The drastic police measure left citizens without the possibility of stocking up on fresh food. Complaints about the sale of products in poor condition to State self-service stores, but also strong doubts about the way in which controls are carried out. According to the Transparency International ranking, Turkmenistan is one of the most corrupt countries in the world.
Ashgabat () – In the Turkmen city of Bayramali, in the velayat (region) of Mari, closed a large central market, which has been placed under police surveillance. The reasons for the closure have not been officially explained, but it is believed that it is a radical action against corruption. For several days, citizens of the area have not known where to go to buy fresh produce, given the general shortage in shops and other occasional street outlets, in a situation of growing economic crisis throughout Turkmenistan.
Market vendors explain that “inspectors have arrived from Ashgabat”, who apparently have already closed down other commercial premises in the region and do not allow any of them to approach their merchandise. It was simply announced that “the market is not working this week”, and not even over the counter or other forms are allowed. According to some traders, contacted by Radio Azattyk, They did not receive any notification of the police operation, and they do not know when they will be able to resume their activity.
According to anonymous versions collected by correspondents, the reasons for the inspection could be several, including complaints from the most popular gastronomy establishments, the self-service restaurants of the State, in which more and more food in poor condition would be used. Another reason for widespread discontent would be the arbitrariness of the local police, which demands bribes and favors in an increasingly explicit and brazen way, to the point of provoking verification by central agencies.
According to a local businessman, “in several bars and markets, customers have been served old and reheated food; as a result, several people were hospitalized for various ailments and some filed complaints.” Traders and buyers who refuse to pay bribes in the market for all kinds of demands are fined or unjustly arrested and detained by local policemen, if only for smoking cigarettes or hookahs near the products for sale, or for leaving rubbish on the ground.
Both the Bayramali police station and the municipal administration refuse to comment on what happened. In reality, audits and investigations of this type are quite frequent in all regions of Turkmenistan, always with the formal objective of “ensuring respect for the law” and “prevention of violations of the law”, without these actions produce concrete and lasting results. Many times, the same “anti-corruption” investigators end up turning a blind eye, in exchange for a suitable sum.
From other places in the Velayat de Mari, new inspections by the Department of Fire Safety are reported, to check all the instruments and detect those premises at risk among social and public establishments, including private commercial premises. Officials are said to demand payment of at least 400-500 manats (100-150 euros) to grant permits and positive reports.
According to the organization Transparency Internationall, Turkmenistan is one of the most corrupt countries in the world, ranking 165 out of 180 in this special negative ranking.
