Members of unregistered opposition groups, including Birlik and Erk, which were banned in 1993, are subject to harassment and discrimination or have gone into voluntary exile abroad. Although a 1992 trade union law guarantees the right of workers to form and join unions, it does not mention the right to strike. The judiciary is subservient to the president, who appoints all judges to ten-year terms and can remove them from office at any time. Police routinely physically abuse suspects, and arbitrary arrest and detention are common. Law enforcement authorities reportedly often plant narcotics or weapons on suspected members of Islamic groups or political opponents to justify their arrest.
Prisons suffer from severe overcrowding and shortages of food and medicine.
There are no significant restrictions on freedom of movement, emigration, and choice of residence. Property rights are guaranteed by the constitution and a decree on private property. However, widespread corruption and the slow pace of economic reforms limit most citizens equality of opportunity.