Where Are Alisher Sakhatov and Abdulla Orusov?

The disappearance of Turkmen activists Alisher Sakhatov and Abdulla Orusov remains a serious concern and a troubling example of enforced disappearance and transnational repression. A year after they went missing in Türkiye, their families still have no clear answers about their fate or whereabouts.

Human Rights Watch reports that both men were Turkmen dissident bloggers who had spoken publicly about corruption, repression, and the mistreatment of Turkmen migrants. They had been living in Türkiye since 2018, where they continued their activism from exile despite growing pressure from Turkmen authorities.

The situation became more alarming when Turkish authorities detained them on vague national security grounds and ordered their deportation. Although Türkiye’s Constitutional Court temporarily suspended the deportation order, the two activists still disappeared shortly after being released from the deportation center. Turkish authorities have reportedly opened investigations, but they have yet to publicly explain what happened.

Their case raises fears of unlawful transfer, secret detention, or other severe abuses. Human Rights Watch has warned that they may have been sent back to Turkmenistan, where they could face torture, arbitrary imprisonment, or an unfair trial. The continued silence from both states only deepens the concern.

This case also reflects a broader pattern of repression against Turkmen activists, including those in exile. Authorities in Turkmenistan continue to harass critics, restrict movement, and punish independent voices, making exile no guarantee of safety.

As Rights Defenders Initiative (RDI), we strongly condemn the disappearance of Alisher Sakhatov and Abdulla Orusov and call for immediate transparency, accountability, and justice. Enforced disappearance is a grave human rights violation and a profound humanitarian concern, and the authorities involved must reveal the truth without further delay. The targeting of peaceful activists is wrong and must end immediately.

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