Turkmenistan’s Independent Lawyers Association continues to answer law-related questions from our readers.
You can ask your question using the feedback form on our website or send a message to turkmen.initiative@gmail.com.
Question: I am 21 y.o.and a citizen of Turkmenistan and have held Russian citizenship since 2002.I live and reside in Russia.Recently my parents who reside in Turkmenistan received a call from the military enlistment office which demands that they present all relevant documents (birth certificate, passports and a copy of the house register).
My parents submitted a full set of documents but they were informed that if their son did not return to Turkmenistan to serve in the army, a fine would be imposed on them.
My parents were perplexed and enquired what fine was implied and why their son was barred from continuing.They were informed that a fine of $50,000 would apply or a criminal case with a sentence of up to 2 year imprisonment term would be initiated against me.
An official from the military enlistment office said that they are aware of all the details and know my whereabouts and what I do, how much money they transfer to me and when.
They added that my parents can be dismissed from the government agency where they are employed.
The lawyer’s response: It appears that the staff of the military enlistment office decided to frighten your parents with a sanction.If you are doing a course of study, it is sufficient to send a certificate to the military enlistment office through your parents to confirm that you are studying in an educational establishment in the Russian Federation.
No fines (50,000 USD) will be imposed on you, let alone your parents.Such fines are not envisaged by the current legislation.If you do not show up to the military enlistment office without any legitimate reason (your course of studies is treated as the legitimate reason), only you are held responsible, not your parents.
Moreover, if you also hold a citizenship of the Russian Federation, you can do military service in the Russian army.In this case you will be exempt from doing military service in the Turkmen army.
***Question: Could you please find out if residents of Turkmenistan will be allowed to depart to Russia?Rumours are circulating that approximately from May until the closing of the Asian Games a travel ban will be introduced.
I am now arranging for a letter of invitation for my relatives but I don’t know if this makes sense.Thank you in advance.
Response: For the time being no bans to enter or exit Turkmenistan are valid. It is unknown what measures will be undertaken by the country’s authorities in the future. Pursuant to current legislation, the government has no right to impose a travel ban for ALL residents of the country.