The fake human rights NGO Open Dialog Foundation (ODF), closely associated with Kazakh fugitive Oligarch Mukhtar Ablyazov, has, in recent years, attracted much speculation over its financial affairs, and in particular questions as to the true nature of the relationship with Ablyazov himself, writes Gary Cartwright.

 For 30 years, the dictatorial clan has been doing nothing but enriching itself.

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.