#10
Far Eastern Economic Review
May 9, 2002
CENTRAL ASIA
WITH THE U.S. AS AN ALLY, DICTATORS GET TOUGHER
AN ACCOUNT OF REPRESSION IN CENTRAL ASIA THIS YEAR
By Ahmed Rashid

KAZAKHSTAN

Galymzhan Zhakiyanov, leader of newly formed Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan party, seeks shelter in French embassy, but is later arrested as government breaks agreement with European Union not to detain him. Other Democratic Choice leaders also arrested. Leading opposition figure, former Prime Minister Akezhan Kazhegeldin, head of Republican People's Party, remains in exile. Critical newspapers and TV stations closed down during Davos summit in Almaty in April. Government sets up agency to monitor all press. Government cracks down on all opposition media and parties after President Nursultan Nazarbayev is accused of siphoning off $1 billion to a Swiss bank in 1996. Foreign Minister Kasymzhomart Toakayev admits existence of fund, explaining that it was established to repay the country's debts.

KIRGYZSTAN

Main opposition leader, former Vice-President Felix Kulov serving lengthy jail sentence. Police kill five people, injure 61 in mass protest in mid-March following mass hunger strike, after popular parliamentary deputy Azimbek Beknazarov is jailed for asking President Askar Akayev why he ceded territory to China last year without informing parliament. Leaders of opposition party Ar-Namys harassed after saying that government is using U.S. presence to gag opposition. Government shuts down two opposition newspapers. U.S. army driver claims diplomatic immunity after killing Kirgyz woman in traffic accident in March, sparking popular outrage. All opposition groups are demanding Akayev's resignation.

TAJIKISTAN

President Imamali Rakhmanov sacks several Islamist ministers belonging to the United Tajik Opposition from the coalition government set up in 1997. Dozens of alleged Hizb-ut-Tahrir activists arrested.

TURKMENISTAN

Leading Turkmen diplomats go into exile in Russia and set up Turkmenistan Popular Democratic Movement in January to topple President Saparmurad Niyazov. Baptist missionaries harassed and jailed. International lending institutions suspend loans due to lack of economic reform. Turkmens banned from travelling abroad without government permission. Niyazov sacks 20 senior security, intelligence and army officials, fearing more defections and a coup attempt. In the absence of state funds for education, 11,000 teachers laid off in the past two years. Students forbidden to study abroad.

UZBEKISTAN

7,000 political prisoners remain in jail. Interpol arrests Mohammed Solih, leader of opposition Erk party, in Czech Republic on demand of Uzbekistan. Referendum in January extends President Karimov's term in office from five to seven years. Uzbekistan prevents U.S.-run Radio Liberty from broadcasting in country. Government orders all newspapers to produce schedule of articles before publication. Uzbek courts step up convictions of opponents to the regime; 39 political prisoners convicted in February and March.

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