Censorship Prevails: The Silence of Central Asian Media on Russia’s War in Ukraine

Central Asian state media have largely omitted coverage of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, resulting in a pervasive silence about the conflict across Turkmenistan and other Russia-aligned nations. Independent outlets, however, have been more forthcoming, despite potential backlash from Russian authorities. Kazakhstan stands out for its cautious yet slightly bolder stance, while countries like Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have mirrored Turkmenistan’s silence. This narrative reflects a larger issue of state censorship and control over information dissemination in the region.

In the Central Asian region, media coverage regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been notably sparse, echoing historical practices of information suppression reminiscent of Soviet-era control. Turkmenistan’s state media exemplifies this silence by abstaining from any substantial discourse about the conflict, while similarly state-run outlets across Central Asia have minimized references to this significant geopolitical event. The ongoing war, which has resulted in the loss of young soldiers returning to their native countries, warrants greater attention than it receives from official channels. Conversely, independent media outlets have extensively covered the war, offering detailed narratives that resonate with local audiences. However, state-controlled media have largely refrained from any discussion of the conflict to avoid potential backlash from Russia. Kazakhstan, being the largest Central Asian state and sharing a border with Russia, has made some bold statements, notably concerning the non-recognition of territories that Russia has acquired during the war. Despite this, Kazakh state media projects an image that the conflict bears no relevance to its populace, with coverage focusing instead on distant reports involving natural disasters and health epidemics. Neighboring Uzbekistan’s state media remains silent on Ukraine, while Kyrgyzstan’s coverage is limited to significant developments. A notable exception exists, where private media sources provide a range of reporting on the war, often navigating the sensitive political landscape cautiously due to potential repercussions from Russia. An example is the Kyrgyz news agency 24.kg, which faced backlash for its coverage style and was subsequently investigated, showcasing the fragile balance independent media must maintain in these environments. Despite this, some private media in Uzbekistan continue to cover the war from a perspective that diverges from Moscow-approved narratives. Turkmenistan, characterized by extreme authoritarianism, posits a distinct stance of neutrality, as its government avoids comments on international conflicts altogether, leaving local citizens with little information about global events. The information landscape in Central Asia remains heavily influenced by state control, with reports mostly filtered through lenses that are sympathetic to Russian interests, thus limiting a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing conflict. This media climate underscores a continuing trend towards information suppression, quite analogous to those experienced in the Soviet Union, specifically illustrated by Turkmenistan’s strict adherence to censorship. The scarcity of coverage concerning the war in Ukraine indicates a larger, more concerning reality concerning freedom of expression and the autonomy of media within the region.

The media landscape in Central Asia is predominantly characterized by state control and censorship, a legacy of Soviet-era governance that continues to influence information dissemination in the region. Since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, government-controlled outlets have largely ignored the conflict, leading to a significant gap in public awareness. This is particularly evident in nations like Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, where media outlets are either heavily censored or choose to evade uncomfortable topics that could provoke discontent among Russian authorities. This situation has propelled independent media sources to the forefront, as they strive to report on the war despite facing intense scrutiny and potential repercussions for their journalism. Central Asian governments are cognizant of the delicate political dynamics resulting from the conflict, particularly given their geopolitical ties to Russia.

In summary, the media’s approach to covering Russia’s war in Ukraine within Central Asia reveals a complex interplay of censorship and authoritarianism. State media largely abstain from addressing the conflict, reflecting a commitment to maintaining good relations with Russia, while independent outlets strive to provide more comprehensive coverage despite facing significant risks. Overall, the handling of news surrounding the war underscores persistent challenges to free expression and the autonomy of media in Central Asia.

Original Source: www.rferl.org