CPJ special report: Disdaining press freedom, Kazakhstan undermines OSCE
The Nazarbayev government has reneged on its promises and intensified its repressive practices, CPJ said in a new report.
Lawsuit against independent newspaper dismissed
The “Central Asia Monitor” newspaper was sued for US$2.4 million after it published critical articles about several companies.
Media organisations express concern over seizure of newspaper’s assets
A criminal case was filed against the “Central Asia Monitor” following the publication of several critical stories.
Newspaper ordered to pay approx. US$136,000 for “moral damages”
The editor-in-chief of “Uralskaya Nedelya” says that the fine will bankrupt the paper and force it to close.
CPJ calls on OSCE to put Kazakh press freedom on summit agenda
Kazakhstan, the current chair of the OSCE, has failed to decriminalise libel and has passed new, restrictive Internet and privacy laws, CPJ noted.
Imprisoned journalist goes on hunger strike
Ramazan Yesergepov launched a hunger strike to protest his unlawful imprisonment as well as the failure of the OSCE to pay attention to rights violations in Kazakhstan.
Draft administrative code props up harsh penalties against media, ARTICLE 19 warns
ARTICLE 19 calls on the government to ensure the draft code meets international freedom of expression standards.
State-owned Internet provider blocks critical news websites
News portals Respublika and Respublika-Delovoye Obozreniye often criticize Kazakh authorities for corruption and human rights violations.
CPJ asks Obama to raise poor press record with Kazakhstan
On 12 April 2010, US President Obama will be meeting in Washington with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev.
Reporter who covered oil worker strike is assaulted
“We condemn the brutal attack on our colleague and call on law enforcement officials to quickly apprehend and prosecute all responsible,” said CPJ.
Embattled independent weekly paralysed by damages
A Kazakh court denied the newspaper’s appeal, prohibiting it from being distributed until it pays approximately US$400,000 in damages.
Press seizure underscores concerns about government’s commitment to freedom
An Almaty court ordered the seizure of five newspapers’ print runs and issued an order banning reports “damaging the honor and integrity” of the president’s son-in-law.
Kazakh police say Kyrgyz citizens suspected in editor’s killing
The police did not identify the suspects or describe their alleged roles in the murder of Kyrgyz editor Gennady Pavlyuk.
Prominent Kyrgyz journalist killed in Almaty
CPJ urged authorities to investigate the possibility that the journalist was killed in retaliation for his critical reporting on the Kyrgyz government.
News editor threatened by local business woman
The threats were made after a message was aired stating a local businesswoman had been evading taxes for several years.
Parliament moves to further restrict media freedom as country assumes OSCE chairmanship
IPI urges OSCE member states to strongly criticise such press freedom restrictions, “which go against the spirit and intent of the OSCE itself.”