Conversation so far:
Are there any other interesting aspects about this article?
All libraries outside of the capital were also closed, as Niyazov believed that the only books that most Turkmen needed to read were the Qur'an and his Ruhnama.
What other beliefs did he have?
One of the earliest acts of the president was to abolish the death penalty.
How did the public take this?
they were not respected in practice with his government being criticised as one of the worst human rights violators in the world.

Question: Why was he viewed in that manner?
Self-contained rewrite: Why was Saparmurat Niyazov viewed as one of the worst human rights violators in the world?