Silk Road Reporters
Friday, January 8, 2016 - 06:56
Almaty recently announced the implementation of a revised labor code. The controversial code is rife with regulations that harm ordinary workers, leading many analysts to dub it a “bill against the people.”
Monday, January 4, 2016 - 07:57
On December 28, Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev signed his annual list of pardoned prisoners. Despite the hopes of many in Azerbaijan and abroad, none of the country’s 95 political prisoners were on the list. Human rights activists are at odds as to the reasons for Aliyev’s continued crackdown on journalists and political dissidents.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015 - 06:19
On December 9, the prominent human rights activist and her husband, Arif, were released from jail on a five-year probation. While the world celebrates the couple’s release, the Azerbaijani regime is continuing its crackdown on political dissidents.
Tuesday, December 8, 2015 - 05:07
Vital as they may be worldwide, peacekeeping operations, with their lack of glamour and faraway posts, are unloved by most ministries of defense and are typically among the first to suffer cuts in times of economic downturn, except, apparently, in Kazakhstan.
Thursday, December 3, 2015 - 07:34
With the release of prominent human rights activist Arif Yunus, 60, Azerbaijan started receiving widespread praise. But the human rights community urges that domestic and international pressure should not fade, as more than 80 political prisoners remain behind bars.
Thursday, November 19, 2015 - 07:00
Recent studies carried out in Kyrgyzstan found that a majority of Kyrgyz residents do not trust the country’s judicial system, leading to discussion among analysts regarding how Bishkek should address the numerous systemic problems in the judiciary.
Friday, October 30, 2015 - 06:44
Beyond a feel-good tour, Central Asian leaders have to wonder about the purpose of Kerry’s visit, as beyond hectoring human rights and religious freedom lectures, there is little on offer.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015 - 07:18
Azerbaijan will host parliamentary elections on November 1. Meanwhile, the country is ranked near the bottom in indices of freedom of speech and democracy of most international organizations, and countless opposition leaders are in prison or in exile.
Thursday, October 8, 2015 - 06:37
Despite highly questionable junkets by congressmen, central Asian states still find themselves on the outside of the Washington establishment looking in, while signing lucrative contracts with Moscow and Beijing.
Wednesday, October 7, 2015 - 06:56
Kyrgyzstan successfully held relatively peaceful elections on October 4, with six out of 14 parties passing the republic-wide 7% and country-wide 0.7% barrier and winning parliament seats.