Ayzirek Imanaliyeva | Eurasianet

Work at a uranium tailings site in Naryn Province. Earlier this month, there was an accident linked to the site that fed fears that Kyrgyzstan’s decision to resume uranium mining may give rise to new hazards and accidents. (Photo: gov.kg)

Kyrgyzstan: Environmentalists raise alarm about resumption of uranium mining

For government, the possible economic rewards outweigh the risks.

Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Jun 18, 2024

The deputy head of the Kyrgyz Cabinet, Edil Baisalov, addresses foreign students on May 19, offering an apology and extending a security guarantee. (Photo: gov.kg)

Kyrgyzstan: Hundreds of Pakistani students flee after weekend melee

Kyrgyz officials take action to reassure foreign students.

Ayzirek Imanaliyeva May 20, 2024

After the Muftiate’s warning, Ainura Sagynbaeva deleted her controversial TikTok post and published a contrite post on Instagram, saying that she intended to “no longer study sexology,” adding that “I have also closed the topic of religion until I study the Qur’an.” (Screenshot)

Kyrgyzstan: Religious authorities muzzle influencer who said pre-marital sex is not a sin

Prospect of punishment has immediate chilling effect.

Ayzirek Imanaliyeva May 8, 2024

Participants of an event co-sponsored by the Soros-Kyrgyzstan Foundation discuss ideas to improve Bishkek’s utilities infrastructure. The foundation supported initiatives in a variety of areas, such as education, public health, access to new digital technologies, independent media, criminal justice and legal aid reform, but has now opted to cease operations in Kyrgyzstan. (Photo: soros.kg)

Kyrgyzstan: The sun sets on the Soros Foundation in Bishkek

The newly implemented ‘foreign agents’ legislation is cited as the reason for closure.

Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Apr 17, 2024

Anti-migration wave hits Central Asian guest workers following Moscow terrorism attack

A partner post from Mediazona.

Ayzirek Imanaliyeva, Vladislav Sorvyonkov Apr 11, 2024

Matraimov being questioned by reporters as he is led off a plane onto the runway at Bishkek international airport. (Photo: Social media)

Kyrgyzstan: Fallen kingmaker Matraimov deported from Azerbaijan

Kyrgyz authorities claim the once-powerful customs chief had been planning an assassination plot.

Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Mar 26, 2024

Computers being removed from 24.kg offices during the raid in January. (Photo: Screengrab from Kaktus.kg footage)

Kyrgyzstan: Reshuffle at news outlet offers fresh hints of media scene decline

Coverage by 24.kg was far from aggressive, but the outlet still managed to embarrass the government at times.

Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Mar 20, 2024

The Kyrgyz parliament has latterly turned into a rubber-stamp chamber that operates at the behest of the presidential administration. (Photo: Jogorku Kenesh Facebook page)

Kyrgyzstan: Parliament adopts contentious foreign agents law without debate

The vote proceeded without debate and was over in seven minutes.

Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Mar 14, 2024

President Sadyr Japarov's office said he met with 40 media representatives before making his decision. (Photo: Kyrgyz presidential website)

Kyrgyzstan: President withdraws restrictive media law

Japarov has ordered a review of the legislation, which suggests it may be reintroduced again down the line.

Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Mar 13, 2024

Matraimov speaking in an online video appeal in 2019.

Kyrgyzstan: As net tightens around Matraimov, Japarov is clearing field of viable threats

All the corrupt former customs chief's one-time allies are scrambling to disavow him.

Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Feb 29, 2024

Nadira Narmatova, the main public champion of this legislation, speaking in parliament on February 22. (Photo: Screengrab)

Kyrgyzstan: Lawmakers push ahead with contentious foreign agents bill

The voting procedure was marred by flagrant violations.

Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Feb 22, 2024

A single red rose at the base of a monument to victims of political repression in Pavlodar, a city in northern Kazakhstan. (Photo: Yevgenia Baltatarova / Telegram)

Navalny death provokes shock but also indifference in Central Asia

The Russian activist was admired by anti-corruption campaigners, but he also ruffled feathers with his brushes with xenophobia.

Almaz Kumenov, Ayzirek Imanaliyeva, EurasiaNet Feb 16, 2024

Japarov sees the People's Kurultai as a more efficient mediator between the public and the authorities. (Photo: Kyrgyz presidential administration)

Kyrgyzstan: Japarov hits back at U.S. over NGO bill criticism

The president says his foreign-funded NGO critics are thieving money-grabbers.

Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Feb 12, 2024

October District Court in Bishkek, where the hearing against Kloop was held. (Photo: Kloop)

Kyrgyzstan: Court orders closure of investigative reporting site Kloop

Prosecutors says Kloop is harming the public’s mental health and driving them to drugs and sexual depravity.

Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Feb 10, 2024

Bishkek TETs, Kyrgyzstan’s largest thermal power plant, provides for around 15 percent of the country’s needs. (Photo: Kyrgyz presidential administration)

Kyrgyzstan: Power plant accident leaves households without heat

The southern city of Osh is also experiencing a heating crisis following a fall in gas imports from Uzbekistan.

Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Feb 2, 2024

Sadyr Japarov. (Photo: Kyrgyz presidential administration)

Kyrgyzstan: Japarov being primed for second term

His team says he needs another term to complete the work of developing the country.

Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Jan 30, 2024

Kamchybek Tashiyev's statement on Matraimov as broadcast on state television.

Kyrgyzstan: Once all-powerful Matraimov wanted for arrest

The news opens a new chapter in the ruling regime’s campaign to wrest all the levers of control in the country from shadowy, behind-the-scenes operators.

Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Jan 27, 2024

Makhabat Tajibek kyzy, who runs the Ait Ait Dese YouTube channel, being led away by police. (Photo: Temirov Live social media accounts)

Kyrgyzstan: Raids on independent media spark outcry

The latest outfit to be targeted by the authorities was the YouTube channel Temirov Live, founded by investigative reporter Bolot Temirov.

Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Jan 17, 2024

Masked GKNB agents carrying away computers and other material from 24.kg's offices. (Photo: Screengrab of 24.kg footage)

Kyrgyzstan: Security services raid news agency HQ

24.kg says GKNB officers confiscated computers and mobile phones.

Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Jan 15, 2024

The fugitive: Emil Zhamgyrchiyev seen on security camera footage fleeing from the parliament building.

Kyrgyzstan: Jumping MP's flight indicates new front in war on crime gangs

Emil Zhamgyrchiyev is accused of conniving with a criminal kingpin in neighboring Uzbekistan.

Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Jan 12, 2024

Screengrab from Abdyldayev's last video interview to the media.

Kyrgyzstan: Eccentric politician behind “no winter” meme dies in jail

Officials say Arstan “Alai” Abdyldayev hanged himself and had been suffering from chronic delusions.

Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Jan 8, 2024

The new-look flag of Kyrgyzstan billowing over Bishkek's Ala-Too Square on January 3. (Photo: Danil Usmanov)

Kyrgyzstan’s new flag raised to a chorus of anger, confusion, threats

Officials have said that anybody spreading what they deem to be false information about the flag will be thrown behind bars.

Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Jan 5, 2024

President Sadyr Japarov pleading allegiance at the National Kurultai on December 16. (Photo: Danil Usmanov)

Kyrgyzstan: Flag-tinkering, another Japarov nation-building exercise

Proponents of the change say the new, bolder flag will enable the country to be more independent.

Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Dec 18, 2023

Market traders at a demonstration at Bishkek’s sprawling Dordoi bazaar. President Japarov spoke to demonstrators. (Photo: Danil Usmanov)

Kyrgyzstan: Government puts tax plan on ice amid protests

Officials say measures to make traders use cash registers will nevertheless come into force in July 2024.

Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Dec 6, 2023

A trial run of the People's Kurultai was held in November 2022. (Photo: Government website)

Kyrgyzstan: People’s assembly lambasted as power grab

The first session of the kurultai as a permanent state body is due to take place next month.

Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Nov 29, 2023

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Ayzirek Imanaliyeva | 216 Articles