Censorship
Leaving the island: Japarov’s campaign to silence independent media
Since the fall of the Soviet Union, the Kyrgyz Republic has been considered an island of democracy in a largely autocratic region. However, the latest administration has spent the last… [...]
In Central Asia, the Freedom of Press is in Decline
Almost every year, countries in Central Asia are placed at the bottom of NGO Reporters Without Borders’, annual ranking for the freedom of press. Every country has dropped in ranking,… [...]
Pressure from Russia increases on Central Asian media outlets
Ever since February 24, 2022, coverage of the war in Ukraine has been complicated for Central Asia. Between voluntary omission by official media and pressure on those who dare call… [...]
Turkmenistan launches national messaging services
The Turkmen authorities have announced the launch of an instant messaging and email platform developed by domestic companies. These new applications will provide the Turkmen people with alternatives to Western… [...]
Kyrgyzstan: threat of censorship looms after controversial comedy show
After a controversial comedy show on YouTube, Kyrgyzstan’s culture minister discussed stronger state control of musicians. Artists and parts of civil society reacted with indignation and criticised the lack of… [...]
Support Novastan, the European Central Asia magazine
By supporting Novastan, you are supporting the only English, French and German-language media specialising in Central Asia. We're independent and we need your help to stay that way!In Tajikistan, government control still slows down internet
Despite going up in the rankings, Tajikistan’s internet is still among the slowest in the world, lagging behind its Central Asian neighbours. This article was originally published on Novastan’s… [...]