Penology in Turkmenistan
New Report Exposes the Horrors of ...
Turkmenistan's penal system is characterized by severe human rights abuses, systemic corruption, and widespread neglect of detainee welfare. Reports from international organizations and independent media highlight conditions that are among the harshest in the world.
⚖️ Legal Framework and Prison Conditions
Despite constitutional prohibitions against torture, the government frequently employs such practices with impunity. Prison conditions are marked by gross overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and insufficient medical care. Inmates often face physical abuse, including beatings and sexual violence, particularly those who have angered authorities or lack financial means to bribe officials .(tmhelsinki.org, Open Society Foundations)
🏚️ Notorious Prisons
Owadan-depe Prison
Owadan-depe is infamous for its brutal treatment of prisoners, including torture methods such as needle insertion under nails, strangulation, and electric shocks. Inmates serving life sentences are often kept in leg cuffs for extended periods. Political prisoners are isolated in Block 5, subjected to harsh conditions, and are exempt from amnesty .(Wikipedia)
MR-B/15 Prison Hospital
At the MR-B/15 prison hospital in Mary Province, approximately 50 prisoners undergoing medical treatment were forced to receive care outdoors due to their inability to pay bribes for indoor treatment .(tmhelsinki.org)
💉 Health and Mortality
Prisoners suffer from widespread diseases, particularly tuberculosis, exacerbated by overcrowding and unsanitary conditions. In 2021, at least 217 prisoners died from tuberculosis, with many more deaths attributed to malnutrition and lack of medical care. The average weight loss among inmates due to hunger is reported to be 15 kilograms .(Facts and Details, ACCA Media)
💰 Corruption and Exploitation
Corruption permeates the penal system, with prison staff extorting money from inmates for basic necessities and privileges. Inmates without financial means are often subjected to harsher treatment and denied access to medical care. Reports indicate that prisoners have resorted to consuming non-food items and even animals to survive .(ACCA Media)
🌍 International Response and Reform Efforts
International organizations, including the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), have conducted seminars to promote prison reforms in Turkmenistan. These efforts focus on introducing non-custodial sentences, enhancing rehabilitation programs, and aligning practices with international human rights standards. However, significant challenges remain in implementing these reforms effectively .(Mirage News)
✅ Conclusion
Turkmenistan's penal system is characterized by systemic human rights abuses, corruption, and neglect. While international bodies continue to advocate for reform, substantial changes are needed to ensure the humane treatment of detainees and adherence to international human rights standards.
RELATED Blog
0 comments