Press Freedom Under Attack
Journalists in Trouble: A Message from Recently Freed RFE/RL Journalists
In 2025, RFE/RL journalists Andrei Kuznechyk, Ihar Karnei, Ihar Losik, and Vladyslav Yesypenko were released from unjust detention, thanks to diplomatic efforts by the United States and its partners, and…
Journalists in Trouble: Vladyslav Yesypenko Visits Washington, D.C.
Vladyslav Yesypenko visits Washington, D.C.; vehicle carrying RFE/RL journalist hit by Russian drone; and more.
Journalists in Trouble: Ihar Losik Released from Detention in Belarus
Ihar Losik freed from unjust imprisonment in Belarus; RFE/RL journalist assaulted in Georgia; and more.
Journalists in Trouble: RFE/RL Journalist Placed in Solitary Confinement in Russia
Nika Novak placed in solitary confinement; Farid Mehralizada sentenced to nine years in prison; RFE/RL challenges accreditation denials in Kazakhstan; and more.
RFE/RL’s Belarus Service Ranked #1 in Journalism Standards
RFE/RL’s Radio Svaboda recognized by the Belarus Press Club for outstanding reporting despite challenging media landscape.
Russia’s Power Play In Central Asia
Russia’s longtime influence in Central Asia seemed to fade after the launch of its full-scale war on Ukraine in February 2022, as other countries pursued stronger relations with Central Asian…
The Racialization Of Central Asians In Russia
Racialization is the process of viewing a specific people with preconceived notions about them. In Russia, non-Russians — particularly people from Asia or the South Caucasus — have long been…
Decolonizing Central Asia
Russia’s historical legacy in Central Asia has come under increased scrutiny in the region since Russia launched its full-scale war in Ukraine.
Legislating Fashion In Central Asia
In late June, Tajikistan passed a law on “alien clothing” that bans certain types of Islamic attire, particularly from Arab countries, and some types of Western clothing.
Three Years With The Taliban As Neighbors
Nearly three years have passed since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan, to the dismay of much of the world.