Central Asia

Tajik Women Fight Mosque Exclusion

They say their taxes are now paying clerics yet they still aren’t allowed to attend public prayer.

Tajik NGOs Step Up Anti-Torture Campaign

Recent death in detention highlights routine use of torture against suspects.

Uzbek Journalists Trained for Silence

Despite years of censorship and total state control, the authorities still feel the need to warn reporters not to stray into sensitive areas.

Anger as Kazak Currency Devalued

Anti-government rallies small, but analysts still see them as significant.

Tajik Farming: Women Dig, Men Earn

Tougher Action Urged on Kazakstan "Bride-Theft"

Lawmaker says tougher methods needed to deal with “traditional” abductions.

Tajik Region to Get Riot Cops it Can Live With

Forced Health Checks for Sex Workers in Kyrgyzstan

NGO warns that coerced tests on detainees will only drive prostitution underground.

Kazakstan's Returning Diaspora Finds Door Less Open

Government grants and fast-track citizenship will no longer be offered as standard.

Tajiks Claim Travel to Kyrgyzstan Hindered

Effects of border confrontation still reverberating in now troubled relationship between neighbouring states.