Central Asia

Kyrgyzstan: Civil Rights in Reverse Gear

Restrictive bills copied from Russia equate desire for basic rights with suspect pro-Western views.

Battling Human Trafficking in Tajikistan

Tajik Police Declare War on Sex Trade

Kazakstan's Balancing Act Over Ukraine Ties

Government aims to strengthen links with Kiev while avoiding alienating strategic partner Moscow.

Youth Violence in Tajikistan

Hard Times Ahead for Kazakstan Civil Society

Despite progress on talks to amend upcoming NGO bill, other legislation imposes worrying restrictions.

Tajik Authorities Seize Academic, Call Research "Spying"

Alexander Sodiqov held incommunicado while conducting field research.

Kyrgyz Child Workers Harassed, Not Helped by Police

Police officers accused of exploiting underage labour ban to extract bribes.

Tajik, Afghan Officials Play Down Border Security Fears

Concerns that militant and drug-trafficking threats might rise after NATO-led forces leave Afghanistan.

Central Asian Migrants in Russia Find Religion

For most, Islam is a uniting force in an alien society, though some experts warn of Islamic radicalisation risk.