Stories about Central Asia & Caucasus from October, 2021
The Pandora Papers unveil offshore companies linked to the family of Turkmenistan's President
In Turkmenistan, two brothers have used offshore companies to earn from state contracts of import-export. The problem is that they are relatives of the president.
The Uyghur issue, China’s greatest fear, is looming in Afghanistan
As the Taliban and China seem to strengthen their ties, the tragedy of the Uyghurs imprisoned in China's so-called re-education camps could prove to be a diplomatic stumbling block.
In Georgia, there is still hope for rainbow colors
Global Voices spoke with Giorgi Tabagari, 35, founder of Tbilisi Pride on Georgia's recent anti-LGBTQ+ developments and the plight of the country's queer community.
News site founders, editor resign under pressure from Kazakhstan's authorities
A sophisticated attack on Hola News's website kept it down for 10 days. The core team then abandoned the project, citing pressure from the authorities.
Decoding the ‘Saakashvili effect’ with two experts in Georgian politics
As Georgia prepares for municipal elections on October 30, and Saakashvili remains on hunger strike, stability seems but an empty dream in a country deeply divided over political and economic lines.
Tensions are escalating between Azerbaijan and Iran over border issue and Armenia
For weeks, Iran and Azerbaijan have exchanged accusations, and played war games, in what can be best described as chest-thumping.
Deputy from Kazakhstan says ‘Squid Game’ mirrors everyday life in the country
A parliament member in Kazakhstan said that real life in the country is comparable to the extreme poverty and struggle to survive portrayed in Netflix's Squid Game.
Young Azerbaijani activist goes public about grave crime committed against her whose perpetrator remains unpunished
Despite medical records indicating the proof of the crime, the perpetrator remains free, according to the personal account posted by activist Sanay Yaghmur on Facebook.
Thousands rally in Tbilisi demanding freedom for imprisoned former president
Thousands of people gathered in Tbilisi on October 14, in support of former president Mikheil Saakashvili, who is on his 14th day of a hunger strike in prison.
Fake vaccine passport scandal revealed in Armenia
Authorities estimate that over 700 people bought the fake vaccine certificates from healthcare workers in Gyumri — Armenia’s second-largest city.
Turkey and Armenia ready to ‘normalize relations’ after nearly 30 years
Almost three decades later, Turkey is now considering reopening its border with Armenia. The border has been closed since 1993.
COVID-19, vaccination and the progress of the global healthcare system
“ … obesity might soon be recognised as a vitally strategic global element in explaining varying COVID-19 levels between rich and poor.”
‘Kazakh language is perfect for rap': Interview with cultural commentator Yevgeniya Plakhina
Sung in a mix of Kazakh and Russian, played with traditional nomadic and new musical instruments, contemporary alternative music from Kazakhstan offers an eclectic and rich environment.
A disappearing cross-border river becomes the subject of a Central Asian documentary
With River of Nomads, the Adamdar/CA team narrates the environmental problems of the river Chu, which crosses Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. This is the first interview about their documentary.
Georgia holds local election, with ruling Georgia Dream Party securing the majority of votes
Amid political tensions and polarization, Georgia held a local election on October 2, in what was widely seen as a crucial test for the ruling Georgian Dream party.
Global internet freedom trends in Turkey and South Caucasus, new report
While Georgia and Armenia were ranked "free" in this year's report, Turkey and Azerbaijan ranked "not free" as a result of the challenging atmosphere around digital rights and freedoms.
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