Clamping Down On Religious Freedom In Central Asia
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) just released its annual report on freedom of religion in the world.
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) just released its annual report on freedom of religion in the world. The sections on Central Asia make for grim reading. Constitutionally, people in Central Asia can practice whatever faith they choose. In practice, however, only the state-approved forms of Islam and the Russian Orthodox Church are acceptable to authorities in Central Asia. Other groups face a myriad of problems; discussions of religion posted on social networks that stray from state sanctioned norms can lead to legal repercussions. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss are Mollie Blum, a researcher at USCIRF who helped compile the data on Central Asia for the recent report, and Felix Corley, editor of the Forum 18 News Service that monitors religious freedom in the former Soviet republics and Eastern Europe.
Majlis podcast
Latest Episodes
In this biweekly podcast, host Bruce Pannier welcomes expert guests to discuss significant political developments and pressing social issues affecting the nations of Central Asia.
Violence Against Women Increasing in Central Asia
This year’s edition of the international 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign got under way on November 25.
What Do Central Asians Think About China?
China’s presence in Central Asia has been growing for 30 years. China is now a leading trade and security partner, foreign investor, and source of everyday goods available in markets…
No Safe Haven In Europe For Central Asian Opposition
Tajik opposition activist Dilmurod Ergashev arrived in Tajikistan on November 7, after he was deported from Germany, where he had been seeking asylum since 2011.
Diving Deep Into Tajikistan’s Armed Forces
The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs just released a detailed report on military and security forces in Tajikistan.
Central Asia Pushes Back On Russian Critiques
Russian officials and celebrities have become increasingly critical of the countries and peoples of Central Asia since the Kremlin launched its full-scale war on Ukraine in February 2022 — and…
Kazakhstan’s Controversial Nuclear Power Vote
Kazakhs will vote on October 6 in a national referendum to authorize construction of a nuclear power plant.
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…
Subscribe to the Central Asia in Focus Newsletter
RFE/RL’s Central Asia in Focus newsletter delivers the latest news and insights direct to your inbox.