As Uzbekistan rebrands, research by UzInvestigations raises new questions over the business past of Komil Allamjonov, a key public official responsible for the country’s PR effort and defending media freedoms.
Evidence suggests a former investigative journalist, and former openDemocracy contributor, ran a secret Facebook campaign in support of a powerful family in the Central Asian state.
The cotton fields of Uzbekistan are tied to the tree-lined streets of upmarket Geneva by the empty vaults of a Russian bank and a British limited liability partnership.
For over two years, the Amulsar gold mine in Armenia has been under blockade. Now, as part of the mining company’s restructuring process, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development says its investment in the flagship project is finished.
With public health infrastructure in Uzbekistan’s capital under severe strain, questions are being raised over a generous state handout for a new private medical university launched by a conglomerate founded by Tashkent’s mayor.
After a Danish-funded mine caused serious environmental damage in Armenia, the Danish state has been less than forthcoming on failed due diligence, transparency and compensation.
As Uzbekistan turns to privatisation to solve forced labour in the state-controlled cotton sector, an investigation into an international equipment contract raises red flags over business practices and government control.
Campaigners have previously called on the UK to withdraw support from the Amulsar gold mining project, which is at the centre of a complex international dispute.
An internal EU report claims that the UK has pressured the Armenian government in a two-year standoff between protesters, an international mining company and the authorities.
In a fierce dispute between mine owners, international investors and local residents in Armenia, the UK has weighed in - on the side of the international mining company.
