VIDEO REPORTS
Protests Break Out Across Azerbaijan
Protesters confronted security forces and tear gas as they gathered in Fizuli, Siyazan, Aksu, and other towns following the manat’s collapse against the U.S. dollar. (Current Time TV)
Members of the new collective gathered on St. Petersburg’s Nevsky Prospect to launch an initiative to gather on the 12th day of every month to "preach the gospel of … the Constitution” and report violations. (Russian Service)
Moldovans Protest, President Refuses To Appoint Oligarch As Prime Minister
Protesters for and against the naming of controversial businessman Vlad Plahotniuc as the country’s next prime minister faced off in the capital Chisinau.
The Daily Vertical: The View From Outside
As Russia enters what promises to be a difficult year, one has to wonder how many more insiders like Yakunin and Chaplin will be turned out of the corrupt system they once served.
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Russia Responds To NATO With New Military Divisions
In an interview with RFE/RL, security expert Victor Litovkin explained new Russian military plans to deploy three tank divisions along the country’s western frontiers in response to NATO. ( In Russian)
Power Vertical: What Do Tatarstan And Belarus Have In Common?
Kazan and Minsk have been defying the Kremlin with stunning regularity -- and getting away with it.
Vorkuta Burns Books ‘Alien To Russian Ideology’
Authorities at Russia’s northern Vorkuta Mining and Economic College burned 53 copies of textbooks published with the support of the Soros Foundation. Textbooks in other local schools have been identified for a similar fate. (Current Time TV)
Kadyrov Calls Opposition Enemies Of The People
At a press conference in the capital city Grozny, Chechen Leader Ramzan Kadyrov called opposition members traitors, who "crawl out of their skin to become famous” by positioning themselves against Russian President Vladimir Putin. (In Russian)
Azerbaijan Closes Independent Currency Exchange Booths
As the country’s national currency continues to depreciate, central bank officials announced on January 14 that only currency exchange banks and their branches would be allowed to continue operating.
Tajikistan To Ban Arabic Names, Marriages Between Cousins
The proposal, which is expected to be signed into law by President Emomali Rahmon, is among a set of measures aimed at discouraging Islamist influences and promoting practices “compatible with Tajik culture.”
Illegal Mining In Kyrgyzstan: Life-Threatening, But Well-Paid
The job is dangerous, and even deadly, but in a good week, a miner can make up to 10,000 soms (about $150).