IWPR

Institute for War & Peace Reporting

Stories by the Author

Population Held Down by Total Surveillance

In Turkmenistan, anyone who uses the internet, travels abroad or does anything else that could be construed as suspicious is subject to surveillance by the ever-watchful National Security Ministry.

31 Oct 06

Classical Music Training Slashed

Although a decision to cut the number of musical schools and academies in Turkmenistan by more than half has been justified by talk of a funding shortfall, the move is being seen as part of an official policy of eradicating the Soviet past, in which young

31 Oct 06

Pensions with Strings Attached

The local authorities in Turkmenabat have found an unusual way to show that the private sector is booming: they are forcing pensioners to sign up as small businessmen and making them pay for a license to operate.

31 Oct 06

Turkmenistan's Unloved Legal Profession

A recent survey showing that very few law students in Turkmenistan plan to work as lawyers has only underlined the difficult situation facing the profession.

31 Oct 06