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A new report by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reveals growing threats to press freedom and free expression across Central Asia, where governments are tightening control over independent media and silencing critical voices through legal, political, and economic pressure.
In countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan, journalists face increasing censorship, surveillance, and intimidation. Authorities are introducing new legislation to control online content, revoke media licenses, and criminalise what they label as “false information.” These laws are often vague and open to interpretation, allowing governments to arbitrarily target reporters and outlets that challenge official narratives.
The report highlights recent cases of harassment, detention, and prosecution of journalists who reported on corruption, protests, or human rights abuses. In Kyrgyzstan, investigative reporters have been detained under national security charges. In Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, authorities continue to pressure media workers through intimidation and smear campaigns. Meanwhile, in Turkmenistan, one of the most closed societies in the world, independent journalism is nearly nonexistent, and reporters often work in exile.
Self-censorship is rising throughout the region as journalists weigh the risks of covering sensitive topics. Many outlets have shut down or scaled back reporting to avoid confrontation with authorities. Foreign-funded media and civil society organisations are also under scrutiny, with some forced to register as “foreign agents” or face closure.
The report warns that without international attention and support, the space for free expression in Central Asia will continue to shrink. It calls on democratic governments, human rights groups, and press freedom organisations to advocate for media protections, support independent outlets, and pressure Central Asian governments to uphold their commitments to free expression.
As regional leaders prioritise control over transparency, the crackdown on the press poses a significant challenge to democratic development and accountability across Central Asia.
References –
https://www.rferl.org/a/central-asia-media-press-freedom-expression-rights-persecution/33473772.html