VISUAL REPORTS
THE POWER VERTICAL: Making The Fake Appear Real
Russia’s election isn’t really an election. But it sure is playing one on TV.
Browder Says Russian Oligarchs In 'State Of Absolute Fear'
Speaking to RFE/RL’s Current Time TV about an “oligarchs list” released by the U.S. Treasury last week, British-American investor Bill Browder called it a "significant" step which put the world on notice about doing business with Russians.
Olympic Head 'Extremely Disappointed' By Court Ruling Lifting Ban
The International Olympic Committee "would never have expected" the lifting of lifetime Olympic bans from a number of Russian athletes, said its president, Thomas Bach, at a news conference on February 4. Also on February 4, Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill led a prayer for the Russian athletes set to compete in the Winter Olympics.
Saakashvili's Supporters March In Kyiv
Thousands of protesters marched through the center of the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, on February 4 to call for President Petro Poroshenko's resignation. The event was organized by opposition politician Mikheil Saakashvili's Movement of New Forces party. (RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service)
Iranians Stand Up Against Hijab
After Vida Movahedi was arrested in December for appearing on a Tehran street with an uncovered head and waving a white scarf, dozens of other Iranians have been inspired to take action.
OTHER NEWS
Azerbaijan Schedules Snap Presidential Election In April
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has issued a decree bringing forward the date of a planned presidential election to April 11 from October 17.
China, Iran, Russia Lash Out At U.S. Nuclear Policy Plan
Russia, Iran, and China have strongly criticized Washington's newly revealed policy plan to expand U.S. nuclear weapons capabilities in order to deter other countries.
Japan Prepares Proposal For Joint Development Of Vladivostok
The Japanese government is reportedly ready to press forward on a joint urban-development proposal for Russia’s Far East city of Vladivostok as part of the two countries' economic partnership effort.
Ukraine To Seek New National Bank Head
The speaker of Ukraine’s parliament Andriy Parubiy said on February 5 he intends to schedule a vote in coming weeks to choose a new head of the country’s National Bank. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has proposed current acting chief Yakov Smoliy for the post.(Ukrainian Service)
EU, Georgian Officials To Discuss Bilateral Ties In Brussels
European Union and Georgian officials are set to meet in Brussels on February 5 to review the state of bilateral relations and assess the progress made in the implementation of their association agreement.
Hundreds Protest In Belgrade Against RTS 'Bias'
Several hundred protesters have gathered outside the main building of Serbia's national broadcaster in Belgrade to demand the resignation of the station's management, claiming unfair coverage of opposition activities ahead of next month's local elections.
Kazakhstan Intensifies Fight Against 'Destructive Religious Movements'
A bill that passed in its first reading in parliament on January 31 seeks to give police more power to fight "destructive religious movements," including by targeting persons with short pants and beards.
Free After Nine Years, Uzbek Activist Says Tortured In Prison
Journalist and rights activist Dilmurod Sayyid, 56, who was released on February 3 after spending nine years behind bars, is looking forward to getting on with his life.
Turkmen Official Reprimanded For Electricity Shortages
An RFE/RL report about electricity and gas shortages in northern Turkmenistan appears to have prompted President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov to severely reprimand a deputy prime minister who was responsible for readying the country’s electric grid for winter. (in Russian, Turkmen Service)
MAJLIS PODCAST: With Inoyatov Out, Will Reform In Uzbekistan Follow?