Continuing Arrests and Abuses in Turkmenistan

The United States is deeply concerned by the conduct of authorities in Turkmenistan following the November 25 attack on the motorcade of Turkmenistan's President Saparmurat Niyazov.  While we recognize the Government of Turkmenistan's right to apprehend those involved in a violent attack on its president, we cannot condone actions that violate international practice and the standards of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, of which Turkmenistan is a member.  The Government of Turkmenistan has conducted summary trials of the alleged perpetrators of the attack, without due process of law.  Further, we have credible reports of torture and abuse of suspects.  Turkmenistani authorities have arrested relatives of opposition members and civil society activists who have no apparent direct link to the assault.  The authorities have also repeatedly refused to respect the immunities and privileges of embassies and diplomats in Turkmenistan.