Our People > Aliya Haidar

Aliya Haidar

Journalist

Aliya Haidar is a Kazakhstani journalist. She started her career in 1998, and has worked in the country's leading regional and national publications ever since.

Articles

Criticism Russia CSTO Armenia Collective Security Treaty Organization Forecast Nagorno-Karabakh Ukraine War NATO

Controversies and Rejections: What Future Awaits the CSTO?

Armenia has officially refused to contribute financially to the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a bloc tasked with ensuring the independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of its member states. Meanwhile, the organization’s Secretary General, Imangali Tasmagambetov, has come under scrutiny for remarks he made related to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Shifting Alliances and Regional Tensions Founded in 1992, the CSTO comprises Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Tajikistan, and Armenia. Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan have withdrawn from the organization at various times. While the CSTO regularly conducts joint military exercises and cooperates on counter-terrorism and anti-narcotics efforts, the war in Ukraine has exposed internal divisions and challenged the bloc’s cohesion. Tasmagambetov Responds to Criticism In March, Secretary General Tasmagambetov raised eyebrows in an interview with a Russian outlet, warning that any deployment of EU troops to Ukraine could escalate regional tensions. He stated that the CSTO would be ready to provide assistance “within the framework of the organization’s charter and subject to approval by all member states.” The remarks sparked a backlash, particularly on social media in Kazakhstan, where some users accused Tasmagambetov, the former prime minister, of adopting a pro-Russian stance. Responding in late March, Tasmagambetov recorded a rare video message clarifying his position. “How can one calmly react to baseless claims that I would send my compatriots to war?” he asked. “There will always be those who distort my words. I have always remained loyal to my people; the interests of our country have always come first.” Tasmagambetov went on to urge viewers to think critically about information shared online. This controversy follows an earlier statement by Aibek Smadiarov, spokesperson for Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who said in October 2022 that the CSTO had no plans to involve itself in the Ukraine conflict. “The CSTO's jurisdiction is limited to the internationally recognized territories of its member states,” Smadiarov stated. Kazakhstan, meanwhile, is reviewing a report by a Ukrainian institution that said about 661 Kazakh citizens have fought for Russia since it launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The I Want To Live center, which is run by the Ukrainian security services and assists with surrender requests from soldiers fighting for Russia, published a list of what it said were the Kazakh nationals. Of the 661, at least 78 have been killed, according to the center. Without providing details, it said it received the list from its own sources within the Russian military. Kazakh media quoted Igor Lepekha, Kazakhstan’s deputy interior minister of internal affairs, as saying the numbers have to be checked because it is unclear whether they are reliable. Kazakhstan bans mercenary activities in foreign conflicts and has opened a number of related investigations in the last few years. Last year, a court in Kazakhstan sentenced a Kazakh national to more than six years in jail for fighting with Russia’s Wagner Group in Ukraine. Armenia Pulls Back Adding to the bloc’s instability, Armenia recently announced that it would no longer finance the...

1 month ago

Legislation Women's rights Children Rights Sexual violence crime prevention Legislative changes Children's Rights

Kazakhstan Cracks Down on Crimes Against Children and Women

Kazakhstan’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Dinara Zakiyeva, has outlined the scale of sexual violence against minors and the state’s efforts to combat it by strengthening legislation and support systems. Legislative Changes In April 2024, Kazakhstan introduced sweeping amendments to its criminal legislation, significantly increasing penalties for crimes against women and children. On April 15, 2024, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed into law the On Amendments and Additions to Some Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Ensuring Women's Rights and Children's Safety. Key changes to the Criminal Code include: Prohibition of lenient sentencing for crimes involving violence against minors; Elimination of reconciliation between parties in cases involving violence against minors; Introduction of life imprisonment as the sole penalty for the murder of a minor (Article 99), rape of a minor (Article 120), and other violent sexual acts against minors (Article 121), removing alternative sentencing options; Criminalization of sexual solicitation of individuals under 16; and Legal liability for inciting or assisting in suicide. Scope of the Problem According to Zakiyeva, approximately 900 crimes related to the sexual abuse of minors are reported in Kazakhstan each year. Since the enactment of the new law, 25 to 27 individuals have already received life sentences for such offenses. The highest incidence of these crimes is recorded in southern Kazakhstan, specifically Almaty, Turkestan, and Zhambyl regions, as well as West Kazakhstan and Kostanay regions. Zakiyeva notes that these areas often have high population density and conservative family structures that may conceal abuse. Zakiyeva shared disturbing cases of underage girls who had given birth as a result of prolonged abuse. “In Zhambyl region, I met a 13-year-old girl who had been raped for six years by her two uncles. In Turkestan region, I visited a center housing 16 underage mothers, aged 13 to 15, all of whom were victims of abuse by relatives. Many didn’t even realize they were victims of a crime, they believed this was normal family life,” she said. Prevention and Support The children’s ombudsman emphasized that effective anti-violence strategies globally rely on four pillars: strengthening legal frameworks; promoting self-defense and awareness; working with families to identify risk factors early; and expanding support infrastructure for victims. Kazakhstan’s new legislation supports preventive measures such as deploying mobile teams to identify at-risk families and establishing family support centers in every district. Currently, 112 such centers are operational, with another 109 underway. In Turkestan region alone, the number of centers has grown from one to 13, with four more soon to open. Helpline and Awareness In a single month, Kazakhstan’s national children’s helpline received 120 phone calls and 11,145 text messages. According to Zakiyeva, these messages often reveal the deep emotional isolation children feel. “Children feel alone. They’re scared to speak out. They’re afraid to tell anyone that they’re being threatened, blackmailed, or approached by strangers. Many can’t talk to their parents, teachers, or psychologists,” she said.

2 months ago

Bitcoin Crypto-mining Central Asia Cryptocurrency

Central Asia’s Crypto Gamble: Growth Amid Uncertainty

Central Asian countries are approaching the cryptocurrency and crypto-mining industry at varying speeds. While some are just beginning to explore the sector, others have already taken significant, albeit sometimes contradictory, steps. Kazakhstan: From Mining Powerhouse to Regulatory Caution Kazakhstan once emerged as a global leader in bitcoin mining. Between mid-2021 and early 2022, the country ranked third in the world in terms of bitcoin mining capacity, accounting for 13.22% of global computing power, trailing only the United States and China. This boom was fueled by low electricity costs, favorable tax conditions, and an influx of miners fleeing stricter regulations in China. However, the rapid growth strained Kazakhstan’s energy infrastructure. The Ministry of Energy reported that while annual electricity consumption had previously grown by an average of 2%, in 2021 it surged by 6.1% and up to 12% in the densely populated southern energy zone. Digital mining was cited as the primary cause. By early 2025, Kazakhstan’s share of global mining capacity had dropped to just 1.4%, placing it outside the top five globally. Although around 60 companies are currently active in the sector, some operations have stalled. Tax legislation has tightened since 2022, with miners required to pay 1-2 tenge per kilowatt-hour depending on the energy source. Illegal mining and unlicensed exchanges remain a challenge; in 2024 alone, 12 criminal cases were launched against underground platforms. Despite these setbacks, experts see potential for a more sustainable and regulated industry. The Astana International Financial Center (AIFC) has become the hub for cryptocurrency operations. A 2023 law on digital assets and updated rules from the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) in 2024 have laid a more comprehensive legal foundation, including provisions on cybersecurity and anti-money laundering. Over 10 licensed cryptocurrency exchanges now operate in Kazakhstan, including global names like Binance, Bybit, and Bitfinex Securities. New initiatives such as the digital tenge and the Cryptocard aim to further integrate blockchain into daily financial transactions. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reaffirmed the government's commitment to digital transformation in March 2025: “The development of the digital asset industry and blockchain technology plays a major role. Urgent measures must be taken to liberalize regulation, ensure the legal circulation of digital assets and crypto exchanges, and attract investment in digital mining,” he said. Uzbekistan: State-Supported Growth Uzbekistan has made blockchain and digital assets a policy priority. The National Agency for Perspective Projects (NAPP) is the main regulatory body. Between 2022 and 2024, the agency issued 14 licenses to cryptocurrency companies. The UzNEX exchange, an internationally licensed platform, has played a key role in developing the crypto market in both Uzbekistan and the wider region. Its services include crypto asset trading, staking, and NFT transactions. In 2024, it expanded its list of supported cryptocurrencies (including Toncoin) and plans to launch a digital art platform. Total trading volume exceeded $1 billion in 2024. Kyrgyzstan: Building a Legal Framework Since 2022, Kyrgyzstan has actively developed its regulatory environment for digital assets. The key legislation is the Law on Virtual Assets, which outlines...

2 months ago

Kazakhstani cinema Film Industry

Kazakhstan’s Film Industry Surges: Domestic Productions Outperform Foreign Blockbusters at the Box Office

Kazakhstan's domestic film industry is experiencing a renaissance, successfully competing with and even surpassing foreign productions in box office revenue, an outcome that was unthinkable just a decade ago. Ten years ago, Kazakhstani films and television were seldom watched. Western and Russian blockbusters dominated cinemas, leaving little room for domestic content. Filmmakers lamented that their work attracted only a niche audience of aesthetes and patriots. Today, however, Kazakh productions are filling theaters and attracting millions of online views. “In 2024, the output of Kazakhstani films increased by 58%. Among the top 10 highest-grossing films, every second one was a domestic production. Revenue from foreign and domestic films was nearly equal. This demonstrates the growing interest of audiences in national content,” Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister, Olzhas Bektenov, said on March 18. By the end of 2024, Kazakhstani films had grossed more than 22 billion tenge, a 30% increase compared to 2023, according to Alexander Aksyutits, general director of the Top Pro Cinema production center. The number of films released during the year surged from 65 to 107. “What’s even more important is that Kazakhstanis’ attention to national cinema continues to grow. Looking at the top 20 highest-grossing films of last year, 70% were locally produced. Just a few years ago, foreign films dominated the market. As a result, our film industry is attracting increasing interest from private investors. Equally significant are the positive changes in the state financing system for film production,” Aksyutits said. [caption id="attachment_29923" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] YouTube/frame from the series "5:32"[/caption] Streaming Demand and Cultural Shift Aksyutits also noted a surge in Kazakhstan's TV series production, largely due to the rising popularity of streaming platforms. However, demand for local content currently outstrips the country’s production capacity, primarily due to a shortage of skilled professionals. Some experts believe this shift in audience preferences is linked to a growing cultural divide between Kazakhstan and the Western and Russian film industries. As narratives diverge, local audiences increasingly seek stories that reflect their own experiences and values. “In recent years, I’ve started watching Kazakhstani TV much more often. Before, I had little interest in them and barely knew they existed. Now, I remember titles like Meow, 5:32, Patrol, and Sake. These are mostly crime dramas or comedies. What draws me in are the relatable characters, people you might see in your own neighborhood. The familiar settings, humor, and natural dialogue make the stories feel real,” said Alexander, a resident of Almaty. The TV series Meow follows drug couriers and the battle against them, while 5:32 delves into the world of serial killers. Sake and Patrol take a comedic approach, with the former portraying a charmingly corrupt mid-level official and the latter focusing on the daily lives of police officers. According to critics, this new wave of TV content, which is currently achieving high ratings on television and accumulating millions of online views, successfully blends serious themes with strong performances and humor. Countries including Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Ireland, Germany, Azerbaijan, Turkey, India, South Korea, the UK,...

2 months ago

NGOs Funding investigation USAID Media

Kazakhstan Investigates Recipients of USAID Funding

Following the cancellation of USAID funding, the Kazakhstani government and parliament are scrutinizing the recipients of U.S. financial assistance. The issue has sparked significant public debate and online discussions. Deputies Demand Explanations On March 10, the U.S. administration announced the cancellation of 83% of USAID programs. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated: “After a six-week review, we are officially canceling 83% of USAID programs. The 5,200 contracts now canceled spent tens of billions of dollars in ways that did not serve (and in some cases even harmed) the core national interests of the United States.” Earlier, on March 5, deputies from the People's Party of Kazakhstan (PPK) formally requested that the Minister of National Economy and the Minister of Justice conduct an audit of foreign funding for non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Lawmakers called for transparency regarding project financing, allocated amounts, and fund usage. According to the deputies, some USAID-funded programs contradicted traditional Kazakhstani values, particularly those related to LGBT rights and feminist movements. Reports indicate that members of the parliamentary majority faction, Amanat, also supported the request. Government Investigation Underway The government's position remained unclear until March 12, when Respublika newspaper reported that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Jumangarin had responded to the Mazhilis on behalf of the Cabinet of Ministers. Respublika is associated with Mukhtar Ablyazov, a fugitive oligarch sentenced in absentia to a lengthy prison term in Kazakhstan. According to the report, 28 long-term USAID programs were active in Kazakhstan under bilateral agreements in 2024. In total, USAID allocated $26.5 million for projects implemented in the country between 2023 and 2024. These initiatives covered sectors such as the economy, energy, healthcare, civil society, and media. Some projects extended beyond Kazakhstan, impacting other Central Asian nations. Among the NGOs operating under USAID programs in 2024-2025 were: Public Foundation "Desenta" NGO "Kadyr-Kasiyet" Representative Office of Eurasia Foundation in Kazakhstan Representative Office of Winrock International Representative Office of Internews Network Representative Office of the American Bar Association Additionally, several government agencies collaborated with USAID. Jumangarin noted that, under Kazakhstani law, recipients of foreign funding must publish annual reports on how the funds are used. He assured deputies that the verification of USAID-funded projects would continue under a working group established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Murat Nurtleu. Funding Details Emerge Further details surfaced on March 14, with reports indicating that USAID had canceled contracts in Central Asia, including Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Two contracts in Kazakhstan were reportedly worth $2.35 million and $3.35 million. These funds were designated for the projects “Strengthening Civic Participation in Kazakhstan” and “Strengthening Human Rights and Equality.” The latter aimed to support LGBT organizations in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in advocating for human rights. This information was cited from an official USAID document. Additional media reports revealed a list of USAID grantees in 2024, including: ArtKoshe PF The YouTube channel "Hyperborey" Oksana Gabitova (Akulova) Vlast Media Group LLP DEPPA podcast Täuelhsız project Tasadagy Omir project Aftertutor IP, an online magazine focused on...

2 months ago