• KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
18 February 2025

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 16

Uzbekistan May Reduce Prison Sentences for Inmates Who Read Books

Uzbekistan is considering a new initiative that would reduce prison sentences for inmates who engage in reading, as part of efforts to promote rehabilitation and personal development. Proposal Details The Milliy Tiklanish (National Revival) party has been advocating for this initiative for several years, inspired by similar practices in other countries. According to the party’s press service, a draft law has now been developed to bring the proposal to life. Under the proposed legislation, prisoners who read one book from an approved list and pass an exam on its content could have their sentences reduced by three days. The program would allow inmates to read up to 10 books per year, potentially reducing their sentences by up to 30 days annually. The reading list will be curated and managed by the Republican Center for Spirituality and Enlightenment, ensuring that the selected books align with the program’s goals of fostering intellectual and moral growth. International Inspiration The concept of reducing prison sentences through reading is not unique to Uzbekistan. Last year, Russian politician Vladislav Davankov proposed a similar initiative for inmates in pretrial detention centers and prisons. Davankov argued that reading programs could play a vital role in the rehabilitation and resocialization of prisoners. Kazakhstan has already taken steps in this direction. In 2021, the country launched a pilot project in correctional facilities in the Karaganda region. Under this program, inmates read books from an approved list, retell the content to a commission, and write essays summarizing the material. Positive evaluations by the commission can lead to improved detention conditions or even early release. Broader Implications If implemented, the program in Uzbekistan could serve as a tool to encourage education, personal growth, and rehabilitation among inmates. By focusing on intellectual engagement, the initiative could help prisoners reintegrate into society upon release and reduce recidivism rates. While the draft law is still in the development stage, it reflects Uzbekistan’s broader efforts to modernize its prison system and promote rehabilitation over punishment. If successful, the initiative could become a model for other countries in the region seeking to implement progressive approaches to criminal justice.

Kyrgyzstan’s SCNS Head Proposes Ban on “Fights Without Rules”

Kamchybek Tashiyev, the head of Kyrgyzstan's State Committee for National Security (SCNS), has proposed banning "fights without rules," citing their negative influence on youth and society. Tashiyev expressed these concerns during a live broadcast on Facebook, urging a national reevaluation of such activities. Tashiyev argued that these fights create a misleading notion among young people that success in life can be achieved through violence and coercion. “Fighting without rules is not a sport, but a type of brawling. Such competitions form a false belief in young people that success can be achieved by force and aggression. We need to raise a generation that relies on education and science,” Tashiyev said. He further highlighted the dangers associated with these events, emphasizing their harmful effects on both moral guidance and physical health. According to Tashiyev, many participants suffer severe injuries, with some becoming disabled by the age of 40. To address these concerns, Tashiyev urged athletes and young people to focus on Olympic sports, which he described as fostering physical development and receiving state support. Tashiyev also rejected the argument that the global popularity of unrestricted fighting justifies its practice in Kyrgyzstan, emphasizing that the country should prioritize its own values and traditions over external influences. From an Islamic perspective, Tashiyev stressed the incompatibility of such activities with moral principles, stating that “Even from the point of view of Islam, such actions are wrong - beating and maiming each other has no place in our values,” Tashiyev concluded by appealing to sports associations to take measures to restrict fights without rules and guide Kyrgyzstan's youth toward healthier and more constructive activities.

Uzbekistan Evacuates 100 Injured Palestinians for Treatment and Care

Uzbekistan has evacuated 100 injured Palestinian women and children, along with their guardians, from Rafah to provide medical treatment and care. Uzbekistan’s ambassador to Egypt, Mansurbek Kilichev, shared the details with the Egyptian Ahram portal. The evacuation was initiated by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in collaboration with the health ministries of Uzbekistan and Egypt. According to Kilichev, the evacuees will remain in Uzbekistan until it is safe enough for them to return to their homeland. Currently, they are being housed in rehabilitation centers and hospitals, where they are receiving medical care and recovery support. The Uzbek government is ensuring that the evacuees have access to housing, food, medical assistance, and education for the children during their stay. Kilichev affirmed that they are living in comfortable conditions. This initiative reflects Uzbekistan’s broader humanitarian efforts. In November, President Mirziyoyev addressed an Arab-Islamic summit on the issue of Palestine, calling for an end to military actions in Palestinian territories and the establishment of humanitarian corridors. He also expressed Uzbekistan’s readiness to host injured women and children for treatment and rehabilitation. Uzbekistan’s assistance to Palestinians is part of a sustained effort. Last year, President Mirziyoyev allocated $1.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to support Palestinian refugees in Gaza. This recent evacuation demonstrates Uzbekistan’s commitment to providing humanitarian aid while encouraging stability in the region.

Kazakhstan to Become a BRICS Partner on January 1, 2025

Kazakhstan will officially join BRICS as a partner state on January 1, 2025, according to Yuri Ushakov, an assistant to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ushakov stated that Russia has received confirmation from several countries expressing readiness to become BRICS partners. “One of the important results of the BRICS summit in Kazan was the establishment of the category of BRICS partner countries and agreement on a list of 13 states. Appropriate invitations were sent to these states. Confirmations of readiness to become a BRICS partner state have been received from Belarus, Bolivia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan,” Ushakov announced​. Kazakhstan’s Position on BRICS Partnership Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the country’s status as a BRICS partner state, effective from January 1, 2025​. However, the press secretary to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Berik Uali, previously stated that the country does not plan to seek full BRICS membership in the foreseeable future. Uali cited the multi-stage application process and considerations regarding the association's development prospects as reasons for this decision​. BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, aims to promote economic, political, and cultural cooperation among member states. As a partner, Kazakhstan will engage with BRICS without taking on the obligations or privileges of full membership. This development marks a significant step in Kazakhstan’s international engagement strategy while reflecting its cautious approach to deeper involvement in the bloc.

Kazakhstan Offers Neutral Ground for Peace Talks, Says Deputy Minister Vassilenko

Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Roman Vassilenko, has expressed hope for ending global conflicts, reiterating Kazakhstan's readiness to provide a platform for dialogue. Vasilenko made the remarks at the World Policy Conference held in Abu Dhabi. “I am an optimist by nature and hope that wars will stop. This applies to the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East,” Vasilenko said in an interview. The Deputy Minister underscored Kazakhstan’s neutral stance, highlighting the country’s balanced diplomatic relations with Russia and Western nations. “We hope that by the end of this year or possibly next year, Armenia and Azerbaijan will sign a peace treaty. We have offered to host this event in Kazakhstan,” Vasilenko stated. Vasilenko also emphasized the European Union's significance in Kazakhstan’s economic development and international partnerships. “The EU is our largest trade partner and investor. It is the largest market for Kazakhstani oil and a vital source of technology and investment. We are collaborating with the EU to develop the Middle Corridor, a trade route connecting Central Asia with Europe via the Caspian Sea and the South Caucasus. Progress has already been made. For instance, over the next three years, we aim to quadruple the volume of cargo transported along this route,” he noted. Kazakhstan continues to position itself as a bridge between dialogue and cooperation, leveraging its strategic geographic location and balanced foreign policy.

Turkmenistan Bans Students from Celebrating New Year’s Eve

Authorities in Turkmenistan have imposed strict measures preventing students and schoolchildren from celebrating New Year’s Eve, requiring them to sign written pledges to abstain from festivities. Students are prohibited from hosting or attending parties at home or in cafes and are barred from being outdoors during the celebration. “Students have been forced to write forms stating they will not celebrate New Year’s Eve and will return to their dormitories after attending official events,” a source revealed. Violations of the ban are met with threats of expulsion. According to reports, older students in previous years were expelled for secretly hosting parties, serving as a warning to others. Similar restrictions are being enforced in schools across Ashgabat, where festive parties have been banned following an order from the Ministry of Education. Teachers have been instructed to ensure compliance with these regulations. Paradoxically, official state media in Turkmenistan are showcasing large-scale New Year preparations, including the lighting of the “Main Christmas Tree of the Country” on December 14. Despite the visible holiday decorations, New Year celebrations remain tightly controlled. Last year, schools and kindergartens canceled New Year events, and state institutions were prohibited from installing Christmas trees. Local analysts attribute these stringent measures to the conservative policies of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Unlike his father, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who was known for extravagant celebrations and even personal performances at New Year’s events, Serdar has opted for a more restrained and controlled approach. The restrictions reflect the growing emphasis on regulation and conformity under Turkmenistan’s current leadership, casting a shadow over what was once a more festive and unifying holiday.