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No Safe Haven In Europe For Central Asian Opposition
Tajik opposition activist Dilmurod Ergashev arrived in Tajikistan on November 7, after he was deported from Germany, where he had been seeking asylum since 2011. Ergashev was immediately arrested on his return by Tajik authorities; he hasn't been heard from since. Ergashev is one of several Central Asian opposition activists sent back to their homelands; dozens more continue to pursue asylum claims in Europe. Why, despite knowing the repressive tendencies of Central Asian governments and being party to international agreements against “refoulement,” do some European countries still deport people to countries where returnees are routinely imprisoned? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss this are Leila Seiitbek, a lawyer and chairwoman of the NGO Freedom for Eurasia, and Hugh Williamson, the Europe and Central Asia director for Human Rights Watch.
Episodes
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April 20, 2025
EU Strengthens Ties With Central Asia
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March 23, 2025
Saving The Caspian Sea
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February 23, 2025
Tajikistan's Descent Into Despotism
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January 26, 2025
Human Rights Watch Calls Out 'Worsening' Situation In Central Asia
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December 22, 2024
What Will Trump's Policy Be Toward Central Asia?
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December 08, 2024
Violence Against Women Increasing in Central Asia