Central Asia

Kazakstan: Opposition Pillory Dariga “PR Stunt”

Critics of Nazarbaev regime say recent media forum was merely an attempt to improve the country’s international image.

21 Feb 05

Police routinely demand bribes from visitors to the capital, despite efforts by the authorities to clamp down on the abuse.

21 Feb 05

Newspapers say they are under threat as chaotic postal service fails to pass on subscription fees.

21 Feb 05

The president's decision to reject a tough new media law was a cosmetic gesture designed to conceal the dismal state of press freedom.

21 Feb 05

Poverty is driving increasing numbers of children to beg on the streets of the capital.

21 Feb 05

Eighth suspected contract killing in two months underlines sorry state of Kyrgyz law enforcers.

21 Feb 05

Police suggest mafia link to explosion after man dies, calming initial fears of Islamic insurgency.

21 Feb 05

Workers and ecologists say covering cotton fields with polythene is costly and damaging.

21 Feb 05

This month marks the start of a phased withdrawal of Russian troops from the Tajik-Afghan border.

21 Feb 05

Isolationist regime sacks thousands of professionals for being educated outside the country.

21 Feb 05

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