Page 1073 – The Times Of Central Asia

14 Dec 2023

Sentences Handed to Six Individuals in FSB Building Terror Plot Case

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

In a recent development concerning the case of plotting an explosion in the FSB building on Lubyanka, a Moscow court has handed down sentences ranging from 16 to 22 years in prison to five Tajiks and one Dagestani. The severity of the verdict echoes the gravity of their involvement in planning a terrorist attack in May 2022.

The individuals sentenced include citizens of Tajikistan—Manuchehr and Rajabali Buriev, Abdumalik Samiev, Samandar Toshmurodov, and Abdukodir Toirov—alongside Russian-born Gadzhimurad Gasanaliev.

Fines ranging from 600,000 to a million rubles were imposed on all the defendants by the court. The legal process further extends from a previous ruling by the Moscow Regional Military Court, which sentenced the same six individuals to prison terms between 12 to 18 years for planning a terrorist attack and illegal possession of explosives, among other charges.

While four of the accused admitted guilt, two pleaded partially guilty during the trial. Investigative reports revealed the defendants’ intentions to detonate a bomb inside a minibus in the Moscow suburb of Lyubertsy in 2016. Additionally, authorities claimed their allegiance to the extremist group Islamic State (IS), intending to join IS militants in Syria post the planned attack.

This case reflects a larger concern regarding individuals from Russia and former Soviet republics joining extremist groups in conflict zones like Syria and Iraq. Rights activists in Russia have raised concerns about the treatment and legal representation of migrants from Central Asian states, citing inadequate protection against unjust treatment by authorities.

As the legal proceedings unfold, this case stands as a stark reminder of the vigilance required to counter terrorism and the ongoing challenges surrounding effective legal representation and protection for individuals involved in such cases.

14 Dec 2023

Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Justice, Uzbekistan Local Politics

Uzbek Blogger Jailed for 7 1/2 Years

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

The Tashkent regional court has dismissed an appeal by blogger Lemara Mirzaahmedova on December 13, upholding her 7 1/2-year prison term issued in October, as reported by RFE/RL’s Uzbek Service. Her conviction, based on defamation, slander, and extortion charges linked to critical social-media posts about the government, faced staunch opposition from supporters who view it as retribution by authorities. Mirzaahmedova, detained in March, is seen by human rights watchdogs as part of a concerning trend in Tashkent, marked by an uptick in criminal cases targeting independent bloggers.

14 Dec 2023

Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan International Affairs, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan Local Politics, Uzbekistan International Affairs, Uzbekistan Local Politics

Consulate General of Uzbekistan Officially Inaugurated in Osh

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

The Consulate General of Uzbekistan celebrated its official inauguration in Osh city, fostering economic, cultural, and humanitarian ties and offering support to Uzbek citizens in the region. The ceremony drew notable figures like Vice Mayor Nurbek Kadyrov, Presidential Representative Elchibek Zhantaev, and Ambassador Khurshid Mirzakhidov, emphasizing the consulate’s role in advancing cooperation.

Zafarbek Akhmedov, a seasoned diplomat previously overseeing the Consular and Legal Department at Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, heads this mission at 54 years old. Established in 2022, the consulate, led by Akhmedov, serves Batken, Jalal-Abad, and Osh regions in Kyrgyzstan.

14 Dec 2023

Environment, Kazakhstan Environment, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakhstan to Intensify Work to Attract Investment in Green Technologies

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

Issues of supporting new projects in the field of renewable energy were discussed on December 14^th at a meeting of the Council for the Transition to a Green Economy, chaired by the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Alikhan Smailov.

At the meeting, Madina Abylkasymova, Chairperson of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market, said that today the necessary legislative framework for the development of “green” finance has been created in Kazakhstan. A new Environmental Code has been adopted, and changes have been made for the issuance and circulation of green bonds and ESG bonds.

The Prime Minister emphasized that a large-scale transformation of the economy requires, among other things, an increase in the volume of “green” investments.

“To achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, financing in the amount of more than $600 billion is required. Therefore, it is necessary to intensify efforts to attract investments in green technologies,” said Smailov.

14 Dec 2023

Turkmenistan International Affairs, Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan Local Politics

Taliban and Turkmenistan Meet to Discuss Energy Collaboration

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

The acting head of the Ministry of Water and Energy of the Taliban, Abdul-Latif Mansur, recently held a meeting with Murad Artykov, the head of the Department of International Electric Power Projects in the Turkmen Ministry of Energy. This marked the second official dialogue between the two leaders.

The TAP Project

A significant part of their discussion revolved around the TAP project, also known as the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Power Interconnection Project. This proposed initiative aims to connect the power grids of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, strengthening power trade between these countries. It is seen as a crucial step towards enhancing energy security, promoting regional cooperation, and supporting economic development within the region.

The TAP project is a part of broader efforts to develop energy infrastructure and promote connectivity between Central Asia and South Asia. The Taliban representatives reportedly expressed readiness to launch the project and are now awaiting the participation of the remaining stakeholders.

The 500 kV Power Transmission Line

Another key point of discussion was the development of the 500 kV power transmission line “Turkmenistan – Shibargan – Dashti-Alvan – Argandi”. This line is intended to facilitate the import of electricity from Turkmenistan to meet the growing energy demands in Afghanistan. The Taliban urged Ashgabat to intensify efforts towards this goal.

The “Nur al-Jihad” Substation

The meeting also covered the “Nur al-Jihad” substation, a project nearing completion that will provide electricity to the Afghan provinces of Herat and Farah. This substation is a collaboration between Afghanistan’s power utility company, Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), and Turkmenistan. The project will increase the capacity of the Noor Al-Jihad substation from 110 kilovolts to 220 kilovolts. The substation is located in Herat province.

Artykov outlined the goals of the visit, which included extending contracts for the supply of Turkmen energy and expanding energy cooperation.

Implications

Despite the Taliban being under UN sanctions for terrorist activities, discussions between Turkmenistan and the Taliban regarding energy and infrastructure projects have been ongoing, as reported by various sources including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Caspian News. Turkmenistan already exports electricity to areas in northern Afghanistan, some of which are under Taliban control. These talks also involved the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, which the Taliban has shown support for.

14 Dec 2023

Turkmenistan Justice, Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan Local Politics

Over 300 Individuals, Including Six Foreign Nationals, Pardoned in Turkmenistan on International Neutrality Day

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

On the occasion of International Neutrality Day, Turkmenistan’s President, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, granted pardons to a total of 308 individuals, including six foreign nationals. This news comes after an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held on December 11, 2023, involving heads of diplomatic missions, consular offices, and representative offices of Turkmenistan at international organizations.

The meeting focused on important issues concerning Turkmenistan’s foreign policy in the international arena. The pardoning of these individuals is part of the upcoming holiday celebrations in the country. The Chairman of the Commission, together with the heads of law enforcement agencies, has been tasked to ensure the swift release of these convicts and their return to their families.

Regional leaders, including Hyakims of velayats, etraps, and cities, have been instructed to take necessary measures to provide employment opportunities for the pardoned individuals. President Berdimuhamedov expressed his wishes for the pardoned citizens to contribute positively to the large-scale activities being carried out in Turkmenistan and to serve the Fatherland conscientiously.