This is a response to a complaint filed with the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention by human rights activists from Freedom Now and the law firm Vinson & Elkins. In its conclusion, the Working Group stated its belief “that the real reason for the arrest and detention of Mr. Allaberdiyev was his peaceful exercise of freedom of speech and freedom of association, as evidenced by the fabricated circumstances of his arrest and trial, as well as the very severe punishment imposed by the court "

On September 5, Allaberdyev P., who worked as a lawyer in the «Nebitdagneft» department of the Ministry of Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan, was arrested on charges of hooliganism. Despite the fact that the initiator of the quarrel in the grocery store was an unknown person, he was released. On September 29, 2020, Allaberdyev was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison for hooliganism. Investigators who interrogated Allaberdiyev focused on the lawyer’s possible connections with foreign activists. An incident at a grocery store turned out to be a source of persecution. The trial took place behind closed doors, and no lawyer was admitted. Allabediyev is not allowed to see his family.

“This is yet another evidence of the violation of the rights of Turkmen activists by the government of Turkmenistan. We believe that activists wish well for their homeland; they point out problems whose solution will only benefit the country. Allaberdyev tried to reach out to the authorities; this cannot be prosecuted, let alone fabricated criminal cases. Ashgabat must obey the decision of the UN,” emphasized the chairman of the Turkmen Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, Tajigul Begmedova, who monitored this case from the very beginning.

Turkmen Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights