Turkmenistan Orders Cultural Workers to Lose Weight by Independence Day

Turkmen authorities have ordered cultural workers to lose excess weight by September 27, the country’s Independence Day, Orda.kz reports, citing Azattyk Asia.

Actors, singers, and employees of cultural centers received an oral warning framed as a binding order. Those who fail to comply will be barred from performing on stage. Even honored and national artists were not granted exceptions.

Many cultural figures admitted they had to go on strict diets.

If you can only afford bread, you’ll have a belly. Meat and vegetable prices are too high. A gym membership costs a thousand manats while the salary is three thousand,
 artists said, complaining their wages do not allow for proper nutrition.

Azattyk Asia notes that similar directives have previously been issued for state employees in other Central Asian countries.

Original Author: Artyom Volkov