On 22 May “Chronicles of Turkmenistan” posted a video address by a 82 year old Kaka Gurbanov who complained that he had been deprived of his accommodation.
In 2008, retired Gurbanov left to visit his family members in Mary for a few days, but upon his return found out that new occupants had settled in his apartment.
Gurbanov has submitted written complaints and personally contacted various agencies, including the Prosecutor’s General office, the Supreme Court, the President’s executive office and the Office of the Ombudsman.
Ombudsman Yazdursun Gurbannazarova confirmed that his rights had indeed been violated by the confiscation of his property and belongings.
However, since the Ombudsman’s office does not have enough staff to handle the numerous complaints, for the time being she cannot provide any assistance to Gurbanov.
Since then no assistance has been rendered to K. Gurbanov. He was threatened by law enforcement officials who urged him to stop submitting complaints.
On 27 November he received a telephone call from public prosecutor’s office of Berkaraly etrap of Ashgabat (formerly, Soviet district of Ashgabat) and was summoned to come to office 11.
On that day Gurbanov was very sick and could come only on 29 November.At the prosecutor’s office he was denied a visit and the duty officer said his case had been handed over to the police.
In the police department he was informed that an investigating officer of the public prosecutor’s office filed a complaint stating that Gurbanov had insulted him.
“Stay at home and wait. When needed, you will be handcuffed!” a police officer told him.
Since 30 November Kaka Gurbanova has not been answering any telephone calls.