Hunting for people: on the eve of the state holiday, non-residents are expelled from the capital of Turkmenistan

Turkmen police literally hunt non-residents in order to send them out of the capital during the preparation and holding of the Day of Neutrality on December 12. At the same time, the security forces oblige the detainees to sign a promise not to come to Ashgabat during this period, Turkmen human rights activists report. It is also reported that these measures are designed to ensure safety in the city during the national holiday.

It's worth reminding that this holiday was recognized as a state holiday after the UN General Assembly on December 12, 1995 adopted a resolution on the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan. The country's authorities present this event as their main achievement in foreign policy, and the holiday itself is considered the second most important after the Independence Day of Turkmenistan, which is celebrated on October 27.

Police officers are also reportedly given a bonus of 100 manats ($28) for every detainee, and even internal migrants with temporary residence permits in Ashgabat are subject to deportation.