Central Asia

China releases imprisoned Tibetan nomad

A Tibetan nomad imprisoned eight years for calling for the return of the Dalai Lama was released, but his home county is tense over the death in custody of an activist monk.

Central Asia

Thailand deports over 100 Uighurs to China

Protesters attacked the Thai consulate in Istanbul as Bangkok deported 109 Uighurs back to China despite international warnings that they could face persecution and torture.

Central Asia

Xinjiang: Ramadan terror and repression

Up to 28 were killed in an attack on a police checkpoint in Xinjiang, as Chinese authorities take measures to discourage observance of Ramadan in the mostly Muslim region.

Central Asia

Human rights lawyer imprisoned in Tajikistan

A court in Tajikistan sentenced human rights lawyer Sukhrat Kudratov to nine years in prison, in what Amnesty International called "a serious setback for the freedom of expression."

Central Asia

Uighur leaders to al-Qaeda: No, thanks

Uighur exile leaders were quick to disavow an article in al-Qaeda's media service portraying harsh oppression of Muslims in "East Turkistan," or Xinjiang.

Central Asia

Aral Sea almost gone: NASA

Satellite photos released by NASA reveal  that the eastern basin of the Aral Sea has completely dried up. Water levels are less than 10% of what they were 50 years ago.

Central Asia

Next: Free Siberia?

In a little-noted irony, as Vladiimir Putin backs the "People's Republics" in eastern Ukraine, he has cracked down on a separatist movement that has emerged in Siberia.

Central Asia

Xinjiang: over 100 dead in Eid violence

Chinese authorities say more than 100 were killed in violence in Xinjiang on Eid al-Fitr; the riots may have been in reaction to official restrictions on honoring the holy day.

Central Asia

China: Uighurs defy Ramadan crackdown

Chinese authorities in Xinjiang are stepping up sweeps and security measures in the wake of a new attack—and have barred public officials from fasting for Ramadan.

Central Asia

Urgent action for imprisoned Tibetan leader

Students for a Free Tibet have issued an urgent appeal for Khenpo Kartse, an ailing Buddhist abbot and human rights defender imprisoned for over six months in harsh conditions.