Tajikistan was also criticized for restricting the rights of citizens to change their government, but also for poor conditions in prisons and obtaining confessions through torture.
The reported noted the same problems in Turkmenistan as in Tajikistan, but also denial of due process and a fair trial and restrictions on freedom of speech.
Kyrgyzstan, where longtime President Askar Akaev was ousted in a popular revolt last year, was criticized for Akaev government restrictions on freedom of speech, the press, and assembly. But the new leadership was also cited for the impunity of security forces and discrimination against ethnic minorities.
For an overview of the State Department report, click here.
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