2. In the exercise of his powers, the Ombudsman shall be independent and shall not represent any state authorities, officials, political parties and other public associations. 3. Decisions of the Ombudsman shall express a legal position free from political bias, consistent with the Constitution, laws, international treaties of Turkmenistan, universally recognized international human rights laws. Article 14. Publicity of the Ombudsman’s activity The Ombudsman’s activity shall be public and shall be covered in the mass media of Turkmenistan. Article 15. Guarantees of the Ombudsman’s labour rights 1. The term of the Ombudsman’s powers shall be included in the total length of service and service period, which shall grant the right to assign the next military or special rank and class rank. 2. At the end of the term of office of the Ombudsman, he shall be given the previous position, and in the absence of such an opportunity, with his consent, another equivalent position. Article 16. Material and social guarantees of the Ombudsman The material and social guarantees of the Ombudsman related to wages, medical, social and other support and services shall be established in accordance with the guarantees stipulated for state officials by laws and other regulations of Turkmenistan. Article 17. Liability for obstructing the activities of the Ombudsman Interference in the activities of the Ombudsman in order to influence his decision or actions, encroachment on his inviolability, failure by officials to fulfill the duties stipulated by this Law, as well as obstruction of his activities in another form shall entail liability established by the legislation of Turkmenistan. CHAPTER IV. COMPETENCE OF THE OMBUDSMAN Article 18. Powers of the Ombudsman 1. The Ombudsman shall: 1) visit state authorities, local self-government bodies, enterprises, institutions and organizations without hindrance and without prior notice, regardless of their organizational and legal forms and forms of ownership, correctional and other specialized institutions, places of pre-trial detention, places of detention, the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan, other troops, military institutions and conduct an inspection of their activities in them independently or jointly with competent state bodies, officials, civil servants; 2) request and receive from officials of state authorities, local self-government, enterprises, institutions and organizations, regardless of their organizational and legal forms and