Human Rights Watch re-established a presence in Uzbekistan in August 2017 after President Shavkat Mirziyoyev launched a reform campaign.
Central Asia articles on Democracy Chronicles
In modern contexts, all definitions of Central Asia include these five republics of the former Soviet Union: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The largely Muslim region has been increasingly anti-democracy since it broke off as a group from Russia in 1991. Also see our section on World Democracy and our articles on Russia and Vladimir Putin.
Crackdown on Presidential Election Protests in Kazakhstan
Today neither social nor mainstream media in Kazakhstan were reporting on orderly presidential elections rather reporting about protests during the election.
Kazakhstan Protests as Nazarbaev’s Chosen Successor Nears Power
Polls have closed in Kazakhstan where police detained hundreds of protesters and several journalists as the country held a snap presidential election.
Uzbekistan Opens Web to BBC, VOA, Amnesty International
Ex-Soviet republic Uzbekistan unblocked a dozen news and rights websites known for critical coverage of the Central Asian country.
Time to End A Political Dissident’s Ordeal in Turkmenistan
Gulgeldy Annaniyazov’s long spell in prison was supposed to end this year, but without concerted international action his ordeal will drag on.
Kazakhstani Man Detained For Holding Blank Protest Sign
To test the limits of his right to peacefully demonstrate in Kazakhstan, stood in a public square holding a blank sign, predicting he would be detained.
Activists Run Afoul of Kazakhstan’s Zero Tolerance for Protest
Every time authorities in Kazakhstan crack down on peaceful protests, I find myself coming back to the words of Maina Kiai.
Peaceful Kazakhstan Political Expression Should Not Be Suppressed
Freedom House calls for immediate release of jailed activists and urges government of Kazakhstan to allow citizens freely express their political.
Tajikistani Must Release Gravely Ill Activist Hayit
The Tajik government should immediately and unconditionally release a seriously ill political activist who has been tortured, nine human rights groups said.
Kazakhstan’s Soviet-Era Dictator Resigns After 30 Years
Kazakhstans soviet era dictator Nursultan Nazaraev, who has ruled for the last 30 years, announced his resignation today which for many was a shock.