Crossroads Asia

Attacks on Press Freedom Show Central Asia’s Authoritarian Side

Recent Features

Crossroads Asia

Attacks on Press Freedom Show Central Asia’s Authoritarian Side

Media freedom continues to be a weak point in Central Asia.

Attacks on Press Freedom Show Central Asia’s Authoritarian Side
Credit: Pixabay

In the past few weeks and months, a staggering number of attacks on press freedom has dotted Central Asia, exposing the hypersensitive disposition of the authorities toward critical voices.

One of the most worrying cases involved independent journalist Khayrullo Mirsaidov. He was arrested after he penned an open letter to Tajik President Emomali Rahmon denouncing a request for a bribe that he received from a public official. The official denied the allegation and sued Mirsaidov for defamation. Mirsaidov was arrested immediately after being interrogated on December 5 and was charged with embezzlement and forgery, which could land him 21 years in jail.

[...]
Dreaming of a career in the Asia-Pacific?
Try The Diplomat's jobs board.
Find your Asia-Pacific job