Human Rights and Democracy - Official Documents

continued to voice our concerns to the government of Turkmenistan, including in the
annual EU–Turkmenistan Human Rights Dialogue.
Freedom of expression
The media in Turkmenistan remains government-controlled and very few
independent journalists are allowed to operate freely. The increase in internet
access in 2010, including the opening of a small number of new internet cafés in
Ashgabat and other towns, was a welcome development, but targeted internet
censorship remains a concern. There has also been a significant increase in the use
of mobile telephones. However, in December, the government suspended the
operation of an independent Russian mobile operator who also provided internet
access, which effectively forced all customers to use the state-run service. It is not
possible to buy international newspapers or any other foreign written media in
Turkmenistan. However, satellite dishes capable of receiving Russian, Turkish and
many other international news and entertainment programmes are readily available.
The government continued to welcome important assistance from the BBC World
Service Trust on the reform of media regulation and we hope this assistance will be
reflected in the media legislation in 2011.
Freedom of religion and belief
After much delay, the Catholic Church was finally registered in March. While we
welcomed this development, religion remains largely government-controlled and any
religious organisation wishing to operate in the country must register with the
authorities. Obtaining registration is not easy, and those organisations that have
registered find it very difficult to operate due to government constraints on the
opening of new premises and the size of services. It remains almost impossible to
bring any religious material into Turkmenistan and those who try to do so can be
subject to a range of repercussions such as being forced out of their jobs, banned
from international travel or by having access to education restricted for some family
members. Jehovah’s Witnesses are subject to harassment and several have been
imprisoned for objecting to military service. The government have backtracked on
their 2008 commitment to consider alternatives to military service, making it clear
that the law will not be changed. Citizens who do not sign up for military service
therefore continue to break the law and are dealt with accordingly. Freedom of
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