Our People > Jonathan Campion

Jonathan Campion

Contributor

Jonathan Campion has worked in the Eurasia region since 2007. After leaving Exeter University with a degree in Russian Language, he worked as a writer, editor, analyst and translator for international law firms, market research firms and business forums serving the CIS region's major industries.

With a passion for Central Asia, he has covered the region in esteemed publications such as the Lonely Planet, Open Central Asia magazine, and National Geographic Traveler.

Jonathan's first book, about a sports team from the Eurasia region, was shortlisted at the Charles Tyrwhitt Sports Book Awards in 2025.

Articles

Sports

European Athletes Dominate World Triathlon Championships in Samarkand

The city of Samarkand hosted the World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) from 25-26 April, further cementing Uzbekistan's reputation within the Olympic Movement. The event saw more than 150 athletes from over 40 countries compete on Samarkand’s Olympic-distance course, weaving through UNESCO World Heritage sites and historic Silk Road landmarks, including the breathtaking Eternal City complex. In the elite races, the world’s top triathletes battled for crucial ranking points. Vasco Vilaça from Portugal took gold in the men’s category with a time of 1:43:33, while the UK's Beth Potter secured the top spot on the podium for the women’s race after a dramatic final run segment through the historic city centre. "This weekend marked another landmark sporting occasion for Uzbekistan," said Otabek Umarov, Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and Deputy Chairman of the National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan. "By bringing the World Triathlon Championship Series to Samarkand, we have once again shown that Uzbekistan can successfully deliver some of the world’s biggest sporting events, blending our warm hospitality with world-class sport." This event follows a series of major international sporting events recently hosted in Uzbekistan, including the record-breaking World Taekwondo Junior Championships in April, the Fencing World Cup and the Judo Grand Slam, alongside the largest-ever OCA General Assembly. These successes underline a national strategy driven by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who has made the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles a cornerstone of the country's development. With 60% of Uzbekistan’s population under the age of 30, Mirziyoyev's initiatives focus on leveraging world-class sporting events to inspire the next generation to engage in physical activity and pursue excellence on the global stage.

1 week ago

Security

Global Terrorism Index: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan Show Zero Risk of Terrorism

The countries of Central Asia are among those least affected by terrorism globally, according to the newly published Global Terrorism Index 2026 report. However, the report suggests that the region’s stability is increasingly influenced by external factors, particularly its proximity to Afghanistan. Country scores are a composite measure made up of four indicators: incidents, fatalities, injuries and hostages. To measure the impact of terrorism, a five-year weighted average is applied. The main concentrations of terrorist activity remain in Africa and South Asia. The overall level of terrorism worldwide declined in 2025, although the nature of the threats became more complex and less predictable. The report indicates that no terrorist incidents were recorded in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, or Turkmenistan, who all scored 0 for terrorism risk, placing them all joint 163rd out of the 163 nations researched. Uzbekistan (95th) remains in the minimal-risk category. Tajikistan is the only country in the region with a higher threat level, ranking 41st globally. Central Asia’s relative stability is attributed to several factors, including robust security measures, the absence of active armed conflicts, and the limited presence of international terrorist organisations. Despite relative internal stability, risks to Central Asia are increasingly emerging from outside the region. The report highlights growing activity by extremist groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as worsening relations between the two countries, which could potentially escalate into open conflict by 2026. Particular concern is focused on the Tajik-Afghan border, where structural vulnerabilities persist. In addition to external pressures, experts are drawing attention to internal dynamics. The report notes an acceleration of radicalisation, particularly among young people, with digital platforms and online content playing a significant role.

1 month ago

Fencing

World’s Top Fencers Compete in Astana and Tashkent

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are hosting World Cup fencing competitions this week, reflecting the growth of the sport in Central Asia. Top fencers from around the world have gathered in the Kazakhstani capital of Astana for the men’s and women’s epee competition, which started on Thursday and runs until Sunday. The two-day women’s saber contest in Tashkent, Uzbekistan began on Friday. A third World Cup, in men’s saber, is currently underway in Budapest, Hungary. In total, more than 800 elite fencers are participating in the three events, according to the International Fencing Federation. The federation says second-ranked Giulia Rizzi of Italy and sixth-ranked Hungarian Eszter Muhari are the fencers “to watch” on the women’s side in Astana, while on the men’s side, tenth-ranked Tristen Tulen of the Netherlands has had a breakout year. In Tashkent, two-time world champion Misaki Emura of Japan is a favorite. Still, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are establishing their presence in international fencing, winning medals in high-level competitions. Last year, the men’s epee team of Kazakhstan won bronze at the World Fencing Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia, beating France for the medal. The Uzbek competition will be hosted in the state-of-the-art Olympic City, the largest sports complex in Central Asia, and the designated hub for the 4th Asian Youth Games in 2029. One of Uzbekistan’s top women is Zaynab Dayibekova, who competed in the Olympic Games in Tokyo and Paris and is currently ranked 29th in the world. She was part of the women's saber team from Uzbekistan that won gold at the 2023 Asian Games, defeating host China in the semifinal and then Japan in the final. Speaking at the opening ceremony in Tashkent, Otabek Umarov, First Deputy Chairman of the National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan and Vice-President of the Olympic Council of Asia, said: “We are delighted to welcome the world’s best senior female fencers to Tashkent to experience Uzbekistan’s renowned hospitality, rich cultural heritage, and world-class sports facilities. We are grateful to our friends at the International Fencing Federation for their trust in our ability to host a spectacular event."

1 month ago

G20 Summit

Trump Invites Tokayev to Miami G20 Summit

U.S. President Donald Trump has invited Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to visit Miami for the G20 Summit later this year, according to an official statement released by Tokayev’s press secretary, Aibek Smadiyarov. The invitation was reportedly conveyed in a personal letter following the two leaders’ recent meeting in Washington in February, which took place during the inaugural session of the Board of Peace – a platform described by participants as combining diplomatic dialogue with business initiatives aimed at addressing global security and development challenges. According to Smadiyarov, Trump expressed appreciation for Tokayev’s participation in the Washington meeting, and said he would be pleased to welcome him again at the next session of the Board of Peace. Trump also indicated that he hopes Tokayev will attend the G20 Summit scheduled to be held in Miami later this year. The proposed visit reflects continued communication between the United States and Kazakhstan on multilateral initiatives. Tokayev has previously voiced support for the Board of Peace initiative, commenting that it could mobilize investment and diplomatic cooperation to address instability in parts of the Middle East. Kazakh officials have framed participation in such formats as consistent with the country’s long-standing multi-vector foreign policy, which seeks to balance the country's relations with major global powers while promoting regional stability and economic development. Kazakhstan has been seeking to expand economic ties with Western partners while maintaining its role as a key regional transit hub linking Europe and Asia. No official confirmation has yet been issued by the White House regarding the timing or format of the G20 Summit in Miami. Tokayev’s relationship with Trump has so far appeared practical rather than ideological. In 2020, Trump sent Tokayev a letter praising his reform agenda and expressing support for a stronger U.S.-Kazakhstan strategic partnership. Contacts intensified after Trump’s return to office: Tokayev visited Washington in November 2025, later held an extended phone call with Trump in December, and in January 2026 signed the charter of the Board of Peace. Kazakhstan has presented these relations as part of a broader push to turn political access into economic results. During the Washington visit, Tokayev's press service said companies from the two countries signed deals worth more than $17 billion, while Tokayev also highlighted sectors such as energy, critical minerals, transport, finance, education, and AI as areas for potential deeper cooperation. This approach fits Kazakhstan’s long-standing multi-vector foreign policy, a principle Tokayev has described as constructive, balanced, and designed to defend national interests while bringing practical benefits to the country. Kazakhstan tries to keep productive relations with all major centers of power, rather than tying itself too closely to any one of them. For Kazakhstan, that means preserving room for maneuver with neighbors such as Russia and China while also deepening ties with the United States, Europe, Turkey, the Gulf states, and other partners that can provide investment, technology, and market access. Kazakhstan places emphasis on transit routes, diplomacy, and middle-power initiatives. The policy is meant to protect sovereignty, reduce overdependence, and keep...

2 months ago

Internet

Global Internet Freedom Rankings: Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan Far Ahead of Eurasian Neighbors

The 2026 Global Internet Freedom Rankings, published this week by the research agency Cloudwards, have revealed that the five countries of Central Asia have significantly less internet censorship than all of their Eurasian neighbors. Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan’s online environments emerge as particularly encouraging cases. Cloudwards defines internet censorship as the banning or restricting of online content or services, such as social media platforms, VPN apps, and certain political or religious messaging. It also covers the more welcome deletion of harmful content. Censorship can be done by governments, or initiated by a country’s internet service providers and other businesses. The internet freedom rankings do not measure state censorship per se. Cloudwards' research scored 171 countries on a scale of 0-100, rating their overall levels of internet censorship using five key criteria: torrenting availability; adult content accessibility; social media platforms; access to varied political and religious content; and VPN regulations. Eleven nations returned the highest score of 92, including New Zealand, Belgium and Timor Leste. While North Korea scored 0, the next four worst countries for internet censorship – each scoring just 4 – all border Central Asia: China, Pakistan, Iran and Russia. Tajikistan’s score of 56, while only middling in the global context, means that its internet is subject to significantly less interference than almost anywhere in the wider Eurasia region. The Times of Central Asia reported last year that the country has repealed a law that allowed citizens to be prosecuted for ‘liking’ posts on social media that are critical of the government. The only Eurasian country to rival Tajikistan is its northern neighbor Kyrgyzstan, which has the second freest internet in Central Asia, scoring 52 in Cloudwards' ranking. For comparison, 52 is also the overall score given to the United Kingdom and Brazil. Kazakhstan scored 36 – above Singapore and South Korea, which both received a mark of 32. Uzbekistan scored 24. While Turkmenistan’s mark of 16 places it firmly among the world’s worst countries for internet censorship, this is nonetheless higher than countries including India and Turkey (both 12). Turkmen netizens still experience fewer restrictions than internet users in the aforementioned China, Pakistan, Iran and Russia. The authors of the Cloudwards report, British editors Kit Copson and Sandra Pattison, commented: "The reasons behind online censorship range from protecting people targeted by hate speech to quelling political dissent. In especially restrictive locations, censorship and internet monitoring are tools commonly to control narratives." They added: "The consequences for breaching government-imposed censorship laws depend on the country. They could include fines or even arrest or imprisonment for those in highly restrictive locations."

2 months ago

Black Sea Tanker Attacks

Attacks on Tankers in the Black Sea Raise Risks for Oil Markets and Kazakhstan’s Exports

Recent drone attacks on the Delta Harmony and Matilda oil tankers in the Black Sea have added to the growing geopolitical risks facing the global oil market. Both tankers were awaiting loading to transport Kazakh crude via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), which operates through the Novorossiysk port in southern Russia. The attacks have placed renewed attention on the exposure of Western energy majors operating in Kazakhstan, particularly Chevron, a key stakeholder in CPC-linked exports. “We are aware of reports of incidents involving vessels inbound to CPC loading facilities, including one Chevron-chartered tanker,” Chevron spokesperson Sally Jones told The Times of Central Asia. “All crew are safe, and the vessel has now reached a safe location. We are coordinating with the ship operator and relevant authorities. The safety of personnel and the protection of the environment remain our top priorities. There has been no impact on TCO operations or exports. Chevron continues to closely monitor the situation, and we refer all further inquiries to CPC.” According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy, export volumes were unaffected. The fact that attacks occurred near a key export hub has, however, deepened concerns among market participants over the security of regional oil infrastructure. The country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs added in a statement: "We emphasize that the Republic of Kazakhstan is not a party to any armed conflict, makes a significant contribution to strengthening global and European energy security, and ensures uninterrupted energy supplies in full compliance with established international standards." Reuters, citing unnamed sources, reported that up to three vessels may have been struck, suggesting a broader and potentially escalating threat to maritime safety in the area. The latest incidents follow a series of security-related disruptions in and around the Black Sea and Caspian regions that The Times of Central Asia has previously reported on, including attacks on energy and transport infrastructure linked to regional export routes. While earlier incidents did not result in prolonged outages, they have steadily heightened concerns among industry participants over the vulnerability of critical energy corridors. The CPC is a vital artery for Kazakhstan’s oil industry. More than 80% of the country’s crude exports, including output from major fields like Tengiz and Karachaganak, flow through this route. Disruptions in the Novorossiysk area could quickly affect shipping timetables, freight and insurance rates, and, ultimately, global oil prices. Some analysts warn that these repeated incidents near the CPC expose Kazakhstan’s strategic vulnerabilities, forcing markets to price in a “geopolitical premium.” More significantly, interruptions in oil product flows could have domestic political consequences, potentially prompting a reconfiguration of Kazakhstan’s political timetable. “The situation involving the CPC, the Orenburg Gas Processing Plant, and reported attempted attacks on the Central Asia-Center gas pipeline, used to transport Russian gas through Kazakhstan, could significantly destabilize the country’s economy,” wrote oil and gas analyst Olzhas Baidildinov on his personal Telegram channel. He added that, in his view, it could become politically rational either to accelerate elections in anticipation of further instability or to delay them until...

4 months ago

Nursultan Nazarbayev

Old Kazakhstan in Retreat: The Fate of Nazarbayev’s Allies

Since early 2022, the influence of the so-called “Old Kazakhstan” - the political and business circle that once surrounded former President Nursultan Nazarbayev — has been steadily eroded. Institutions have been reshaped, loyalties tested, and the once-untouchable elite has found itself under unprecedented scrutiny. Yet the names of Nazarbayev and his closest allies still surface regularly in courtrooms, parliament debates, and media headlines. Are these prosecutions and investigations an attempt to build President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s vision of a “Fair Kazakhstan,” or do they mark a new phase of elite score-settling under the banner of reform? The Times of Central Asia examined the fortunes of six figures from Nazarbayev’s inner circle to trace the shifting balance of power. Nurbоl Nazarbayev Recent headlines have revived scrutiny of Nazarbayev's nephew Nurbоl Nazarbayev, the son of his late brother Bolat. Authorities have launched bankruptcy proceedings against him, citing debts of approximately 58 billion tenge ($107 million). His assets and bank accounts have been frozen, and he is subject to travel restrictions. Under the current law, Nurbоl will be barred from taking out loans for five years, registering as an individual entrepreneur, or conducting major financial transactions without notifying the relevant authorities. His assets may be liquidated to repay creditors, with the exception of his primary residence. Once listed as Kazakhstan’s 57th richest businessman by Forbes Kazakhstan, he held ownership stakes in Prime Capital Invest and Prime Capital Holding, was a co-owner of PLS Construction Company and PLS-TM, and the majority shareholder of the Almaty Heavy Machinery Plant. This legal action follows a parliamentary inquiry into a previously sealed court case initiated by the General Prosecutor’s Office. The court ordered the confiscation of assets worth 57 billion tenge ($105.5 million) and imposed a fine of 925 million tenge ($1.7 million), along with penalties totaling 230.4 million tenge ($425,000). Members of parliament, Rinat Zaitov and Ermurat Bapi, have both demanded transparency in the case. Zaitov called for a comprehensive audit of Nurbоl’s assets, including those linked to the Altyn Orda market and land plots in Almaty and its surrounding areas. Shortly afterward, Bapi echoed the call, referencing a complaint from a Karaganda businessman who claimed his company was seized in a raid involving Nazarbayev’s circle. Bapi criticized law enforcement for closing the case, calling it “a betrayal of the President’s vision of a Fair Kazakhstan.” Zhomart Ertayev Zhomart Ertayev, a flamboyant banker once sentenced to 11 years for embezzling 144 billion tenge ($266 million) from Bank RBK, was unexpectedly released earlier this year under an amnesty, according to the Committee of the Penal System. However, a month later, parliament deputy Abzal Kuspan announced that the court’s decision had been overturned, and a formal appeal to the Prosecutor General’s Office led to Ertayev’s re-arrest. Ertayev previously held refugee status and a Russian residence permit, both of which were revoked after Kazakhstan issued an international warrant for his arrest. Kairat Boranbayev Kairat Boranbayev, a prominent businessman and former in-law of the Nazarbayev family, was arrested in 2022 and...

7 months ago

Society

In Tajikistan, Tradition Defines the Ideal Bride in a Changing World

In Tajikistan, the image of the “ideal bride” is shaped not only by character but by deep-rooted societal expectations. While wedding customs vary across Central Asia, they are united by traditional values that place a high premium on modesty, obedience, and domestic skill—qualities that can determine a woman’s future prospects in marriage. Restraint in All Things In traditional Tajik households, modesty is synonymous with decency. Future mothers-in-law scrutinise prospective brides for soft-spoken voices, humble body language, and conservative attire. In some homes, daughters-in-law are expected not to make direct eye contact with their parents-in-law—considered a mark of humility. Clothing is another marker. Revealing outfits like shorts or miniskirts are widely viewed as signs of frivolity and can irreparably damage a girl's reputation. Respect for elders is paramount. During the matchmaking process, the groom’s family pays close attention to whether a girl rises when elders enter the room, places her hand over her heart in greeting, and avoids using first names. A “well-raised” kelinka is also expected to manage the home without protest—never challenging her husband or his family, and always deferring to elder relatives. Cooking, especially traditional dishes like pilaf, cleaning, and hospitality are seen as baseline qualifications for marriage. Chastity as a Social Standard Virginity remains a critical factor in bride selection. Although the Tajik Ministry of Health does not officially require it, virginity testing remains widespread. A joint statement from the UN and WHO has condemned these tests as “humiliating, traumatic, and medically unnecessary.” In Tajik culture, premarital sex is widely considered a dishonour to the family. Some households even prohibit young women from grooming practices like eyebrow plucking until marriage, believing these are reserved for wives only. Age Expectations and Digital Matchmaking Efforts to arrange marriages can begin as early as a girl’s 18th birthday. In conservative communities, being unmarried by 30 may carry social stigma. However, this does not always preclude education or employment—many families now see value in educated daughters-in-law. In recent years, digital matchmaking has gained traction. Platforms like Facebook host matchmaking groups where relatives post ads in search of “decent and well-mannered” partners. Girls introducing potential matches often include detailed preferences such as height and eye colour. While the legal marriage age is 18, Tajik courts can authorise marriage at 17 in “exceptional circumstances.” In reality, these exceptions often stem from emotional or economic hardship—such as orphanhood, poverty, or family pressure. A Society in Transition? Despite these enduring customs, signs of change are emerging. Urbanisation, rising education levels, and increased internet access are giving Tajik women new tools to assert choice in their personal lives. NGOs and human rights organisations are pushing for better enforcement of existing protections, and the growing discourse around women’s rights may gradually soften the rigidity of old expectations. While traditions still dominate, a slow cultural shift is underway—one that may eventually reshape what it means to be the “ideal bride” in Tajikistan.

10 months ago

Corruption

Kyrgyz Politician Irina Karamushkina Detained on Suspicion of Offering Cash for Votes

Irina Karamushkina, a senior member of the Social Democrats party and a former deputy of Kyrgyzstan's Parliament, the Jogorku Kenesh, has been detained in Bishkek on suspicion of buying votes ahead of local elections on November 17. The Social Democrats are one of about 20 parties whose candidates are registered in the elections. According to the press service of the city's police department, on November 13 an audio recording surfaced on social media in Kyrgyzstan, in which the chief of staff of the Social Democrats party, identified as "I.K.", allegedly discussed vote buying with a person named "D.C." ahead of Sunday's elections. In response, Bishkek police investigators launched a criminal case under Article 196 of the Kyrgyz Criminal Code, addressing election bribery. Later, the police distributed an audio recording allegedly capturing a conversation between Karamushkina and Daniyar Cholponbaev -- the party's candidate for deputy -- where they appear to discuss offering bribes for votes. The investigation found that "T.R.", a trustee of the Social Democrats, and "I.K." were involved in voter bribery, offering 1,000 Kyrgyz som ($12) per vote. During a search of the party headquarters, authorities seized lists indicating payments of 15,000 to 30,000 som ($175 to $350) to over 40 individuals, along with 28,300 som ($330) in cash, believed to be intended for offering bribes to voters. "T.R." and "I.K." were detained as suspects and are being held in a temporary detention facility. The investigation is ongoing. On November 13, police and special forces raided the Social Democrats’ headquarters, evacuating everyone from the premises. Party leader Temirlan Sultanbekov was taken in for questioning, and Karamushkina’s residence was also searched as part of the investigation.

1 year ago

Legislation

Kyrgyzstan Wants to Extend Prison Terms for “Calls to Seize Power”

Kyrgyzstan's Interior Ministry has proposed toughening the criminal penalties for inciting violent seizures of power. The ministry has tabled an amendment whereby those found to have breached Article 327 of Kyrgyzstan's Criminal Code (“Public calls for violent seizure of power”) could face between three and five years in prison. The Criminal Code currently only sets out a fine of 20,000 to 50,000 som ($236 to $590), or imprisonment of up to three years. The draft law has been submitted for public discussion. In Kyrgyzstan, it is not uncommon for civic activists and those who criticize the current government to be arrested on charges of "public calls for violent seizure of power". Among Kyrgyz citizens to have been convicted of this charge are Zarina Torokulova and Kanykei Aranova, who are both currently in prison after posting messages on social media. Their sentences are harsher than the law currently calls for: Torokulova was sentenced to five years in prison in 2023, while this year Aranova was sentenced to three and a half years. In June 2024, 20 Kyrgyz citizens who peacefully protested against a land swap with Uzbekistan involving the Kempir-Abad reservoir were acquitted by the court, but the prosecutor's office appealed the court's decision, demanding that they be found guilty. Furthermore, the Interior Ministry proposes increasing the prison term to five to seven years if the offense is committed by a group of individuals, or by using the internet or mass media. The current punishment is a fine of 50,000 to 100,000 som ($590 to $1,185) or imprisonment for three to five years. The draft bill also proposes to criminalize public calls for extremist activity and possession of extremist materials if a person has previously received a warning. For this purpose, new articles will be added to the Criminal Code: “Possession of extremist materials” and “Public calls for extremist activities.”

2 years ago