AM Agenda 09.05.2017
New Russian Law Would Expand Definition Of Foreign and Domestic “Undesirables”
Russian lawmakers are examining possible new legislation envisioning the deportation of foreigners who engage in "undesirable" behavior deemed to be interference in the country's internal affairs. The new bill, which would broaden a restrictive law adopted in 2015, could also include criminal penalties for Russian citizens found to have engaged in "undesirable" activities deemed threatening to national security.
Expert Contacts
Mikhail Sokolov, Correspondent of RFE/RL’s Russian Service
sokolovmi@rferl.org -- Location: Moscow, Russia
Sergey Khassov-Cassia, Correspondent of RFE/RL’s Russian Service
khazov-cassias@rferl.org -- Location: Moscow, Russia
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Azerbaijan Accused of ‘Exporting Censorship’ To France
A French court is set to begin hearing a lawsuit by Azerbaijan's government against two French broadcast journalists it accuses of defamation, in a case described by a media watchdog as an attempt by Baku to "export its censorship to France." Elise Lucet and Laurent Richard are accused of defaming the Azerbaijani government by referring to it as a "dictatorship" when then-President Francois Hollande visited the country in May 2014.
Expert Contacts
Ilkin Mammadov, Director of RFE/RL’s Azerbaijani Service
mammadovi@rferl.org -- Location: Prague Headquarters
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BRICS Declare Pakistan-Based Groups A Security Concern
Five of the world’s leading emerging economies have issued a statement citing for the first time Pakistan-based militant groups as a regional security concern. The September 4 declaration also calls for an immediate end to violence in Afghanistan and urges patrons of those groups to be held accountable. Afghanistan welcomed the announcement; Pakistan yet to react.
Expert Contacts:
Daud Khan, Editor of RFE/RL’s Radio Mashaal
khand@rferl.org -- Location: Prague Headquarters
Alamzeb Khan, Bureau chief of RFE/RL’s Radio Mashaal
khana@rferl.org -- Location: Islamabad, Pakistan
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Uzbekistan’s Ambitious Currency Reform Plan Takes Effect
As new Uzbek currency regulations go into effect today, September 5, black-market traders brace for the worst.
Expert Contacts:
Alisher Siddikov, Director of RFE/RL’s Uzbek Service
alisher.siddique@gmail.com -- Location: Prague Headquarters
Bruce Pannier, Editor of RFE/RL’s Qishloq Ovozi blog
pannierb@rferl.org -- Location: Prague Headquarters