Search RFE/RL

President Sadyr Japarov (right) awarding Kamchybek Tashiev the title of "Kyrgyz Republic Synnyn Baatyr" with the presentation of a special badge on September 2, 2022.

Central Asia in Focus: Kyrgyzstan Cracks Down on Independent Media, Civil Society

Kyrgyzstan has always been considered more democratic than its Central Asian neighbors.

A march in support of free speech on Nov. 25, 2022.

Journalists in Trouble: Kyrgyz Government Escalates Attack on RFE/RL

Kyrgyz parliament suspends accreditation of RFE/RL journalists; Ukraine charges FSB officer for torturing Vladyslav Yesypenko; and more.

Deprived of education, a woman holds a book at Female-Only Kabul Library.

RFE/RL Condemns Taliban Move to Further Silence Independent Media

Today, the Taliban removed Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s (RFE/RL) award-winning programming from AM and FM radio transmission networks in Afghanistan.

An image of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressing the participants of a session of the Russia-Kazakhstan Interregional Cooperation Forum from Russia in November 28, 2022.

Central Asia in Focus: Cold Reception in Russia for Kazakh President

Kazakh President visits Russia, expanding the Middle Corridor, investigating the violence in Uzbekistan’s Karakalpak Republic, and more.

A group of EU and Central Asian leaders stand in front of Global Gateway wall graphic.

Central Asia in Focus: European Union’s Diplomatic Push in Central Asia

EU’s diplomatic push in Central Asia, Turkmenistan sticks with Russia and Iran, Tajikistan and China Conduct Annual Military Exercises, and more.

Leaders from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan standing in a line to celebrate The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) meeting. They stand in front of an ancient building in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Central Asia in Focus: November 15, 2022

Organization of Turkic States summit, money from Russia to Uzbekistan, Emomali Rahmon anniversary, upcoming Kazakh election, and more.

RFE/RL journalist speaks to two Tajik migrant workers.

Central Asia in Focus: November 8, 2022

Russian TV gets competition in Uzbekistan, Tajik migrant laborers find employment closer to home, Organization of Turkic States Summit, and more.

A demonstrator marching in support of independent media is interviewed and speaks into an RFE/RL microphone.

RFE/RL Challenges Kyrgyz Government Decision to Block Websites

Today, RFE/RL filed an administrative complaint with Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy.

People walk next to their cars queuing to cross the border into Kazakhstan at Mariinsky border crossing after President Vladimir Putin announced a partial mobilization of reservists to fight in Ukraine. (AP Photo)

Central Asia in Focus: November 1, 2022

Russians fleeing to Central Asia, bad Turkmen choices, Uzbek President’s visit to Kyrgyzstan, possible Tajik Connection to Iranian Drones in Ukraine, and more.

Subscribe to Our Newsletters

Stay informed with uncensored news and stories from RFE/RL.