Punishing Reporting: Bloggers Under Pressure In Mirziyoev’s Uzbekistan
Since Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev came to power in late 2016, he has often exhorted journalists to draw attention to corruption.
Since Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev came to power in late 2016, he has often exhorted journalists to draw attention to corruption and other problems in the country. Mirziyoev has promised he would “stand behind” journalists and media outlets. However, the Uzbek president has been nowhere in sight recently as bloggers in the country have been arrested and given long prison sentences — in some cases longer sentences than people in Uzbekistan convicted for violent crimes receive. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss are guests Umida Niyazova, director at the Germany-based Uzbek Forum for Human Rights, and Steve Swerdlow, a rights lawyer with many years of experience in Central Asia who is currently an associate professor of the practice of human rights at the University of Southern California.
Majlis podcast
Latest Episodes
Each week, host Bruce Pannier welcomes a panel of expert guests to discuss significant political developments and pressing social issues affecting the nations of Central Asia.
British Foreign Secretary Cameron Visits Central Asia
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron just completed an official trip to all five Central Asian states.
Are Tajik Government Policies Helping Create Terrorists?
Can an authoritarian government’s policies contribute to its citizens becoming terrorists?
Tajiks In Russia Living In Fear After Moscow Terrorist Attack
Russian security forces arrested several Tajik citizens in the wake of the March 22 attack on the Crocus City Hall outside Moscow that left more than 140 dead.
Turkmenistan’s Search For New Gas Markets
In the first two weeks of March, Turkmenistan has been unusually active in promoting its potential as a natural-gas supplier.
Death, Detention, Deportation: The Plight of Karakalpak Activists
Karakalpak activists are experiencing problems in Kazakhstan and in Europe.
Kloop’s Closure: A Bad Omen For Independent Kyrgyz Media?
A court in Kyrgyzstan ordered the closure of Kloop Media on February 9.
Huge EU Investment Program Looks To Expand Middle Corridor To Central Asia
On January 29-30, Brussels hosted an Investors Forum for European Union-Central Asia Transport Connectivity.
The Crackdown On Kyrgyzstan’s Independent Media
While Kyrgyzstan’s independent media scene has been slowly deteriorating for two years, January 15 marked a turning point.
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.