Join USIP for a discussion of what a strategy for Central Asia could look like going forward given the significant change and uncertainty in the region. The conversation will examine how the United States can contribute to greater stability and promote common interests while making progress on strategic goals.
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In February of this year, days after plain-clothed police officers in the southern Uzbek city of Termez detained Otabek Sattoriy, a blogger who often covered local corruption on his Telegram and YouTube channels, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev told a group of journalists, “You are my comrades-in-arms, I count on your help… I want to ask you one thing: do not be lazy in your striving for answers.”
Three months later, Sattoriy has been convinced on extortion and libel charges and given a sentence of 6.5 years. The prosecutor had asked for 11 years. On social media, Uzbek and international journalists and bloggers decried the conclusion of Sattoriy’s trial.
May 3 marks World Press Freedom Day. So what is the state of press freedom around the world? What barriers do journalists still face? And what do people in different countries think about the restrictions and liberties they are confronted with every day?