GENEVA (3 April 2025) – A UN expert* today urged Turkmenistan to immediately investigate the alleged poisoning attempts against 75-year-old human rights defender Gurbansoltan Achilova and her family, ensure their safety, and guarantee her unhindered travel abroad, amid growing concern that she remains unable to leave the country despite government assurances.
“These are extremely serious allegations which, if confirmed, would constitute a violation of Achilova’s right to life,” said Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders. “The Government must carry out a thorough investigation and hold those responsible to account.”
On 18 November 2024, Gurbansoltan Achilova reportedly gave a samosa to a guest, allegedly a gift from a man seeking help in exposing rights violations. Within 15 minutes, Achilova’s guest reportedly suffered severe symptoms, including fainting, loss of speech and facial distortion, requiring urgent intensive care. It was later reported that juice packs Achilova had received from the same man and others in November had been tampered with, with one containing an oily substance and four showing unusual sediment.
On the morning of 20 November 2024, Gurbansoltan Achilova and her daughter Maya Achilova were due to travel to Geneva for the Martin Ennals Award ceremony. However, both were forcibly hospitalised that morning and held until the end of the event. Medical records show that the suspected infectious disease given as the reason for their hospitalisation was never confirmed.
“The forced hospitalisation of Ms Gurbansoltan Achilova and Ms Maya Achilova on the day of their departure suggests an attempt to prevent their travel,” the expert said. “Allegations about the circumstances – such as their phones being disabled beforehand and the presence of security officials – further call into question the legitimacy of the hospitalisation.”
Lawlor was also deeply concerned that they were allegedly denied basic necessities such as food, water, soap, towels and toilet paper for the first three days. “This treatment appears intended to further humiliate and intimidate them,” she said. “It seems to be part of the ongoing harassment that Gurbansoltan Achilova has faced.”
Gurbansoltan Achilova is reportedly still under surveillance, with her online communications and telephone calls reportedly monitored. She has reportedly received no alternative housing or financial support since her home was demolished in 2006. Allegations also suggest that there has been no effective investigation into incidents of 11 April 2017 and 26 September 2024, when the windows of her son’s car were smashed.
“Gurbansoltan Achilova has faced years of harassment and intimidation, including previous travel restrictions – concerns we already raised with the Government on 19 June 2020 and 11 January 2024,” the expert said.
“Given our repeated appeals, I expect more than another letter dismissing the allegations. The authorities must immediately end all harassment and intimidation and guarantee Achilova’s safety and ability to travel and work without interference.”
The Special Rapporteur is in contact with the Government on this issue.
ENDS
*The Expert: Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.
