VIDEO REPORTS

Baku Court Imprisons RFE/RL contributor Khadija Ismayilova to 71/2 Years

In a video taken outside the courthouse, Ismayilova’s lawyer condemns the charges as arbitrary, and promises to appeal the case.

** A transcript of Ismayilova’s final testimony to the court on August 31 is here.

Armenian Police Detain Five Protesters

Armenian police clashed with protesters angered by energy price hikes in Yerevan on September 1, detaining five. Leaders of the protest group "No To Plunder" accuse the government of reneging on pledges made after mass protests in June. (RFE/RL's Armenian Service)

Russians Purchase Putin Paraphernalia

With patriotic passions running high in Russia, the country's souvenir shops are doing brisk business, and Putin souvenirs are all the rage. (Current Time TV)

The Daily Vertical: Russia's False Savior

Vladimir Putin heads to Beijing today on a trip the Kremlin is trying to spin as the latest example of the two countries’ burgeoning partnership. But the take-away may be that China hasn't turned out to be the savior that Moscow is hoping for. @PowerVertical

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Explainer: What's Behind This Week's Deadly Violence In Kyiv?

Ukraine's parliament on August 31 voted to initially back a bill, proposed by President Petro Poroshenko pursuant to Kyiv’s obligations under February's Minsk cease-fire, that offers greater autonomy to local government, including in areas controlled by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.RFE/RL explains the controversial legislation at the heart of the dispute and what to expect next.

Ukrainian Parliament Will Use “Extra Money” To Raise Wages And Pensions

Ukrainian Premier Yatsenyuk is attributing record revenues to successful economic stabilization policies. The Parliament has voted to use the funds to increase public salaries and pensions, even as some economists warn that the influx is temporary, and not indicative of economic recovery. (In Ukrainian)

Family Of The Azeri President Is Using SOCAR Yachts

Azeri President Ilham Aliyev and his family have made frequent use of yachts belonging to the Azeri State Oil Company, or SOCAR. "Prima" is used for trips to the Mediterranean, while "Sedation A" makes smaller excursions on the Caspian Sea. The yachts have a combined worth of approximately $59 million, but these trips are free. (In Russian)