Turkmenistan Continues to Violate Religious Freedom

Turkmenistan Continues to Violate Religious Freedom

Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report:

Turkmenistan Country Update – This report evaluates religious freedom conditions in Turkmenistan, widely considered one of the world’s most closed-off countries. The report begins with background on the regime of President Sedar Berdimuhamedow and his father and former president, Gurbanguly, who rule through a cult of personality that often impacts the religious sphere. Next, the report lays out the laws restricting religious activity in Turkmenistan and highlights religious freedom violations targeting independent Muslims and minority religious groups. Finally, it analyzes the correlation between corruption and such violations.

In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State continue to designate Turkmenistan as a “Country of Particular Concern,” or CPC, for engaging in systematic, egregious, and ongoing violations of religious freedom. In addition, USCIRF recommended the administration lift the existing waiver on penalties as a result of the CPC designation.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan legislative branch agency established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress, intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].