In a clear violation of human rights and press freedom, Turkmenistan’s authorities have once again prevented independent journalist Soltan Achilova, 75, from leaving the country. Achilova, known for her rare and courageous work as one of the few openly operating journalists in Turkmenistan, was scheduled to fly to Geneva on November 20 to receive an international award. Instead, she was forcibly removed from her home in Ashgabat early that morning and taken to a hospital under the pretext of a suspected infectious disease.

According to Chronicles of Turkmenistan, four men in medical attire arrived at Achilova’s residence at 6:30 AM, claiming that she required immediate hospitalization due to a supposed health risk. Without allowing her to notify family members, they seized her keys and transported her to the Choganly Infectious Disease Hospital. Reports allege that authorities threatened her during the ordeal, saying, “Why do you need keys in the afterlife?”

This incident marks the second consecutive year Achilova has been barred from traveling to Geneva. In 2022, border officials at Ashgabat Airport invalidated her passport in front of her, despite it containing a valid Schengen visa. Her passport, and that of her daughter, was deliberately damaged with wet wipes, rendering them unusable.

The current measures against Achilova appear to be a continuation of these tactics, with Turkmen authorities now resorting to punitive medical detention. After international pressure following the passport incident, Achilova and her daughter were issued new travel documents. However, her latest detention highlights an escalation in efforts to silence her.

Achilova has publicly stated her commitment to continue her work, saying: “I will work even harder. They will not silence me while I’m alive.”

Escalating Crackdown on Press Freedom

Achilova’s plight is emblematic of the Turkmen government’s oppressive treatment of journalists and its broader disregard for freedom of speech. In Turkmenistan, one of the most repressive regimes in the world, independent journalism is nearly nonexistent, and dissent is met with severe reprisals. Authorities routinely harass, detain, and intimidate journalists who attempt to report on sensitive issues.

The use of punitive medicine, as in Achilova’s case, represents a particularly egregious method of targeting dissenting voices. Reports from Chronicles of Turkmenistan suggest that authorities ordered several hospital rooms to be cleared in preparation for Achilova’s detention, demonstrating the premeditated nature of the act.

International Calls for Action

International human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned Turkmenistan for its systemic violations of press freedom and human rights. The forced detention of Soltan Achilova underscores the urgent need for increased global advocacy and pressure on the Turkmen government to uphold basic freedoms, including the right to freedom of expression and movement.

The continued targeting of Achilova and other journalists is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who dare to speak out in one of the world’s most closed societies.

Ayna Matiyeva

22/02/2025