Bruce Pannier

Tajikistan: Islamic Renaissance Party Leader Sentenced To 16 Years In Prison

A leader of Tajikistan's Islamic Renaissance Party has been sentenced to 16 years in prison. Deputy Chairman Shamsuddin Shamsuddinov, claims the charges are fabricated. RFE/RL reports that with parliamentary elections just over one year away, the damage to the party's credibility and, perhaps, morale may already have been done.

Tajikistan: Media See Gains, Setbacks

Authorities in Tajikistan are offering their version of the "carrot and stick" approach in dealing with the country's media. Government officials announced this week they will launch investigations into the murders of journalists committed during the Tajik civil war, something international press organizations have for years been calling for. They also said they would review tax legislation with the possible aim of easing media outlets' tax burdens. But at the same time -- and with much less publicity -- the government is moving ahead with plans to close four of the country's independent newspapers.

2003 & Beyond: Five Different Futures Await Five Central Asian States

Uzbekistan: Imprisoned Journalist Awarded Top Press-Freedom Prize

Turkmenistan: Turkmens Get Rare Look At Relations With U.S. -- From Both Sides

Uzbekistan: Security Service Rebuts Charges It Knew Of Tashkent Bombings In Advance

Uzbekistan: Two 'New' Political Parties Emerge

Central Asia: Where Georgians See Roses, Regional Leaders May See Thorns

Kazakhstan: Opposition Journalist Barred From Practicing Craft For Five Years

Tajikistan: Islamic Renaissance Party Facing Serious Problems

Uzbekistan: Defiance Of Authorities Grows

Central Asia: Market Traders Register Their Complaints Over New Regulations In Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan

Kyrgyzstan: Civic Group Calls For Another Term For Akaev, Despite Constitution

Turkmenistan: Opposition Groups Begin Meeting In Prague

Tajikistan: Dushanbe Considering Guarding Its Own Border With Afghanistan

Central Asia: Presidents' Daughters Emerging As Unlikely Political Forces In Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan

Kazakhstan: Opposition Hoping To Gain Ground In Local Elections

Central Asia: Back To School -- Parents Lacking For Cash (Part 1)

Kazakhstan: President Urges Population Increase To Meet Work Force Demands

Uzbekistan: Court Rulings Do Little To Mend Tashkent's Reputation As Rights Abuser