Latest Updates from the Caucasus and Central Asia Region: A Compilation of Recent Events
Let's get real...
The Kyrgyz authorities are escalating their assault on free media. Current Time, a broadcast platform by RFE/RL, has reported that State Security Service officials snatched a skew crew of journalists from Kloop, an independent news outlet, on allegations of partnering with exiled investigative blogger Bolat Temirov. This ordeal stemmed from an investigation in 2022 that exposed high-level corruption. According to Kloop's Editor-in-Chief Anna Kapushenko, the perplexing question here is, "why would our authorities consider cooperating with journalists as a criminal offence?"
Meanwhile, over in Armenia, they've got an anti-Kremlin critic, Mark Serov, in a chokehold. Serov, a regular talking head from the Volga River city of Kazan, wound up in Armenian custody on May 10th. He's wanted back in Russia for stirring up "political animosity."
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan used his May 28 Republic Day speech to boast about his "Real Armenia" program. His hypothesis was that Armenia needs to put the brakes on the past. "Our history of the last 450 years, Historical Armenia, has delivered us a single crucial message: 'don't repeat the past'." He also emphasized the importance of maintaining cordial relations with immediate neighbours and cautioned against overdependence on foreign powers.
In Azerbaijan, the State Security Service has apprehended Zahireddin Ibragimov, an Azerbaijani national holding dual citizenship with Russia. Ibragimov, who has been suspected of anti-state activities, particularly criticizing the Second Karabakh War, was detained. The circumstances surrounding how he ended up in Azerbaijani custody remain shrouded in mystery.
A wave of foreigners has been denied entry to Georgia, prompting concern from both the Polish and French embassies in Tbilisi. The advisories recommended caution, especially for individuals associated with any anti-government activities or those who actively participate in protests in Georgia, or engage in political discussions on social media[7].
Meanwhile, in Kazakhstan, the government has fired Almaty's mayor, Yerbolat Dosayev, replacing him with Darkhan Satybaldy, the deputy head of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's executive office. The move could signal a shift in power from the era of former president Nursultan Nazarbayev[8].
The Kazakh government is also considering granting sign language official recognition, aiming to provide equal opportunities and resources for the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities[9].
A record number of dead seals have washed up on the Caspian Sea coast since last November, exceeding 2,000 deaths. The cause remains elusive, with theories speculating pollution, disease, or climate change as potential culprits[6].
In Uzbekistan, an Uzbek citizen has been sentenced to five years in prison for serving as a mercenary in the Russia-Ukraine war. This conviction is significant as it marks a departure from the country's previous lax treatment of such cases[3].
Tajikistan's political heir, Rustam Emomali, had a meeting with Vladimir Putin in Moscow, potentially strengthening the ties between Russia and Tajikistan, and paving the way for a possible dynastic succession in Tajikistan[4].
Lastly, UNESCO has published their "2025 Gender Report", which highlights achievements in gender equality across education among various Eurasian states, with Armenia and Uzbekistan making significant strides in increasing the representation of women in parliament, while Georgia and Kazakhstan show promising results in gender parity in technology education[10].
- Amidst the escalating assault on free media in Kyrgyzstan, one might question if politics is encroaching upon general-news and crime-and-justice, as independent journalists are being targeted.
- The travel of Armenian anti-Kremlin critic, Mark Serov, has been restricted, raising concerns about freedom of speech and politics in light of his detainment.
- In a historic leap for education, Kazakhstan considers granting sign language official recognition, demonstrating a commitment to expanding opportunities for the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.
- The UNESCO "2025 Gender Report" highlights progress in gender equality across Eurasia, particularly in education, with news of Armenia and Uzbekistan increasing women's representation in parliament, and Georgia and Kazakhstan making strides towards gender parity in technology education.
