Local politics - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 7

Deported Tajik Opposition Activist Ikromov Sentenced to 23 Years in Prison

Tajik opposition activist Farrukh Ikromov, who had sought asylum in Europe, was deported from Poland to Tajikistan in April and subsequently sentenced to 23 years in prison in Dushanbe. Opposition sources have now informed Radio Ozodi of Ikromov's sentencing, though the Tajik authorities have not issued any official statement on the matter. According to Abdusattor Boboev, head of the Polish-based Citizens' Committee for the Rescue of Political Prisoners in Tajikistan, Ikromov was transferred from a Dushanbe pre-trial detention center to prison in October. Another activist, Saidiskhok Boboev, corroborated this information, stating that a recently released prisoner saw Ikromov and confirmed his 23-year sentence. Ikromov’s relatives, who reside abroad, lack detailed information about his sentencing. A close family member explained that they receive occasional updates about his status through a relative in Tajikistan. Ikromov’s deportation followed the denial of his asylum request in Poland. After this initial denial, He sought protection in Germany, but he was returned to Poland, where he was placed in a migrant detention center before being deported to Tajikistan. According to Abdusattor Boboev, shortly before his deportation, he reported being unexpectedly photographed, after which all contact with him ceased. Ikromov also participated in protests against Tajik President Emomali Rahmon's visit to Germany in September 2023. Opposition activists had expressed concern that if deported to Tajikistan, Ikromov would face mistreatment and a lengthy prison term. In recent years, several EU countries, including Germany, have complied with Tajikistan’s requests to extradite political activists, many of whom have subsequently received lengthy prison sentences. International human rights organizations have sharply criticized these actions. The Times of Central Asia previously reported on another Tajik activist, Dilmurod Ergashev, whose deportation from Germany was ordered by the Kleve administrative court on October 28, shortly after he was detained. The court ruled that Ergashev should be deported despite his pending application for political asylum before another court. Prior to his anticipated deportation, Ergashev attempted suicide. Ergashev, a member of the opposition Group of 24, has opposed the regime of Rahmon and joined the Reform and Development of Tajikistan movement in 2024. He has resided in Germany for 13 years.

Legislation Election Parliament Democracy Local politics political parties Party Politics

Uzbekistan President’s Party Wins Landmark Election Held Under New Voting System

On October 27, Uzbekistan held elections for deputies of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis (Lower House of Parliament) and local councils. This marks the first time these elections were conducted using a mixed (majority-proportional) system and featured electronic voting. For over a month, parties actively promoted their election programs to the public, with televised debates and messages on public transport urging citizens to participate in the elections and shape the country’s future. As required by law, all campaign activities were halted one day before the election. The electoral platforms of the five parties registered in Uzbekistan saw The Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan (UzLiDeP) emphasize poverty reduction and promoting internal labor migration over the next five years. The party also campaigned on expanding public-private partnerships in water management, ecology, and energy to increase the private sector's share in the economy to 85%. Additionally, UzLiDeP pledged to improve education, healthcare, and social services, focusing on providing clean drinking water and sewage systems in schools. The party pledged to double the annual budget for healthcare to $6 billion, and advocated to enhance healthcare and social support for citizens over the age of 70. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) focused on accessibility and social support, including assistive technologies at public transportation points for people with disabilities. They proposed adopting a “Social Housing” law, requiring luxury housing developers to allocate funds for social housing. This would benefit vulnerable groups, such as the homeless, people with disabilities, and those coming through the orphanage system. The party’s environmental initiatives included the Water Code and creating “Health Parks” for seniors near apartment complexes. The Milli Tiklanish (National Revival) Party’s platform spanned various topics, including youth development, cultural enrichment, family support, economic growth, and tourism. One key pledge emphasized Uzbekistan’s international relations, focusing on friendly ties with neighboring countries, cooperation, and maintaining peace - this despite party leader, Alisher Qodirov's anti-Russian rhetoric, including recent comments that “it would be better for [Russia] to deal with their own affairs [which are] full of problems than to deal with our internal issues." Qodirov has been actively responding to international discussions about Uzbekistan, reinforcing the party’s commitment to advancing national interests and strengthening Uzbekistan’s presence on the world stage. The Adolat (Justice) Social Democratic Party ran on a platform of advocating for media freedom, proposing reforms to safeguard journalists’ rights and prevent interference. Adolat pledged to introduce a “Presumption of Property Rights” to protect ownership and put forward affordable energy and price stability initiatives. The Ecology Party’s motto, “We are responsible for the future!” set out to drive home its focus on environmental and social issues. The party promoted government, business, and civil society efforts to address environmental challenges, whilst seeking to improve environmental legislation and education, and transitioning Uzbekistan toward a green economy. [caption id="attachment_24929" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] @TCA[/caption] According to Uzbek legislation, the election would be deemed valid once 33% of voters participated, and by 1pm local time 47.62% of voters had cast their ballots. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and...

Legislation Justice Local politics Silence Parliament

Kyrgyzstan to Introduce New Measures to Curb Noise Levels

During a parliamentary session, deputies determined that the Interior Ministry should be authorized to collect fines for excessive noise. According to the republic's law, fines for exceeding acceptable levels of noise were previously issued by the Department of Health Prevention. However, according to the deputies, the department was not properly equipped to measure levels of noise on the streets or on premises. In addition, the department's employees do not work at night, when violations are most likely to occur. “Individuals believe their rights should not be violated if they want to invite a noisy company home to an apartment building at night, put on music, start construction or repair work, or watch television at a volume that exceeds the maximum permissible noise levels. Entertainment or construction work in one apartment can become a nightmare or sleepless nights for many living there. But complaints to the police due to the lack of the necessary law have no proper effect,” said the Kyrgyz Interior Ministry. According to the civil code of offenses, loud noise is prohibited from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays and to 9 a.m. on non-working days and holidays. The only exception is during New Year's Eve celebrations. Violation of the rules in settlements or public places is punishable by a fine of 10 thousand KGS ($120) for individuals and 28 thousand KGS ($330) for legal entities.

Geopolitics Conflict Resolution Diplomacy Fergana Valley Local politics International Relations

The Ferghana Valley: Navigating Complex Challenges in Central Asia’s Most Volatile Region

The Ferghana Valley is one of Central Asia’s most fertile and densely populated areas, but it is also among the most volatile. Spanning Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, this landlocked region has long been a hotbed of ethnic tension, water disputes, and political instability. These challenges are deeply rooted in the geography, history, and sociopolitical landscape, making the valley a key focal point for understanding broader regional dynamics in Central Asia. Geographical Importance and Ethnic Diversity Nestled between the towering Tien Shan and Pamir Mountain ranges, the Ferghana Valley covers over 22,000 square kilometers. It is fertile land nourished by the Syr Darya River, making it a critical area for cultivating cotton, fruits, and vegetables. These natural resources have historically drawn diverse populations, creating a vibrant ethnic mosaic. The valley is home to Uzbeks, Kyrgyz, and Tajiks, as well as smaller ethnic groups. While ethnic Uzbeks form the majority, significant Kyrgyz and Tajik minorities inhabit border regions. The ethnic diversity of the Ferghana Valley is both a strength and a source of tension. Soviet-era border policies exacerbated these divisions by creating artificial boundaries that crisscrossed the valley, leaving behind ethnic enclaves — pockets of one nationality surrounded by the territory of another. These enclaves have complicated governance and territorial integrity, making border management a persistent challenge. The Soviet Legacy and Border Disputes During Soviet rule, the Central Asian republics were organized under Stalin’s divide-and-rule strategy, which deliberately created complex borders to weaken local identities and prevent regional unity. The Ferghana Valley, divided among three Soviet republics, is a prime example of this approach. After the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991, the administrative boundaries became international borders overnight between Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. The lack of clearly defined borders has sparked numerous conflicts over territory, water, and land. A notable clash between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in 2021 resulted in over 40 deaths and the destruction of homes and infrastructure. Many disputes revolve around access to scarce resources like water and arable land. These issues have escalated into violent confrontations, leading to casualties and the displacement of local populations. Water: A Scarce and Contested Resource Water is the lifeblood of the Ferghana Valley, but disputes over its allocation are a major source of tension. The valley depends heavily on irrigation for its agricultural productivity, and the Syr Darya River, along with its tributaries, plays a crucial role in supplying water to the region. However, the division of the valley among the three countries complicates water management. Uzbekistan, the most populous of the three, relies on the valley’s water resources for its cotton industry, a cornerstone of its economy. Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, which control the headwaters of the Syr Darya, often use their upstream position to leverage water access. This dynamic has led to frequent disagreements over water usage. For instance, Kyrgyzstan has at times threatened to withhold water unless it receives compensation, either through payments or electricity. Ethnic Tensions and Political Instability Ethnic tensions further complicate the Ferghana Valley’s already volatile...

Legislation Cultural Heritage History Local politics USSR symbol

Turkmenistan Tries to Eradicate Soviet Imagery

A campaign to fight symbols of the former Soviet Union, such as the hammer and sickle and the Soviet flag, has been launched in Turkmenistan's Balkan region. Authorities have involved national security and internal affairs officers, actively cracking down on clothing and accessories with Soviet symbols. According to residents, law enforcement agencies interrogate entrepreneurs selling such goods and even those wearing them. These operations take place in the markets and stores of Balkanabad and Turkmenbashi. “At Kenar market, I saw police seizing t-shirts, caps, notebooks, and other items with communist symbols while questioning sellers about the origin of these goods,” a resident of the region said. The active fight against Soviet symbols reportedly began in September, coinciding with preparations to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. The country gained independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Although Turkmenistan did not openly discuss the Soviet legacy for a long time, the process of decommunization did take place — many towns and villages named after Soviet figures were renamed. Turkmen authorities continue to create a national ideology, emphasizing the country's independence and identity within a new historical identity. The Balkan region added: “In western Turkmenistan, at various events and gatherings, people in their 50s have increasingly started to start conversations and praise the Soviet era. They say that during the Soviet times, one ruble could buy many things: a box of matches for 1 kopeck, 10 rubles could buy a 50-kilogram sack of flour, and now we can't buy meat or candy for months. There are more and more such people. They say that soon the USSR will be restored, and the communists will rule the world again.” The Times of Central Asia has written about a 74-year-old resident of Uzbekistan, Ergashkul Hasanov, who was convicted for spreading "propaganda" for the restoration of the USSR.

Migration Human rights Justice Deportation Local politics

Turkmenistan Requests Deportation of Fifty Activists and Journalists

The Chronicles of Turkmenistan reports that Turkmenistan has sent a list to several countries comprising 50 people, asking that they not be permitted to enter their territory, or to have them deported to Turkmenistan. The appeal was sent to Belarus, Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Iran, Moldova, Georgia, and Armenia. According to the authorities, the index lists civil activists, journalists, independent media, and opposition representatives as threatening state security. Turkmenistan has prioritized the return of nine people from this list. It remains to be seen whether the aforementioned foreign countries will execute the Turkmen authorities wishes. However, Turkmen.news journalist Ruslan Myatiev, who went to Turkey on summer vacation with his family on July 25, was not allowed to enter the country. After several hours of interrogation by the Turkish National Security Service, Myatiyev was deported to Turkmenistan. The Times of Central Asia previously reported that the daughter of a Turkmen activist was not allowed to fly to Turkey. This follows on from an increasing number of cases where Turkmen citizens have been removed from flights abroad without explanation; the same thing is reportedly happening when attempting to cross the border by land.