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An undated video still shows Hafiz Saeed founder of IS-K, on ​​the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in January 2015.

Central Asia in Focus: ISKP Members Detained in Kyrgyzstan

In this week’s edition: multiple ISKP members were detained in Kyrgyzstan, a Tajik town lives in fear of mysterious men in black, and more.

Screenshot of the blocking of Azadliq's website.

RFE/RL Applauds European Rights Court Ruling in Favor of RFE/RL Against Azerbaijani Government

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) welcomes today’s ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

An image of the logo for the Majlis Podcast, which focus on Central Asian issues

The Rise Of The Organization Of Turkic States

Turkey is building up its influence in Central Asia — as shown by the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).

Maulen Ashimbayev appears during his swearing-in as Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of Kazakhstan on May 4, 2024.

Central Asia in Focus: The Difficult Russian Partner

In this week’s edition: Russia is on the minds of parliamentary leaders in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, Tajik authorities published their updated list of groups that are banned in Tajikistan, and…

Russian-American journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) Alsu Kurmasheva, who is in custody after she was accused of violating Russia's law on foreign agents, holds drawings by her supporters as she attends a court hearing in Kazan, Russia May 31, 2024. Image taken by REUTERS/Alexey Nasyrov.

Russia Extends American RFE/RL Journalist’s Detention for Sixth Time

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) is outraged at today’s ruling in Russia to extend RFE/RL journalist Alsu Kurmasheva’s pretrial detention for the sixth time.

An image of the logo for the Majlis Podcast, which focus on Central Asian issues

Tajik Government’s Crackdown In Gorno-Badakhshan Enters Third Year

Two years have passed since the Tajik government launched its crackdown on residents of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast, or GBAO.

A crowd looms during the night of unrest and violence against Pakistani students in Bishkek on May 18, 2024.

Central Asia in Focus: Many Problems Surround Bishkek Violence on May 17-18

In this week’s edition: South Asian students in Bishkek are targeted during a night of violence, Kazakh flood victims are frustrated with the state’s slow response, and more.

An image of the logo for the Majlis Podcast, which focus on Central Asian issues

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.

Kateryna Yesypenko and Aleh Hruzdzilovich at RFE/RL’s World Press Freedom Day reception in Washington D.C. on April 25, 2024.

Journalists in Trouble: President Biden Calls for Alsu Kurmasheva’s Release

President Biden calls for Alsu Kurmasheva’s release; RFE/RL hosts World Press Freedom Day reception with families of imprisoned journalists; and more.

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