Officers from the 22nd motor rifle division named after Atamurat Niyazov (formerly, the 58th motor rifle division) have been accused of disseminating non-traditional Islam. Charges were brought pursuant to several articles including impingement on constitutional order and abuse of power.
In late April the special services initiated an investigation in the military unit located in the city of Serdar (formerly, Kyzyl Arvat). “Chronicles of Turkmenistan” learned that, based on the results of the investigation and a trial, 12 individuals representing senior and junior army officers were sentenced to 10 to 15 year imprisonment terms and, according to other sources, from 18 to 23 years in prison.
The investigation was launched after a recruit, who was forced by senior conscripts to remove an alaja (traditional amulet woven from threads of various colours and worn on the wrist), had filed a complaint. Otherwise he was threatened with reprisal.
The recruit was informed that protective amulets do not correspond to Muslim canons and was warned that he was obliged to attend the meetings where the squadron commander spoke about true Islam.
In the course of the investigation over 70 people including private soldiers were detained. Many conscripts were sent to complete their military service at the Turkmen-Afghan border. According to unconfirmed sources, about 10 soldiers were arrested.
Several officers were deprived of titles and awards but escaped imprisonment.
According to sources at “Chronicles of Turkmenistan”, as a preventive measure during the morning line-up, armed forces personnel are familiarized with crimes committed in the Turkmen army and their applicable punishment.