There are no legal guarantees entitling workers to form or join unions. In December, the government declared a moratorium on the death penalty. In October, President Niyazov granted amnesty to 8,000 convicts and detainees, mostly women, minors, invalids, and the sick. In April, prior to President Niyazov s visit to the United States, several opposition figures were released, including Durdymurat Khojamukhammed, co-leader of the banned Democratic Progress Party, who had been confined in a mental hospital since 1995. Six organizers remain jailed.
Corruption continues to be pervasive.
President Niyazov continued to complain publicly about corrupt officials, but no major prosecutions occurred. In the past, Niyazov has stated that he would allow officials to keep their illegal private gains if they proved they were working for the overall benefit of the country and people. Citizens are required to carry internal passports, and while residence permits are not required, place of residence is registered and noted in passports. A Soviet-style command economy diminishes equality of opportunity and leaves citizens dependent on bureaucrats, state managers, and the government for a livelihood. Women face discrimination in education, business, and government, and social-religious norms restrict women s freedom.