Turkmen Service

From Prague, Azatlyk Radiosy relies on in-country networks to report the news the government suppresses. 

Despite censorship, the Service reaches tens of thousands of subscribers in Turkmen and Russian online and via social networks, satellite, and shortwave radio. 

Azatlyk’s reports about agriculture resource shortages prompted a national corruption investigation acknowledged by the President.  

Local famers credited Azatlyk Radiosy for the Turkmen government’s decision to steeply increase state prices for cotton and wheat which farmers say will dramatically improve their welfare. 

Comprehensive coverage by Azatlyk Radiosy of the issues of discrimination against women in Turkmenistan helped discussion on national and international levels. The coverage of the issue resulted in launching a special program entitled “Salam, Dogan!” (“Hello, Sister!).  

After a hard-hitting reporting by Azatlyk, schools stopped an extortion scheme.

Medical workers’ salaries were reinstated after Azatlyk’s report on their wages being cut by as much as 20 percent amid economic hardships. 

A report on corruption in a new hospital prompted local authorities to investigate. 

Following Azatlyk’s report on dire conditions in the Turkmen army, including malnutrition of soldiers, former President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov visited a military unit for an inspection.