(London, December 17, 2025) – Authorities in Kazakhstan have targeted independent journalists and media outlets in recent weeks, a coalition of nine human rights groups said today. The authorities have searched the newsroom of an independent news agency, detained media workers, and pressured journalists over their reporting.
The coalition includes Amnesty International, Civil Rights Defenders, Crude Accountability, Freedom for Eurasia, Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law, Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, Human Rights Watch, International Partnership for Human Rights, and the Norwegian Helsinki Committee.
“Astana should end the crackdown on free expression and independent journalism,which are essential to protecting human rights and civil liberties,” said Maisy Weicherding,Central Asia researcher at Amnesty International. “Kazakhstan should respect and uphold the right to media freedom and access to data.”
on December 1, 2025, police searched the independent Orda.kz media agency’s newsroom and detained media workers, at least one of whom is facing criminal charges. other independent journalists have been under pressure from government officials and their social media accounts have been taken down. On December 2, the website of an independent media outlet experienced a distributed denial of service attack, to make a website unavailable by overwhelming it with traffic from multiple sources.
The Kazakhstan government has repeatedly pledged to uphold the right to freedom of expression, consistent with its Constitution and international obligations, including in January at its fourth Worldwide Periodic Review at the UN.
On December 1, police in Almaty detained Gulnara Bazhkenova, editor-in-chief of the independent news outlet Orda.kz, as a person of interest in several criminal cases, including for allegedly spreading “repeated and deliberate” false information. On the same day, a court ordered her held for two months of house arrest, her lawyer said.
Bazhkenova was arrested following a police search of the Almaty newsroom of Orda.kz and Bazhkenova’s home. The outlet’s legal representatives and staff said that investigative teams seized documents, equipment, and money for staff salaries. They forced open a safe.Officials physically searched Bazhkenova and an accountant. The authorities at the office denied Orda.kz‘s lawyers permission to enter even though the lawyers had proper authorization, and barred them from reviewing the search warrant, both criminal procedural code violations.
On the same day in Astana, police questioned Dmitry Kim, head of Orda.kz‘s capital bureau,for several hours at the outlet’s office and later took him to a police station. He was released the same day.
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Tajikistan Intensifies Crackdown on Independent Media
Tajikistan is facing increasing criticism for its escalating suppression of independent media and journalists. Recent actions by the government, including blocking websites and restricting access to information, are raising concerns about freedom of expression and democratic principles in the country. This crackdown coincides with a broader trend of authoritarianism in Central Asia, prompting international organizations to call for greater protection of media freedom.
Recent Restrictions and Blocking of Media Outlets
The Tajik government has considerably increased its control over the media landscape in recent years. Several independent news websites and platforms have been blocked, making it difficult for citizens to access alternative sources of information. Human Rights Watch reports that authorities have been systematically targeting media outlets perceived as critical of the government.
Specifically, websites associated with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), including its Tajik service, Radio Ozodi, have been blocked. This blocking occurred ahead of parliamentary elections in March 2024, raising concerns about the government’s intent to control the narrative during the electoral process. The government has not provided a clear legal justification for thes actions.
Impact on Journalists and Freedom of Expression
The crackdown extends beyond website blocking to include direct pressure on journalists. Reporters face intimidation, harassment, and even criminal charges for their work. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) notes that the surroundings for journalists in Tajikistan is extremely opposed, with self-censorship becoming increasingly common. journalists frequently enough avoid reporting on sensitive topics, such as corruption or government policies, for fear of reprisal.
Mihra Rittmann, Central Asia adviser at Human Rights Watch, stated, “The government needs to stop all attacks on independent journalists and media outlets and create an enabling environment for freedom of expression.” This sentiment is echoed by numerous international organizations advocating for media freedom in Tajikistan.
Underlying Causes and Political Context
The tightening grip on media freedom in Tajikistan is linked to the country’s political climate. President Emomali Rahmon has been in power since 1994, and his government has been accused of authoritarian tendencies. the government views independent media as a potential threat to its stability and control.The restrictions on media are frequently enough justified under the guise of national security or combating extremism.
The government’s actions also reflect a broader trend in Central Asia, where several countries are experiencing a decline in democratic freedoms. This trend is fueled by concerns about regional security and the influence of external actors.
Legal Framework and Restrictions
Tajikistan’s legal framework contains provisions that can be used to restrict freedom of expression. Laws related to extremism, defamation, and national security are often vaguely worded and can be applied arbitrarily to silence critical voices. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has highlighted the need for legal reforms to ensure that laws are consistent with international standards on freedom of expression.
International Response and Advocacy Efforts
International organizations, including Human Rights Watch, Reporters Without Borders, and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), are actively monitoring the situation in Tajikistan and advocating for greater media freedom. They are calling on the Tajik government to:
- Unblock all independent news websites and platforms.
- Cease harassment and intimidation of journalists.
- Reform laws that restrict freedom of expression.
- Ensure a safe and enabling environment for independent media to operate.
Key Takeaways
- Tajikistan is experiencing a notable crackdown on independent media.