VISUAL REPORTS
THE POWER VERTICAL: Preparing For War
The Kremlin is preparing for war with its own people.
Trial Of Kyrgyz Opposition Leader Tekebaev Begins
The trial of Kyrgyzstan opposition leader Omurbek Tekebaev has begun in Bishkek. The 58-year-old leader of the Ata-Meken party appeared in court behind bars, facing corruption charges he says are politically-motivated.
Donors Fund New Home For Blind Russian Factory Worker
Sergei Ivanov, one of dozens of blind workers at a factory in Rusinovo, south of Moscow, is among the beneficiaries of a crowdfunding campaign to help improve his life.
VOX POP: What Surprises Are You Expecting From The Russian Government?
Respondents to an informal street poll in Moscow reacted variously. Some said neither the constitution nor the government functions, and that nothing positive should be expected. One said everything will be OK. Some wished that a program for jobs and the economy would be announced, while several expressed concern over a proposal to increase the retirement age. (Russian Service)
OTHER NEWS
Leaked Report Says Russia Tried To Break Into U.S. Voter System
A top-secret National Security Agency document leaked to news media shows that hackers from Russian military intelligence tried repeatedly to break into U.S. voting systems before last year's presidential election.
Russia, Serbia, Belarus Hold ‘Slavic Brotherhood’ Military Drills
Russia, Serbia, and Belarus are holding joint military exercises near the Belarusian border with NATO member Poland.
Cybersleuths Say Convoy Movements Show Link To MH17 Plane Crash
A team of open-source researchers investigating the crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 has published reports linking the movements of Russian military equipment to the plane’s downing.
FSB Searches St. Petersburg Scientology Church
Russian security agents on June 6 searched the premises of the Scientology Church of St. Petersburg as part of an investigation into "illegal business activity," "incitement of hatred or enmity," and "organization of an extremist community" pursuant to the Russian criminal code. (in Russian, Current Time TV)
On Russia's Extremism Watch List: 'Is It Just Because We Wear The Hijab?'
Madina, who works in a children's center in Russia's North Caucasus Republic of Daghestan, was stopped at a routine traffic roadblock when she learned she is on the Interior Ministry’s extremism-prevention watch list.
You Can't Do That Here: Nine Things That Can Get You Into Trouble In Putin's Russia
A Moscow court has handed Natalya Sharina, the former director of the city's Ukrainian library, a four-year suspended prison sentence for "inciting ethnic hatred" because some of the books in her library's collection were purportedly banned as "extremist."
Crimean Journalist's Trial Resumes, Adjourned Until June 14
The trial of RFE/RL contributor Mykola Semena, a Crimean journalist who is fighting what he says is a politically motivated separatism charge on the Russian-controlled peninsula, resumed on June 5 in the Crimean capital, Simferopol.
Ukrainian Aerospace Manufacturer Attracts Major Foreign Investor
In a sign of economic recovery, state-owned Ukrainian aerospace manufacturer Yuzhmash has announced that it has signed a contract with the multinational S7 Sea Launch Limited to produce 12 rocket carriers for international sea- and land-based programs. (Ukrainian Service)
EU Urges Azerbaijan To Release Detained Opposition Figures
The European Union has urged Azerbaijan to release detained opposition figures, in an apparent reference to the alleged abduction and arrest of a journalist critical of Baku and the detention of an opposition politician.
Georgian Parliament To Discuss Proposed Constitutional Amendments
The proposals include switching from direct presidential elections to the election of the president by parliament; a redistribution of parliamentary seats in favor of the winning party; and the legalization of land purchases by foreigners.
Amid Strains And Russian Opposition, Montenegro Officially Joins NATO
Montenegro has formally joined NATO, with U.S. and Montenegrin officials sending subtle messages to Russia and the alliance’s chief trying to allay concerns about the U.S. commitment to the alliance.
Influential Uzbek Official Azimov Out As Deputy Prime Minister
Rustam Azimov, a long-influential official who had been seen as a possible successor to the late President Islam Karimov, has reportedly been dismissed from the post of deputy prime minister.
Former Kyrgyz Lawmaker Japarov Goes On Trial
The trial of a former Kyrgyz lawmaker Sadyr Japarov, who is charged with taking a government official hostage in 2013, started in Bishkek on June 6.
COMMENTARY: Russian Authorities Go After Bloggers
Dmitry Ivanov, a Russian blogger with over 1 million subscribers who goes by the name “akakamikadzedead,” called a proposed Duma-sponsored Council of Bloggers a “Potemkin village.” In his view, the Council will not invite “normal bloggers,” and will not deal with “real issues.” He noted that Sasha Spilberg, a 19-year-old who has been invited to address the Duma, blogs about makeup and clothing and is not yet old enough to vote. (Russian Service)
THE POWER VERTICAL PODCAST: The Balkan Battleground
POLYGRAPH.Info: Is West Plotting Russian ‘Color Scenario’?