Watches with the image of the leader serve as a “currency” at bribes for officials

Watches with the images of President Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuchamedow and his father, in the past, also the president, are increasingly used to force bribes for officials – the chronicathenistana portal, independent of the authorities in Ashabad, informed.

In May 2024, the media reported that Officials in the West Turkmenistan Balkański District are forced to buy watches with the image of the president and his father, and the timers cost as much as their monthly salary. The above -mentioned in the clerical hierarchy were persuaded to buy more expensive models. Prices ranged from 1500 to 3000 Manats (435–870 USD according to an official course or 75–150 USD according to black market).

Berdimuchamedow Senior and Junior, as well as the Turkmenistan flag and a map of the country, show higher class models. In simpler versions there is only one portrait combined with national symbolism. Golden inserts, precious stones or emblems of individual force resorts also have more expensive models. Interestingly, their value increased and currently ranges in the range of 3-5 thousand. Manats and, which is equally interesting, they are successful among officers of individual services.

However, the Turkmenistana Chronika informs that few “collectors” buy them out of their own pocket. They are a desirable “gift” from citizens who are facing criminal proceedings.

– If you found out that criminal proceedings will be initiated against you, you must buy such a watch and go to the investigator. This does not mean that the case will be closed. But this is the first installment – said a resident of the city of Bayramaly, who was dealing with law enforcement agencies.

The standard version of the watch is equipped with a black belt, but white stripes are considered particularly luxurious. According to reports, in some cases investigators are asking for replacement of the belt, which is associated with additional costs that the person handing the bribe must be covered.

According to the Times of Central Asia portal, watches with its own image were already promoted by the first leader of Turkmenistan Saparmurat Nijazow, who went down in history as Turkmenbas. The timers with his image were widespread among students and state officials. The portal also points out that the propaganda tool has become a transaction subject, partly a symbol of status, as well as a currency in relations between citizens and officials and officers of the service.

Located in Central Asia, Turkmenistan, widely recognized as one of the most closed and oppressive countries of the world, often guests in the media because of subsequent ideas related to the promotion of the cult of the current president. In recent months, including about forcing the employees of the state sector to buy subsequent books of the president (and his father, who assigned the presidential power to their son) or regime magazines, while signing the commitment that they will not be used for living purposes – as toilet paper, to wrap food or as a table pad.

The state interferes with every aspect of the lives of its inhabitants, regulating, for example, the color of the clothing of state employees depending on their marital status. There is no opposition or free media in the country, and the only critical information comes from the media edited most often abroad. (PAP)

MDB/ Kar/