Turkey: Not a Safe Haven for Central Asian Activists
Central Asian Activists Face Transnational Repression in Turkey
ALMATY, Kazakhstan — Being a Central Asian activist abroad comes with its own set of challenges, as demonstrated by recent events in Turkey. The concept of “transnational repression,” where governments target opposition activists living in foreign countries, has become a growing concern for rights organizations focusing on Central Asia. The most authoritarian countries in the region – Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan – are known for their high-level offenses in this regard.
In the past, Turkey was considered a safe haven for Central Asian activists due to its lack of travel restrictions and low extradition threat. However, in recent years, experts have noted a shift in the Turkish authorities’ attitude towards activists from the region.
Recent incidents involving Tajik political activists in Turkey have raised alarm bells. Two activists, Suhrob Zafar and Nasimjon Sharifov, have disappeared, leading to fears that they may have been forcefully taken back to Tajikistan where government critics often face harsh treatment. Zafar, a member of the Group 24 Tajik opposition group, had been trying to trace Sharifov with no success, and his own disappearance has added to the concerns.
Throughout his time in Turkey, Zafar has faced threats and detentions, presumably at Tajikistan’s request. The Group 24 opposition group has been labeled an “extremist organization” in Tajikistan, indicating the government’s crackdown on dissent.
Turkey’s changing stance towards Central Asian activists can be attributed to various factors, including its response to the 2016 coup attempt and its dealings with countries like Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Recent data shows that Turkey, along with Tajikistan, ranks among the top perpetrators of transnational repression, alongside other countries like China, Egypt, and Russia.
In the case of Turkmenistan, Turkey’s cooperation with the repressive regime has resulted in the deportation of several Turkmen political activists. Despite efforts by human rights organizations to prevent these deportations, the closed nature of Turkmenistan makes it challenging to distinguish between politically active migrants and others.
Turkish authorities have reportedly compiled lists of Turkmen migrants subject to deportation, as directed by the Turkmen Consulate in Istanbul. This crackdown on Turkmen political activism in Turkey has led some activists to reconsider their involvement in political activities, citing intimidation and lack of progress in their advocacy efforts.
As Central Asian activists continue to face threats and challenges in Turkey, the international community must remain vigilant and advocate for the protection of their rights and safety. The recent cases highlight the importance of addressing transnational repression and supporting activists who courageously speak out against authoritarian regimes in their home countries.
