Access Now Digital Security Helpline
Free 24/7 help for activists and journalists: hacked accounts, surveillance, securing accounts and devices. Russian-language support available.
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accessnow.org
Journalist or blogger in Central Asia
Draft First minutes: what human rights defenders usually advise
Journalist or blogger in Central Asia
Draft. Compiled from human rights groups' guides but not yet reviewed by a lawyer. This is not legal advice — check the linked sources and consult a lawyer.
- Journalists face charges of 'false information', 'calls to riots' and 'inciting discord'; Kyrgyzstan has designated Kloop and Temirov Live 'extremist', and seven journalists are jailed in Tajikistan.
- Get legal help early: in Kazakhstan, Adil Soz; elsewhere, CPJ and RSF (note RSF is 'undesirable' in Russia).
- In Uzbekistan criticism is taken down via fake copyright complaints and people are summoned over likes. Keep an archive off-platform and secure your accounts (Access Now).
- If you are in exile, do not go home for documents and expect pressure on relatives — see the situation on persecution abroad.
current as of September 25. More: CPJ: Kloop and Temirov Live declared 'extremist'; IPHR: new risks for civil society in Uzbekistan; IPHR: pressure on media and the 'LGBT propaganda' law
Who helps
8 organisationsAdil Soz Foundation for Freedom of Speech
Defends free speech in Kazakhstan: a lawyer and defence counsel for journalists and bloggers, violation monitoring, advice on what to do if threatened.
If Telegram doesn't open: +7 777 400 2210 · info@adilsoz.kz
Get in touch
adilsoz.kz
Legal Media Center
A journalist's legal handbook, training and analysis of Kazakhstan's media laws.
Mostly legal materials and training rather than defence in a specific case. For a case, contact Adil Soz.
If Telegram doesn't open: mediastana@gmail.com · +7 7172 42-44-32
Get in touch
lmc.kz
Uzbek Forum for Human Rights
Documents persecution in Uzbekistan — bloggers, journalists, prisoners, forced labour — and campaigns for release. Does not provide legal aid.
If Telegram doesn't open: info@uzbekforum.org
Get in touch
uzbekforum.org
Turkmen Initiative for Human Rights — Chronicles of Turkmenistan
Monitors human rights abuses in Turkmenistan. Accepts reports on persecution, exit bans, passports not renewed and pressure on relatives.
The old address chrono-tm.org no longer belongs to the organisation — do not open it.
If Telegram doesn't open: Telegram · hronikatm@gmail.com
Get in touch
hronikatm.com
Turkmen.news
Independent outlet covering Turkmenistan. Accepts reports of abuses, including pressure on Turkmen citizens abroad.
Independent media are blocked in Turkmenistan — use a VPN.
If Telegram doesn't open: Telegram channel
Get in touch
turkmen.news
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
Helps journalists at risk: safety advice, emergency assistance, publicity for cases.
Get in touch
cpj.org
Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
Assistance to journalists and media: grants, legal support, publicity for persecution.
Designated 'undesirable' in Russia since 2025: if you are a Russian citizen or travel there, factor in the risk.
Get in touch
rsf.org