VISUAL REPORTS
Tajikistan Faces Epidemic Of Childhood Malnutrition
A recent UN report finds that Tajikistan has the highest rate of malnutrition in the former Soviet states. One in four Tajik children suffers from stunted growth resulting from an inadequate diet.
Orthodox 'Family Sanctity' March Held In Georgia
As several dozen people marched in Tbilisi to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, counter-protesters holding icons and singing hymns made their way through the city to mark a “day of sanctity and strength of the family” in an event organized by the Georgian Orthodox Church.
Cannon Blast Marks Iftar In Sarajevo
A historic cannon was fired in Sarajevo to mark the Iftar feast at the end of the first day of Ramadan fasting.
OTHER NEWS
Amid Tensions With Washington, Merkel And Putin Meet
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is due to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Black Sea resort of Sochi on May 18 for talks expected to focus on the Ukraine conflict, Europe's response to the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, and the construction of a pipeline bringing gas from Russia to Germany.
Poisoned Ex-Spy Skripal Released From British Hospital
Sergei Skripal, a Russian former double agent who was poisoned with a nerve toxin in England in March, has been released from the hospital.
Police Raids Reported Against Jehovah’s Witnesses In Russia
Officials from the Jehovah’s Witnesses religious organization say Russian law-enforcement officers have carried out “mass searches” on members’ homes in the Urals region of Orenburg and in the Far Eastern city of Birobidzhan.
Rotenberg Alleged To Own €1 Billion In Property In Germany, Despite Sanctions
A team of German journalists reports that Russian oligarch Arkady Rotenberg has succeeded in buying real estate valued at €1 billion in Germany, bypassing sanctions. Among the disclosures are a historic building in Berlin Kudamm-Karree that associates of Rotenberg own and plan to demolish and replace with a shopping center, and buildings in Hamburg and Frankfurt am Main. (in Russian, Current Time TV)
Rogozin To Merge Space And Defense Industries
Russian media is reporting that acting Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin will soon head a venture uniting the aeronautics industry giant Roscosmos and many defense enterprises, including the Almaz-Antey conglomerate. Rogozin earlier presided over a series of unsuccessful space launches and the theft of billions of rubles in connection with the construction of the Vostochny cosmodrome. (Russian Service)
Russian Duma Registers Draft Law Extending Presidential Term Limits
A draft law increasing presidential term limits has been registered in the database of the Russian State Duma. The bill, which appears to have been introduced by the Chechen parliament, follows a May 9 statement by its speaker announcing the preparation of a bill allowing a president of the Russian Federation to serve three consecutive terms. (Russian Service)
Russian Intelligence Network Uncovered In Ukrainian City
A Ukrainian counter-intelligence unit has reportedly uncovered an informant network in the eastern town of Zaporizhya that was organized by the Russian army and tasked with collecting information on the transfer of military equipment to Donetsk and overseeing the operation of checkpoints and access to Zaporizhya from occupied territories in eastern Ukraine. (Ukrainian Service)
Ukraine Orders Russian Journalist Held On Suspicion Of Treason
A Ukrainian court has ordered Director of RIA Novosti Ukraine Kirill Vyshinsky held for two months on charges of high treason in a case that has been criticized by Moscow and media watchdogs.
Tbilisi Club Mixes Raves, Social Change In Conservative Georgia
Bassiani, a concrete maze located beneath Georgia's national football stadium, is the biggest techno club in Tbilisi and the locus of a movement that has elevated partying to a political statement against a deeply rooted conservatism that dominates life above ground.
Richard Pipes Dies At 94
Richard Pipes, a renowned U.S. historian of Russia and an aide to former President Ronald Reagan, has died.
INFOGRAPHIC: What, Russia Worry?
PRESSROOM LIVE: Takeaways From President Mirziyoev’s Trip To Washington
Watch RFE/RL’s Bruce Pannier and Alisher Siddique, live, Friday, 10 AM.