In addition to one Muslim on trial in Shymkent, 18 individuals are known to be currently jailed for exercising freedom of religion or belief. All are Sunni Muslim men. A further 11 are serving restricted freedom sentences. A further 12 are under post-jailing bans on specific activity. A further 29 who have completed sentences still have their bank accounts blocked.

The capital city is in desperate need of a congestion-busting solution. City hall in the capital of Kazakhstan has announced that a project to build a congestion-busting light railway transit system has been put on hold for the foreseeable future.

 Kazakhs who cannot afford the expense of a wedding often take loans. Banks even advertise special wedding-themed credit.

 The transition to Putin’s constitutionally scheduled replacement as president of Russia may be rougher than currently expected.

Recent events in Kazakhstan show the regime’s evolving response to discontent from below.

The Romanian Presidency held its High Level Conference to mark the adoption of the new EU Strategy for Central Asia – Connectivity for sustainable development at the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest today.