Search RFE/RL

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.

Journalists in Trouble: Alsu Kurmasheva Freed in Historic Prisoner Swap, Reunited with Family

Alsu Kurmasheva freed in historic prisoner swap; RFE/RL president testifies before Congress; Kazakhstan passes new media law; and more.

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.

Statement from the RFE/RL Board of Directors on the Release of Alsu Kurmasheva 

The Board of Directors of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty welcomes home RFE/RL journalist Alsu Kurmasheva following her release from unjust detention in the Russian Federation.

American RFE/RL Reporter Alsu Kurmasheva Released from Russian Custody 

RFE/RL welcomes news of Alsu’s release and is grateful to the American government and all who worked tirelessly to end her unjust treatment by Russia.

Central Asia in Focus: Is a Karakalpak Leader Being Tortured in Prison? 

In this week’s edition: Karakalpak lawyer and rights activist Dauletmurat Tazhimuratov is allegedly being tortured in an Uzbek prison, Kazakhstan looks to become a major source of critical minerals, and…

American RFE/RL Reporter Alsu Kurmasheva Tried & Convicted in Russian Court 

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) called the ruling by a Russian court “a mockery of justice.”

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.

Central Asia in Focus: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan Claim to Foil Terrorist Plots

In this week’s edition: Kazakh and Kyrgyz authorities detain people suspected of having ties to terrorist groups, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention calls on Tajik authorities to…