The latest "Freedom in The World" report by the U.S.-based rights watchdog Freedom House indicates that authoritarian regimes across a broad geographical range are stepping up their suppression of freedom. The report's authors point out that the former Soviet Union is the only region in the world to see a steady decline in freedom since 2001.
Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov has told legislators that they need to pass new laws that adhere to international standards.
The Paris-based watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has expressed concern over the harassment of two RFE/RL correspondents in Turkmenistan.
As Israel widens its offensive in the Gaza Strip, demonstrations in some mainly Muslim former Soviet states have put some governments in difficult positions. Many have had relations with Israel since the collapse of the Soviet Union, but now seem to be reluctant to express support for either side in the conflict in the face of public opinion. Other countries like Russia and Georgia are taking sides more openly, according to their strategic interests.
Ten employees who lead protests over late paychecks have been fired by the Chinese National Petroleum Corporation in northeastern Turkmenistan, RFE/RL’s Turkmen Service reports.
Uzbekistan has increased the gas prices it charges neighboring Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan by 60 percent. The two customers say households will no longer be able to afford their gas bills, but there is little they can do as Uzbekistan courts more affluent customers like Russia and China.
Russia's gas monopoly Gazprom supplies one-quarter of Europe's gas needs. This is how the gas gets to Europe from Russia and some of the new pipeline projects aimed at bringing more Russian gas to Europe and diversifying supplies.
A correspondent working for RFE/RL's Turkmen Service has been interrogated and threatened by state security officers.
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.
Turkmenistan has redenominated its national currency, the manat, cutting off three zeroes while also removing the image of its autocratic former leader, Saparmurat Niyazov, from all coins and all but one banknote. The government says the procedure will strengthen the manat and promote foreign investment. Some Turkmen, however, are anxious about the move, saying any currency change will create more uncertainties in markets and could drive prices up.
The U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan was on high alert on December 25 after receiving a package containing suspicious white powder.
A man in Turkmenistan has killed seven of his relatives, including his own daughter and son-in-law, then shot himself.
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