Regional officials and employees of local state entities in Turkmenistan's western region of Balkan have been forced to buy watches with pictures of President Serdar Berdymukhammedov and his father and predecessor, Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, on the face of the timepiece. RFE/RL correspondents report that the watches cost between 1,500 and 3,000 manats ($410-$820). Those of higher ranks are obliged to buy the more expensive watches, while the less expensive editions are for lower-tier employees at state entities. Despite Turkmenistan's abundant resources of natural gas, the majority of its population has been living in poverty for years. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Turkmen Service, click here.
Ticktock Tyranny: Turkmen Officials Ordered To Buy Watches Bearing Leader's Likeness
A watch featuring the likeness of Turkmen President Serdar Berdymukhammedov