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Kyrgyzstan
Matraimov Placed in Pretrial Detention as Money Laundering Investigation Moves Ahead
By Catherine Putz
Matraimov, who pleaded guilty to corruption earlier this month and got off with a fine, may face new charges.
In Kyrgyzstan, Controversial Former Customs Official Matraimov Rearrested
By Catherine Putz
A week ago, Matraimov pleaded guilty to corruption and was fined $3,000. He may soon face new charges.
Discussing Kyrgyzstan’s Political Drama with Kadyr Toktogulov
By Catherine Putz
After a tumultuous 2020, Kyrgyzstan faces continued political and economic challenges in 2021.
Matraimov Admits Guilt in Corruption Scheme, Gets Off With Tiny Fine
By Catherine Putz
Despite investigative journalists finding his hands deep in a $700 million smuggling scheme, Matraimov will do no jail time.
Lack of Transparency Marks Kyrgyzstan’s Constitutional Reform Quest
By Colleen Wood
Kyrgyzstan’s new president wants to open a “new page in history” with constitutional reform, but what exactly will it look like?
Japarov Sworn in as Kyrgyz President, Promising Prosperity and a ‘Dictatorship of Law’
By Catherine Putz
“Our goal is to create a society with a dictatorship of the law, where justice and prosperity reign,” Japarov said in his inaugural remarks
Matraimov Corruption Trial to Begin February 3
By Catherine Putz
Will Japarov’s economic amnesty allow Matraimov to avoid jail time?
In Lifting Trump Travel Bans, Biden Removes Visa Restrictions on Kyrgyzstan
By Catherine Putz
Some travel restrictions remain due to COVID-19, but Kyrgyzstan is no longer subject to a direct U.S. visa ban.
Should Europe Worry About Kyrgyzstan?
By Ana-Maria Anghelescu
Sadyr Japarov’s rise to power and a return to presidentialism demonstrate the limits of democracy promotion in Kyrgyzstan.
Elections in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan: What Next?
By Ankit Panda
A presidential election in Kyrgyzstan and a parliamentary election in Kazakhstan kick off 2021 in Central Asia.
Why Did Kyrgyz Voters Give Up Parliamentarism?
By Mariya Y. Omelicheva
In addition to electing Sadyr Japarov to the presidency, Kyrgyz voted by a huge margin to shift back to a strong presidential government system.
Nur Otan Tops Kazakh Parliamentary Election That ‘Lacked Genuine Competition’
By Catherine Putz
The new Kazakh parliament will, at least numerically, look very much like the previous iteration.