Death, Detention, Deportation: The Plight of Karakalpak Activists
Karakalpak activists are experiencing problems in Kazakhstan and in Europe.
Karakalpak activists are experiencing problems in Kazakhstan and in Europe. Trouble started after Uzbek security forces brutally suppressed a peaceful protest over the region’s sovereignty within Uzbekistan in Nukus, capital of the Karakalpakstan Sovereign Republic, in July 2022. This year, a Karakalpak activists died in Kazakhstan while another is currently detained there. Two more activists in Europe face possible deportation. Joining host Bruce Pannier are Arzu, a pseudonym for a Karakalpak activist now living outside Uzbekistan; Catherine Putz, managing editor at The Diplomat magazine; Leila Seiitbek, chairwoman of the NGO Freedom For Eurasia; and noted human rights lawyer Steve Swerdlow. (Note: Arzu’s comments have been voiced over to protect family and friends in Karakalpakstan.)
Majlis podcast
Latest Episodes
Bi-weekly, host Bruce Pannier welcomes a panel of 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.