Stories about Central Asia & Caucasus from December, 2022
Police in Azerbaijan detain protesters on the day of activist's trial
On December 23, as an appeals court in Baku ruled to keep Hajiyev behind bars, a group of supporters attempted to stage a protest in support of Hajiyev.
Pundits say unblocking the Lachin Corridor is the only way to avoid humanitarian crisis
Lachin Corridor is the only route connecting Armenia to Karabakh and its blocking has disrupted access to essential goods and services for the population living in Karabakh.
Documentary about the 1920s Volga famine is prohibited in Russia but broadcasted on YouTube
A Russian documentary covering the 1921–1923 famine in the Volga region is banned by the Russian government for unclear reasons, but made available online on YouTube.
Undertones in Afghanistan: ‘Taliban 2.0,’ Women, Resistance
Researchers share some of the strongest narratives that have circulated in Afghanistan this year
No good news for media freedom in Kyrgyzstan as government arrests journalists, activists, and bloggers
In the meantime, the government continues its practice of freezing media outlets’ bank accounts and blocking websites, publicly harassing journalists and social media activists.
What did the outside world in the 1930s know about the Soviet famine and the ‘Holodomor’ in Ukraine?
Many Ukrainians used social networks to raise awareness of the 1932-1933 Soviet famine as they see the ongoing Russian aggression against their country as a continuation of the same imperial repression.
The climate crisis and the environment in Central Asia — Is there hope?
The states of Central Asia are facing severe environmental challenges, which are being further exacerbated by climate change. Can the regional governments come together to address the problem?
Former president of Georgia facing health problems
Despite treatments at the medical facility since May, Imprisoned former president's health continued to deteriorate medical reports say.
Azerbaijan arrests prominent political activist ahead of International Human Rights Day
Prominent activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev is facing a possible three-year jail sentence if found guilty on two separate charges — hooliganism and contempt of court. Activists say the arrest is politically motivated.