What an irony... When a "redneck" electorate elects populist Japarov in Kyrgyzstan, it's autocratization. When a "redneck" electorate elects populist Trump, it's a democratic choice. Will the "West" send to the US its concerns over deteriorating democracy ranks there?
Махабат: «Наш слоган борьба за свободу, что означает? Мы 11 журналистов здесь боремся законным путем за свободу, за права человека. Мы даже в СИЗО помогаем, заключенным отстаивать свои права, обучаем их. Мы следуем принципам ответственности, основанной на гуманности».
A bold statement from a top Uzbek official to Russia: “Solve your own issues, and don’t interfere in our internal affairs. You are no longer our big brother - Uzbekistan is an independent country.”
So proud of the series of Qazaq-Kyrgyz language podcasts on coloniality and decoloniality we produced this summer!!!
In this episode a notable Qazaq poet and writer Tlek Yryspbek in conversation with our Kyrgyz host on the meaning of colonialism for the whole Central Asia!
Prosecutors in Kyrgyzstan are asking for a harsh sentence of 8 years in prison for musician Askat Zhetigen on charges related to his criticism of President Sadyr Japarov.
Zhetigen, a well-known akyn —traditional improvisational musician 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
This case raises serious questions about freedom of speech and the right to criticize those in power. It feels like Kyrgyzstan is becaming small part of Putinstan 😭😭😡😡😡
He has gained both support and criticism, yet he continues to defend his right to express his opinion – a core element of the art of aitysh, Kyrgyzstan’s centuries-old tradition of improvised poetry and music, recognized by UNESCO as a global cultural heritage. 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
was first arrested in March after posting videos online that included harsh language but powerful critiques of the government.
While Zhetigen admits to using “bad manners,” he stands by his message, stating, "The truth must be called the truth." 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
Hard to express how meaningful this support is from @songfoundation and @JoyceFdn for the training of local news entrepreneurs in the Great Lakes states. Thanks to Knight-Wallace alum @mazsidahmed for contextualizing the stakes for our democracy. @UMWallaceHouse@UMich