December 1, 2008

An Atmosphere of Quiet Repression

Freedom of Religion, Assembly and Expression in Kazakhstan

I. Summary
Religion
Expression
Assembly
II. Political Background
Upcoming OSCE Chairmanship
Elections
III. The Right to Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion
Legal Provisions
The New Draft Law on Religion
Problems of Small Religious Communities
Independent Muslims
IV. The Right to Freedom of Expression
Legal Provisions
The New Draft Law on Mass Media
Media Background
Restrictions on Freedom of Expression
V. The Right to Freedom of Assembly
Legal Provisions
Restrictions on the Right to Freedom of Assembly
VI. Recommendations
To the Government of Kazakhstan
To the OSCE
To the European Union
To the United States
Acknowledgements