Human rights issues in Turkmenistan, an authoritarian state, include freedom of religion issues. According to Forum 18, despite international pressure, the authorities keep a very close eye on all religious groups and the legal framework is so constrictive that many prefer to exist underground rather than have to pass through all the official hurdles. Protestant groups are affected, in addition to groups such as Jehovah's Witnesses and Hare Krishna.

Also, according to a 2002 Reporters Without Borders report, Turkmenistan has one of the worst records in the world in failing to allow media freedom.