List of ‘accepted’ universities deals blow to students

Young Turkmen studying abroad are angry with a new government decision to only recognise diplomas from certain foreign universities and to not recognise certain degrees of study, writes Pete Baumgartner for RFL/RL.

Rayat, who gave only his first name, said the new decree enforces the perception that Turkmen education is laughable, and aimed only at glorifying Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, known by the honorific ‘arkadag’ or ‘protector’.

The latest restrictions, issued on 23 April, are part of a series of actions in recent years to prevent Turkmen students from studying abroad or creating conditions that force them to give up their studies. It is also the latest in a series of draconian measures that have tightened control of all aspects of life in Turkmenistan under the mercurial Berdymukhammedov, who has led the former Soviet republic since 2006.
Full report on the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty site