Stories about Central Asia & Caucasus
Georgian State Security Service accused of mass-surveillance of public figures
The Georgian State Security Service (SSG) has been spying on journalists, opposition and ruling party politicians, activists, priests, businesspeople, and other public figures, according to leaked documents.
Pressure on journalists, bloggers mounts ahead of Uzbekistan's presidential elections
A foreign journalist loses accreditation, a pro-LBGT blogger is beaten and another blogger gets a heavy sentence on dubious charges.
How Azerbaijan's government abused Facebook's loopholes—for years
An investigation by The Guardian showed that Facebook has tolerated abuses of its platform in small nations such as Azerbaijan as it prioritized issues that affected the United States and its...
In Tajikistan, online critics land behind bars as alleged ‘extremists’
In Tajikistan, several outspoken bloggers and activists have been sent behind bars and online freedom of expression is seriously curtailed.
In Kyrgyzstan, social media hate goes unchecked
In the wake of a contested election, Kyrgyzstan’s civil society activists, opponent politicians, and independent journalists are being heavily targeted online — with help from the country’s post-crisis leader.
Azerbaijani authorities disrupt internet nationwide amid Nagorno-Karabakh clashes
Access has been on and off since clashes broke out on September 27.
Kyrgyzstan's journalists fear yet another hurdle to freedom of speech
Kyrgyzstan's parliament has passed a law against "manipulating information." Given their recent experiences, it's no surprise that the country's journalists worry what it might mean for freedom of speech.
Interview with Bektour Iskender, co-founder of Kyrgyz outlet under attack for corruption investigation
The story's whistleblower was shot dead in Istambul in November, and Kloop.kg battles a defamation lawsuit.
Kazakhstan pauses interception of encrypted traffic, but for how long?
This was the authorities’ third attempt to enforce the use of a “national security certificate.” Although the authorities have relented, there are signs that it won’t be the last.
#FreeSerikjan and the long shadow of Xinjiang's camps in neighbouring Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan's government is nervous about what Seikjan Bilash is doing, and will happen if his popularity grows.
Kazakhstan silences the Xinjiang megaphone
“I have one issue – and that issue is Xinjiang.”
‘Even by leaving us she gave us a lesson': Fearless rights defender's death shocks Tajikistan
"She was not silent when others buried their heads in the sand. She risked her life every day and knew the value of this risk."
Azerbaijanis pressure government to #FreeMehman after blogger endures 12 days on hunger strike
Young, popular and politicized, video blogger Mehman Huseynov is a classic target of the Azerbaijani government's crackdown on civil society.
Arrested for fact-checking: Kazakh court fines Ukrainian journalist after police break up media workshop
The incident highlights the authorities' aversion to discussions of Ukraine in Kazakhstan.
More Afghan journalists killed as militants ramp up attacks on Shiites
"He was live moments ago on tv without knowing he himself will be making the headlines moments later. RIP dear friend."
#FreeKhayrullo: Human rights groups demand justice for Tajik journalist facing trial
A bold and popular journalist is appealing a 12 year-sentence he received after speaking out against official corruption.
Freedom abroad, fear at home: Azerbaijani human rights lawyer detained for 30 days
Emin Aslan had prepared multiple complaints brought before the European Court of Human Rights on behalf of Azerbaijani citizens.
Uzbekistan releases its “last detained journalists”
For the first time in last two decades, there is not a single journalist behind bars in Uzbekistan, once one of the world's most despotic countries.
Netizen Report: In Afghanistan and Pakistan, journalists honor slain colleagues on World Press Freedom Day
We dedicate this edition to journalists who have been threatened or killed this year, in honor of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2018.
Netizen Report: Cyber Attacks Sideline Independent Media in Azerbaijan, Philippines
The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
