Sasha owned a theme park (state-fair-type) in Ashgabat. It was well-known, always busy, and he built it up himself. He's in his 30's and one of the true great people I've met in this country. He's a great guest and a great host. He loves his children and is a responsible businessman. Unfortunately, the government has decided to make a "disneyland" (not to be confused of course with the actual disney company). Sasha has long been planning to move the park to somewhere in Russia. He was on his last few payments to the government for the land and the credit. . .
And of course, something goes wrong. I'm assuming that basic private ownership is looked down upon here, but beyond that I assume the government doesn't want to buy new park equipment and would rather just take Sasha's
They brought him to the courthouse. They told him he has two choices. First, he can sign over his property to the government. If he doesn't, they'll put him in jail and take his property anyway. He signed away his life's work, his business. Then, knowing better than to trust his own country, the place he raised his three children, he ran. He crossed the country by taxi, hoping at each check-point that the teenage military boys wouldn't have orders to hold him. He had no time to pack and only had some money friends gave him along the road and the clothes he was wearing. He got onto a cargo ferry and got to Russia without incident.
What about the people without friends along the way, or without relatives and friends in other countries. Sasha is so lucky and so smart. He has someone to run to. His wife is still here, his children are still here, but he has an opportunity to build all over again. His 'crimes' are not as serious as a situation a few years ago when someone tried to have free media by radio in Turkmenistan (yikes) and they attacked him in his home in Russia as well as his son. I think they got what they wanted out of Sasha.
Almost all of my friends, family, and colleagues here are 'white'. We are the minority that are being chased out. I feel very much a part of that tragedy and sometimes I wonder how many of my people will still be here in a few years when I want to return to see the country.
I wish Sasha the best and I plan to visit him in the next few months with my sister Aziza to give him any support we can.
