VISUAL REPORTS
Police Target Central Asian Migrants In Russia
Hundreds were detained as three raids in two days targeted migrant workers from Central Asia in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Yekaterinburg.
Russia's 'Happy' Prison Faces Abuse Allegations
Russian prison authorities posted video of people happily dancing in the snow at a facility in Krasnoturinsk, 1,400 kilometers east of Moscow, four days after former inmates held a news conference alleging abuse there.
INFOGRAPHIC: Russia’s Land Barons: The Firms And Families Who Own Most Of The Country’s Farmland
The world’s largest country by territory, Russia ranks third in the world in terms of arable land, with 123 million hectares. Here’s a look at the tycoons, the offshore firms, and the family of a former agriculture minister who own most of it.
OTHER NEWS
European Parliament Presses For Funds To Fight Russian Disinformation
A recommendation by the European Parliament calls Russia "the main source of disinformation in Europe" and appeals for increased funding for the European Union's antipropaganda East StratCom Task Force.
Russian Bills Banning 'Fake News,' Insults Head To Putin For Signature
Widely criticized legislation enabling Russian authorities to block websites and hand out punishment for "fake news" and material deemed insulting to the state or the public is headed to President Vladimir Putin's desk for his signature.
Poroshenko Camp In Damage-Control Mode As Ukrainian Election Nears
Ukraine's presidential election is less than three weeks away, but instead of focusing on campaigning, incumbent Petro Poroshenko and his camp are scrambling to put out fires and fend off protests.Poroshenko is fighting an uphill battle to finish among the top two in the March 31 first-round vote for a shot at reelection.
Shoigu Son-In-Law Named Deputy Prosecutor-General
Alexei Zakharov, the son-in-law of Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, has been appointed the deputy prosecutor-general of Russia. He is currently serving as the Moscow region’s chief prosecutor. (in Russian, Current Time TV)
Associates Of Prigozhin Consulted In Madagascar Polls
An investigation by the Russian media outlet Proekt has identified two political consultants associated with Yevgeny Prigozhin who worked on campaigns in Madagascar’s November 2018 presidential elections. The investigation also uncovered a mining company tied to Prigozhin that joined with Madagascar's state- owned Kraomita Malagasy to mine chromium and possibly gold. (in Russian, Current Time TV)
Chechen Blogger And Kadyrov Critic Fears Death Threat
A Chechen blogger living in hiding in Poland has said the blood feud declared against him by Magomed Daudov, the speaker of the Chechen parliament and a close ally of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, is nothing less than a death threat.
Two Georgian Men Arrested For Alleged Attempt To Sell Uranium 238
Two men in the southwestern city of Kobuleti in Georgia have been arrested for allegedly attempting to sell uranium, a potential ingredient in a radioactive "dirty bomb."
Kadyrov Defends Accused Boris Nemtsov Killer
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has said on Telegram that he does not believe that Zaur Dadayev is guilty of murdering Russian opposition politician Boris Nemtsov, and called Dadayev “a real patriot of Russia.” Dadayev is one of five men convicted in the 2015 murder. The U.S. Congress recently adopted a resolution calling for an international investigation into Nemtsov’s murder and for sanctions against the perpetrators. Kadyrov also wrote that Washington “hates” not only him but his horses, which “compete with American race horses.” (Russian Service)
‘Chetnik’ Celebration In Bosnia Draws Condemnation
Bosnian Muslims, legal experts, and even Western diplomats are criticizing this year’s annual gathering in the eastern Bosnian city of Visegrad to mark the capture of Dragoljub "Draza" Mihailovic, the controversial Serbian general who led the World War II nationalist Chetnik movement, some of whom collaborated with Nazi forces.
Detained Kazakh Activist Complains Of Pressure From Authorities
Serikzhan Bilash, a detained activist in Kazakhstan who has campaigned against the internment of ethnic Kazakhs in neighboring China, has said in an audio message that he was forced to make several video statements denouncing his activities.
U.S. Report Charges Russia, Iran With Serious Rights Abuses
The United States has charged Russia and Iran with committing “severe” human rights abuses both domestically and abroad in an annual State Department report.
PRESSROOM: RFE/RL Urges Ukraine To Address Threats Against Investigative Journalists