Kazakh Service

Established in 1953, RFE/RL’s Kazakh Service, known locally as Radio Azattyq operates out of its bureau in Astana. 

The Service covers China’s growing influence across Central Asia, including China’s recent plans to build Kazakhstan third nuclear power plant, in a move that will deepen Beijing’s control over the nation’s nuclear future. 

Radio Azattyq produces compelling content on human rights by reporting on political persecution, the struggles of activists, and long-term effects of historic injustices. The Service’s human rights reporting extends beyond the country’s borders, covering issues such as the repression of ethnic Kazakhs and Uyghurs in China’s Xinjiang region.  

Radio Azattyq provides on-the-ground coverage during national emergencies, as demonstrated by their interviews with first responders at a deadly plane crash near the city of Aktau, giving voice to local citizens who rushed to help survivors. 

Journalists report on the enduring linguistic divide in Kazakhstan, highlighting concerns from experts and locals about how the Kazakh language has been impacted by Russian influence. 

Following the 2022 “Bloody January” protests, the Service was the only media outlet to launch an ongoing project to document the names, photos, and stories of the victims, and has published exclusive interviews revealing the official miscommunication between law enforcement agencies that led to five deaths.