Central Asia

Tight Security Part of Uzbekistan Holiday Package

Visitors feel weight of state surveillance.

Kyrgyzstan: More Work Needed on Police Abuse

Limited success in combating violence in detention as culture of impunity persists.

Compulsory Newspapers in Kazakstan Region

Practice of forcing people to subscribe to newspapers they don’t want has to stop.

Journalist Sergei Naumov Released in Uzbekistan

He was freed from a police detention centre where staff had claimed they had no record of him.

Kazakstan: Domestic Abuse Victims Face Alimony Battles

Legislation from 2010 has improved police action on domestic violence, but victims find it hard to claim a fair legal settlement afterwards.

Uzbek Journalist's Case Makes Waves

As international rights groups raise the alarm, people in Uzbekistan share their concerns on social networking sites.

Female Presidential Candidate a First for Tajikistan

Fears Mount Over "Disappeared" Uzbek Journalist

As uniformed police shrug their shoulders, human rights defender says Sergei Naumov may have been seized by secret service.

Tajikistan: Many Candidates, No Pluralism

But why is the government so keen to crush opposition election chances?

Journalist Held Incommunicado in Uzbekistan

Official refusal to disclose Sergei Naumov’s location raises fears of ill-treatment.