Turkmenistan Domestic Developments

Turkmenistan Celebrated Independence Day
On October 27 – 28 Turkmenistan celebrated its independence. Ashgabat held a military parade, celebratory demonstration and many festive events. In his address to the people, President Berdymukhamedov expressed confidence that "nationwide celebrations in honor of the sacred Independence Day will increase confidence in the soul of each of us about the happy future of the Motherland rapidly moving toward large-scale reforms and the adoption of humanistic ideals, a sense of pride for the great achievements and significant labor victory of our people."
Source: Turkmenistan.ru, trend.az
  Turkmenistan pardons prisoners in honor of Independence Day
Chairing a regular government meeting, President Berdymukhamedov signed the decree “On amnesty of prisoners in honor of the 22nd anniversary of independence of Turkmenistan.” According to the presidential decree, 1002 prisoners will be released from serving their sentences as well as additional punishment in the form of mandatory residence in a particular area.

When signing the decree, the President of Turkmenistan instructed the heads of provinces, districts and cities to provide employment to all pardoned prisoners. 

“By doing so, we give them a chance to expiate their guilt by honest work and take active part in the life of the country,” said Berdymukhamedov. He noted that he made this decision in accordance with the principles of clemency and humanism, with the view of further strengthening the unity of the Turkmen society and each family.
Source: Turkmenistan.ru  Council of Elders of Turkmenistan convenes for annual meeting
The administrative center of the Dashoguz province hosted the annual meeting of the Council of Elders of Turkmenistan under the chairmanship of President Berdymukhamedov. Participants at the national forum, convened ahead of the 22nd anniversary of independence, discussed priorities of the socio-economic development of Turkmenistan.
 In his keynote speech President Berdymukhamedov stressed the importance of intensifying Turkmenistan’s socio-economic development and outlined priorities of the country’s domestic and foreign policy.

 At the meeting President Berdymukhamedov provided the Council with a draft Address of the Council to the Turkmen people, which was approved immediately and unanimously. In particular, the address says: “Thanks to the goals and initiatives set on a high level by our leader – Hero and Arkadag (Patron) – to secure peace, prosperity and the happy future of the Turkmen nation and all of humanity; thanks to the ongoing grand achievements, our country, with its vibrant economy has turned into one of the most prosperous states in the world.” The participants called on their compatriots to put even more zeal, diligence and dedication into their work toward the end of the further flourishing of their independent neutral Fatherland. All the speakers and guests unanimously noted the outstanding contribution of the President and his role in the transformation of Turkmenistan into a great, prosperous and powerful nation.
Source: Turkmenistan.ru, gundogar.org  Chairman of State Chemical Concern Fired
At the latest Cabinet meeting President Berdymukhamedov signed a decree dismissing the Chairman of State Concern Turkmenhimiya (Turkmen Chemistry), Meret Balakaev, for serious shortcomings in his work, reported the State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH).
Source: gundogar.org Turkmenistan Tightens Censorship
On the eve of Independence Day, Turkmenistan introduced new rules for censoring publications in the printed media. Regardless of which media outlet is publishing the article, it must first be inspected by the ministry in charge of the publication (in February 2013 Berdymukhamedov ceased being the founder of all publications in the country and delegated that duty to relevant ministries) and then by the ministry in charge of the issues covered in the article. For example, an article about education must be inspected first by the ministry responsible for this publication and then by the Ministry of Education. An article relating to animal breeders must be approved by the Ministry of Agriculture. At the end of 2012, Turkmenistan adopted a new Law on Mass Media, which prohibited censorship and interference by the State into the work of mass media.
Source: Turkmenistan Chronicles  Turkmenistan grants citizenship to stateless persons
Chairing a government meeting, President Berdymukhamedov signed a decree granting Turkmen citizenship to persons who permanently reside in the territory of the country without citizenship, “given the right of people to freely choose their citizenship.” According to the decree, a total of 609 people will be granted Turkmen citizenship.

Source: Turkmenistan.ru