Ovadan-Debi Prison, located in the Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan, is notorious for its inhumane conditions and secretive operations. Established between 2002 and 2008 under the regime of former President Safarmurat Niyazov, this prison was designed to isolate political opponents and those accused of conspiracy and extremism. With a capacity of approximately 150 prisoners, reports suggest that the actual number of inmates is significantly higher, leading to overcrowding and severe living conditions.
Prisoners at Ovadan-Debi face extreme temperatures, with summer highs reaching 50 degrees Celsius and winter lows plummeting to -20 degrees. The lack of proper ventilation and heating exacerbates these conditions, contributing to high mortality rates due to diseases like tuberculosis, as well as psychological issues stemming from torture and isolation. Former inmates have recounted experiences of regular beatings, intimidation, and a complete lack of medical care, leading to a grim atmosphere within the prison walls.
The prison's unique architectural features include 'hunchback cells,' which are small, windowless rooms forcing inmates into uncomfortable positions. The absence of basic sanitation facilities further underscores the dire conditions. Reports indicate that the authorities maintain strict control over the prison, preventing external oversight by organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross. Inmates are cut off from the outside world, prohibited from accessing any form of media or communication, and subjected to brutal torture methods, raising serious human rights concerns.
- The Helsinki Turkmen Organization for Human Rights has been vocal about the atrocities occurring within Ovadan-Debi Prison, documenting cases of torture and the mysterious deaths of inmates. Families of prisoners often remain uninformed about their loved ones' fates, with reports of secret burials and unaccounted deaths. The organization's findings highlight the urgent need for international attention and intervention regarding the human rights violations taking place in this secretive facility.
- The prison's design includes reinforced concrete blocks and a trench surrounding the perimeter, emphasizing its isolation and the government's intent to keep its operations hidden. The lack of transparency and oversight has allowed for the continuation of these practices, drawing criticism from human rights advocates worldwide.
