Free expression

Nasha Niva, Belarus' oldest newspaper, was banned in November 2021 and declared an extremist formation in January 2022 as part of a continuous crackdown on journalists and government's critics. © Monica Ellena/IWPR

Belarus’ Oldest Outlet Epitomises Struggle for Press Freedom

In one of the world’s most dangerous countries for reporters, mere dissent can lead to years in jail.

27 Jan 23

A mosque in the village of Karakemer, in Kazakstan’s south-eastern Jambyl province. Kazakstans laws foresee that citizens can be punished for dissemination of religious materials, even if they are of a non-extremist nature. This even extends to selling a copy of the Quran or the New Testament on classified sites. © Petr Trotsenko RFE/RL

Kazakstan: Fined for a Book of Bible Stories

Citizens can be punished for dissemination of religious materials, even if of a non-extremist nature.

13 Jan 23

A screenshot of some of the televised forced confessions of Belarus' railway employees detained in March 2022 for their actions in support of Ukraine.

Belarus’ Epidemic of Public Shaming

Security services use TV confessions to spread fear and promote public self-censorship.

6 Dec 22

Participants of the free speech rally in Bishkek. © 24.kg

Kyrgyzstan: Towards Total Media Control?

Vaguely-worded legislation introduces potential restrictions on wide range of outlets

1 Nov 22

On October 4, independent journalist and filmmaker Avazmad Ghurbatov, who works with the name of Abdullo Ghurbati, was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison on dubious charges of using violence, insulting police officers and having ties with the banned Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan (IRPT). © Ghurbati's Facebook profile

Tajikistan’s Freedom of Expression Shrinks

Journalists get lengthy sentences on charges that rights groups say are groundless.

24 Oct 22

Ahmad Mammadli in a screenshot of the video filmed from a police van after his arrest. The 21-year-old chair of the pro-democracy group Democracy-1918 (D18) was detained on September 20 on charges of resisting police officers; the activist has been a vocal critic of Azerbaijani authorities' shelling inside Armenia's territory.

Anti-War Sentiments on the Rise in Azerbaijan

The recent escalation caught many by surprise, emboldening voices among the political opposition.

23 Sep 22

Seen on a monitor at a press conference Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky takes questions from the media on April 23, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. © John Moore/Getty Images

Ukraine Debates “Authoritarian” Media Law

Critics argue that move, currently being fast-tracked by lawmakers, could curtail free speech.

7 Sep 22

Political prisoners in Belarus infographic 1/8.

Belarus’ Political Prisoners

Even those who flee the country are liable to prosecution.

9 Aug 22

Ayten Osmanova arranges a colourful hijab in her atelier in Azerbaijan's capital Baku. The designer started her fashion business to cater for the increasing number of liberal believers who, like her, sought a modest apparel with a modern, colourful twist. © Lamyia Adilgizi

Azerbaijani Women Embrace The Headscarf

Islam is on the rise in the oil-rich, secular South Caucasus country and the hijab is a way to make a statement.

26 Jul 22

Infographic on Belarusian media and extremism 1/9.

Belarus’ Crackdown on Media Continues

Regime uses accusations of extremism to silence dissenting voices – and intimidate news consumers.

14 Jun 22

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