Number: RS21384
Title: Turkmenistans Attempted Coup: Repercussions and U.S. Concerns
Authors: Jim Nichol, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: Turkmenistans President Saparamurad Niyazov announced on November 25, 2002, that assassins had just tried to kill him, and alleged that several prominent expatriate oppositionists had been aided at least tacitly by neighboring countries in hatching the attempted coup. This latter accusation has led to diplomatic and military tensions with Uzbekistan and strong denials of involvement from Russia and other governments. The United States, international human rights organizations, and others have raised strong concerns about apparent human rights abuses committed by the Turkmen government in pursuing the coup plotters.
Pages: 6
Date: Updated March 7, 2003