Government Violence and the Lack of Accountability in Central Asia

By Sophia Khan and Kristie Moore

Protests in Karakalpakstan in 2022. Peaceful protestors had only flags in their hands, but were met with violence (Source: RFE/RL)

Central Asia has seen conflict break out frequently, in the form of interethnic violence within divided communities, border conflict over disputed territory, and skirmishes over shared resources. However, in the post-independence period, authoritarian governments and leaders have protected their own interests by using force against local populations. This research report will look at the history of political violence in Central Asia, considering both its rise and the implications of injustice on civilians today. It will focus on three instances of political violence: Kazakhstan’s “Bloody January," crackdowns on Protests in the Autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan, and violent Suppression of the Pamiri Minority Community in Tajikistan. It will argue that increased accountability is necessary, both to prevent future violence but also as a means of establishing the importance of rule of law and human rights compliance in Central Asia.

Read the full report here:

Central Asia Political Violence.pdf

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