In Turkmenistan, 75-year-old human rights defender Soltan Achilova was forcibly detained by authorities to prevent her from traveling to Geneva for a human rights event. Despite her family’s arrival to take her to the airport, government officials, in lab coats, claimed she had an infectious disease and took her to a hospital against her will, reflecting the oppressive tactics of Turkmenistan’s regime.
In Turkmenistan, authorities forcibly detained Soltan Achilova, a prominent human rights defender, blocking her travel to an event celebrating her work. Early Wednesday morning, four men in lab coats arrived at her apartment, claiming to suspect her of a contagious disease. They forcibly took her to an infectious diseases hospital, disregarding her attempts to lock her door and denying her family the right to accompany her.
Achilova’s daughter and son-in-law arrived moments later, only to be told they too could not leave as they had been exposed to Achilova. The hospital staff drew blood from her without explaining the nature of the alleged illness, later insisting she tested positive and needed to stay for an indefinite period. This chaotic scene reflects the government’s determination to suppress voices of dissent in a country notorious for its severe repression of civil liberties.
The Turkmenistan government has a long-standing history of obstructing citizens from leaving the country, particularly prominent critics like Achilova. Last year, she faced similar interference when authorities tampered with her passport, falsely claiming it was damaged and preventing her from attending another international event. These patterns exemplify the lengths to which the regime will go to stifle activism and maintain control over its citizens.
It is critical for Turkmenistan to immediately release Achilova and her family from this arbitrary confinement. They must be allowed to travel freely to Geneva as initially planned, as denying this civil liberty only reinforces the oppressive nature of the government’s tactics against human rights defenders. Achilova’s story embodies the struggle for freedom in a landscape muddied by fear and coercion.
Turkmenistan has garnered international condemnation for its record on human rights, particularly in silencing dissent and restricting freedom of movement. The government routinely interferes with the travel plans of activists, particularly those with significant recognition abroad. This practice is not only a violation of human rights but is also indicative of a broader strategy to control and intimidate vocal critics of the regime. Achilova’s case illustrates the extreme measures authorities will employ to suppress her influence and the message she represents.
The detainment of Soltan Achilova is a stark reminder of Turkmenistan’s oppressive tactics aimed at silencing human rights advocates. Her ordeal emphasizes the urgent need for international attention and intervention regarding civil liberties within the country. By forcibly keeping Achilova and her family from their travel plans, the government only solidifies its repressive reputation, undermining its own citizens’ freedom.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
