Kyrgyz Authorities Move to Shut Down Independent News Outlet

Investigative publication Kloop is the latest target of authorities’ campaign against independent media and critical voices.

Russian sergeant Azamat Kuzbarmakov has been sentenced in absentia to 10 years in prison for cruel treatment of civilians and robbery during the occupation of Bobryk, a village in Kyiv region, in March 2022. © Still from a video by ГТРК "Саратов"

Courtside

Russian Sergeant Sentenced to Ten Years for Beating and Robbing Civilians

Soldier threatened, beat and stole valuables from locals over several days in March 2022.

In the border town of Kozacha Lopan, in the Kharkiv region, police discovered a jail that they believe Russian soldiers used as a torture chamber September 25, 2022 in Kozacha Lopan, Ukraine. © Paula Bronstein /Getty Images

Interview

“People Need to Know the Terrible Truth About These Prisons”

Russian human rights activist describes efforts to document the torture and sexual abuse of captured Ukrainians.

Ukraine Justice Briefing

Tuesday, 12 September ‘23

This week’s overview of key events and links to essential reading.

Residents of Nagorny Karabakh protest against Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Armenian-populated region at a Russian checkpoint. Tasked with enforcing the 2020 ceasefire between Yerevan and Baku, Russian peacekeepers did little to prevent Azerbaijan from setting up checkpoints on the Lachin corridor, Kazabakh’s only gateway to Armenia, and shutting down traffic of goods and people.

Yerevan Angry Over Moscow’s Inaction as Nagorny Karabakh Blockade Continues

Russia remains cautious as Azerbaijan’s block of the region’s only gateway drags into its ninth month.

The photograph of Davit Jeladze, carrying his niece on his back, knee-deep in mud, became the symbol of the struggle to save people in the immediate aftermath of the mudslide that hit Georgia's mountain region of Racha in early August, claiming 31 lives. Authorities have been criticised for the inadequate emergency response and the lack of early warning mechanisms. that could have limited the impact of the disaster. © Lana Jeladze

Georgian Authorities Face Scrutiny Over Disaster Response

Delays and failure to implement early warning systems blamed after deadly mudslide.

During the three-week long occupation, Russian forces set up headquarters in the local church in Lukashivka, a village of nearly 400 people. © Anastasia Vlasova/Getty Images

Courtside

Russian Soldier Convicted of Brutal Treatment

Man found guilty of looting, holding mock executions and threatening to cut off a civilian’s fingers with an axe.

Ukraine Justice Briefing

Tuesday, 5 September ‘23

This week’s overview of key events and links to essential reading.

Kyrgyz activist Altyn Kapalova won a three year-long battle to give her three children her name instead of their father's, breaking rooted patriarchal norms in the country. The Constitutional Court's ruling in her favour sparked a heated debate in society. © Altyn Kapalova

Fight Over Matronymics Sparks Political Battle in Kyrgyzstan

President proposes revision of Constitutional Court decision after ruling allows mother to give her name to her children.

Global Voices: Europe/Eurasia

THIS WEEK ON CABAR.ASIA

Highlights from IWPR’s Central Asia network of analysis and investigations.

In Kazakstan, ArcelorMittal Temirtau, the country's largest mining company, enjoyed state support for decades. But the death of 46 miners in October brought this backing to an end. Meanwhile, in Uzbekistan, Tajik nationals serving sentences on espionage charges in Uzbek prisons ask for a review of their cases.

Elsewhere, CABAR gets a unique insight into two of the eight Catholic nunneries still operating in northern Kazakstan.