freedom of speech
‘R.I.P’ was written four thousand times in the comments to the YouTube channel ‘Obozhayu’. The threats were addressed to the founder of the channel, Askhat Niyazov, who publishes his critical interviews, which do not let the akims (mayors) sleep peacefully at night. The threats first appeared in early 2024 and became the continuation of cyber-attacks against Kazakhstan media outlets that were launched at the end of 2023. What do journalists and bloggers do not to lose in this ‘digital war’? (more…)
Criminal cases decried as attempts to intimidate and impose censorship.
The specialized legislation regulating freedom of speech, expression of opinions, and mass media in Kazakhstan is outdated and does not align with modern challenges. Moreover, the media sector and civil society lack sufficient knowledge about the norms concerning the media and freedom of speech. This conclusion was drawn by the authors of the research. (more…)
Following the online training held on October 4-5, 2023, the second stage of the project aimed at enhancing the capacities of media representatives and civil society consisted of two-day offline trainings in Almaty (November 8-9, 2023) and Astana (November 17-18, 2023). (more…)
‘Not just for your information’ – this is the principle of work of new media in Kazakhstan. They try to establish communication between the society and authority, to make officials revise their attitudes to their duties. And they have succeeded in it. (more…)
Over the past three years, dozens of bloggers known for their critical materials have been arrested and sentenced to long prison terms in Uzbekistan. Their arrests testify to the deteriorating situation with freedom of speech in the country.
Journalists of Kazakhstan count on online journalism and choose Instagram as the key platform. A large number of followers on Instagram allows one to make money by attracting advertisers. But to make a media outlet profitable, one should gain popularity and respect in society. How one can do it without money at the very beginning? (more…)
On-camera apologies of offenders have become a distinct genre in Kazakhstan. Speed-limit offenders, people suspected of separatism, TikTokers, businesspersons, officials and other citizens apology for their offences. (more…)
Prosecutor’s office of Bishkek has filed a suit for liquidation of public foundation “Kloop Media”, which includes the online media outlet Kloop.kg. According to experts, this is an alert for everyone warning that actions and policies of authorities may not be criticised.
IWPR is trying to counter false information in more than 30 countries by building capacity of local media and NGOs. Therefore, Anthony Borden, executive director at IWPR, is aware of processes taking place in the media and civilian sector, in general, and in Central Asia, in particular. CABAR.asia asked Borden to share his opinion about the processes taking place today. (more…)