How the US Views Kazakhstan’s Constitutional Reform and Free Speech
Photo: Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan
U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Julie M. Stufft commented on constitutional reform and freedom of speech in Kazakhstan, Orda.kz reports.
She described the reform package as «ambitious» and said that it had been implemented very quickly. The embassy is currently collecting feedback.
«Yes, indeed, a very ambitious package of reforms was announced within a very short timeframe, meaning very rapid reforms. So yes, we are continuing to collect feedback from all participants in the process,»she said
Ms Stufft also revealed that she had met with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on 13 February specifically to discuss the issue.
«He had some time free this morning, so we also discussed the reform programme with him. We continue to monitor the situation, and of course everyone understands that the constitution’s main purpose is to protect citizens’ rights — this is reflected in the relevant changes,» she said
During the press conference, she was asked how the U.S. presidential administration views the persecution of independent journalists in Kazakhstan. Orda.kz, for instance has dealt with similar pressure before.
«Freedom of speech is one of the core values of the United States, and yes, we constantly see examples of it in the U.S. news. Regarding this situation, yes, we are monitoring it. As it is an ongoing investigation, I cannot comment directly on it, but my team briefs me daily on the latest developments, so yes, we are following this situation,»the ambassador added.
Original author: Ilya Astakhov
Latest news
- Almaty Drivers Offered Free Emissions Checks Without Penalties
- Croatia Will Finance Oil Exploration In Aktobe Region
- Half of Kazakhstanis Earn Less Than $1,000 a Month
- Is The Era Of Easy Extraction Over? Resource Development Is Being Rebuilt In Kazakhstan
- How a Kazakhstani Tried to Change His Ethnicity Through the Courts — and What Came of It
- Economist Names Kazakhstan Regions Lagging in Investment Transparency
- 14-Year-Old In Tesla Tries To Flee Police In Astana
- When a Michelin-Recognized Restaurant Will Open in Almaty, Akimat Says
- Transfers To China From Kazakhstan Fall To Six-Year Low
- Chinese Company To Build $1.2 Billion Steel Plant In Kazakhstan
- Moldova Finally Leaves The CIS And Bets On The EU
- Kazakhstani Scientists Develop Feed From Meat Processing Waste
- Why Large Families Face the Highest Poverty Risk in Kazakhstan
- Kazakhstan Schoolboy First in Central Asia to Receive Google Grant
- Kazakhstan Prosecutor General’s Office Checks Possible Ties Between Officials and Epstein Case
- After Farmers' Complaints, Kazakhstan Changes Potato Trading Rules
- Officials Accused Of Legalizing Thousands Of Migrants For Bribes In Astana
- Almaty Zoo Names Triplet Tiger Cubs
- Only One Loss-Making Bank Remains In Kazakhstan
- Cormorants To Be Shot In Pavlodar Region
