RFE/RL Correspondent In Turkmenistan Facing Harassment

Osman Hallyev, a longtime correspondent for RFE/RL's Turkmen Service, says he has been placed under what amounts to house arrest in eastern Lebap Province due to his affiliation with RFE/RL.

He says he fears his detention by state security forces is imminent.

Hallyev told RFE/RL's Ashgabat correspondent that his son, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law have all lost their jobs, which he also attributes to his work with RFE/RL.

Hallyev says the local Prosecutor's Office does not respond to his complaints regarding the situation.

In addition, Hallyev's international phone lines have been severed since mid-November and his access to the Internet has also been restricted.

Local officials have promised to deal with the matter as soon as possible.