Central Asia

Kyrgyzstan: Boost for Media Freedom

Independent printing press opens for business in the capital despite government reservations.

21 Feb 05

Antiquated radiotherapy equipment threatens lives of patients and doctors.

21 Feb 05

Proposed changes to criminal code won't tackle harsh practice of burying executed prisoners in anonymous graves.

21 Feb 05

Impoverished people accused of viewing holy month of Ramadan as a chance to make a quick buck.

21 Feb 05

Students press-ganged into gathering republic's vital cotton harvest have now been ordered to meet daily quotas.

21 Feb 05

New party says it advocates liberal democracy, but looks like previous government-sponsored groups.

21 Feb 05

Budget difficulties and a desire to hide unemployment levels are blamed for latest purge.

21 Feb 05

Poaching scandal threatens to blow up into political row as protected species turns up at Russian airbase.

21 Feb 05

Military officials sacked for trying to forcibly enlist youngsters.

21 Feb 05

Thousands of people in the Fergana valley take to the streets, some attacking the police sent to disperse them.

21 Feb 05

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