a separate section dedicated to victims of transnational repression and political prisoners.
Website: https://t.co/KwwiFGVsSC