Kazakhstan moves to tighten Internet, media controls

[Robbien]

Source: Reuters

ASTANA (Reuters) - Kazakhstan's parliament on Wednesday made a first step toward tightening state controls over the Internet and the media, in a move criticized by human rights watchdogs.

If adopted, the law would allow courts to block websites, including foreign ones, and enable prosecutors to suspend media operations. It would also treat blogs and chatrooms as media.

. . .

He said media could play a key role in triggering unrest and it should be controlled.

Kazakhstan's economy has been hit hard by the global crisis. But there have been only small-scale displays of discontent so far in the country where public protests are strictly regulated. Kazakhstan's opposition is weak and disparate and mainstream media never criticize Nazarbayev.

"Kazakhstan is playing it safe by tightening the screws at the time of crisis," political analyst Dosym Satpayev said.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idUSTRE53S6DS20090429

[Rebubula]

1. Meh...

...this is just so people cannot download 'BORAT'