Turkmen Businessman Arrested, His Factories Closed

ASHGABAT -- RFE/RL’s Turkmen Service has confirmed reports that prominent businessman Yazmuhammet Ushmekov has been arrested and all his businesses closed, leaving hundreds of people jobless.

The reason for Ushmekov's arrest is unknown.

Civic activist Gurbandurdy Durdykuliyev told RFE/RL that Ushmekov ran a farmer's association, a poultry farm, an iron factory, and a brick plant, among other enterprises.