The political and security landscape across Russia and the CIS is marked by significant diversity, reflected in the equally multifaceted travel security risks throughout the region.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict remains a pivotal issue with both regional and global implications. The persistent hostilities in southern and eastern Ukraine, coupled with recurrent missile strikes targeting Ukrainian cities, underscore the ongoing importance of political evacuation as a critical concern for travellers to the country. Elsewhere, particularly in Central Asia, the security situation is stable although governments continue to suppress civil liberties and press freedoms, impacting activists, journalists and businesses in some cases.
In recent years, both foreign and local businesses have increasingly been impacted by corruption and extortion linked to the practice of Kusturizatsia. The term, meaning “to vomit,” refers to a process where individuals, often corrupt businesspeople or politicians involved in illicit activities, are apprehended by authorities for economic crimes. However, instead of facing judicial penalties, they are required to pay a portion of the stolen funds back to the state, often through unofficial channels. Reports indicate little transparency regarding how these funds are utilised, and the lack of an independent judiciary has allowed Kusturizatsia to entrench institutionalised corruption further, enabling offenders to legitimise their actions by paying fees to the government.
This practice poses significant risks for legitimate businesses operating in Kyrgyzstan and has contributed to investment flight, as both domestic and foreign investors seek more stable markets. The lack of transparency and predictability in legal processes creates an environment of legal uncertainty, where companies may face arbitrary enforcement of laws. For instance, business owners have reported being compelled by corrupt officials to pay fines over alleged tax disputes or vague violations. Those who refuse or challenge the authorities often encounter increasingly hostile operating conditions. In fact, there has been an increase in the expropriation of private companies and assets since President Sadyr Japarov came to power in 2021, often under the pretext of fighting corruption, tax evasion or other violations by companies. With senior members of the government allegedly at the heart of perpetuating Kusturizatsia, there is unlikely to be a significant change to the status quo in 2025.
In late November 2024, Uzbek authorities detained independent Russian journalist Alexey Pivovarov and a local journalist in Nukus, the capital of Karakalpakstan autonomous region. The detention occurred after a resident allegedly reported them for lacking required accreditation under Uzbek law. Although released hours later, all footage shot by Pivovarov’s team was confiscated. This incident highlights the Uzbek government’s growing intolerance of independent journalism. When President Shavkat Mirziyoyev succeeded Uzbekistan’s longtime leader Islam Karimov in 2016, his administration initially expanded space for governmental criticism, released imprisoned journalists, and occasionally encouraged free reporting. Bloggers and citizen reporters became prominent critics within their communities.
However, in recent years, local authorities, often supported by law enforcement, have targeted such individuals through intimidation, administrative or criminal charges, and fines for alleged slander against the government. Over the past year, at least 10 people have been jailed for insulting the president, prompting many journalists and bloggers to self-censor or cease their work. Furthermore, on 15 November, President Mirziyoyev signed the “Undesirable Foreigners” law, modelled on similar Russian legislation. It allows for banning foreigners who undermine Uzbekistan’s sovereignty, incite discord, or discredit the country’s honour, for up to five years, extendable by another five. While the law is likely primarily aimed at preventing critical journalists and activists from entering the country, it signals a shrinking space for civil liberties. These developments heighten the risk of wrongful detention for foreign and local journalists, activists, and dissenters.
The rankings range from 1 to 180, with 1 representing the most free and 180 the least free.
Source: Reporters Sans Frontières