VISUAL REPORTS
Kosovo Protesters Demand Chief Prosecutor's Resignation
Hundreds of people protested in Kosovo's capital, Pristina, to demand the resignation of chief prosecutor Aleksander Lumezi, accusing him of hindering anticorruption efforts.
Uzbek Clerics Join Riot Police Drills
Imams in Uzbekistan joined riot police for training drills to suppress civil unrest.
Kyrgyz Eagle Whisperer Trains Next Generation Of Hunters
An eagle falconer in the Kyrgyz mountains is trying to sustain his ancient sport, passing the skills on to his son.
INFOGRAPHIC: RFE In Czechoslovakia, 1968
This interactive timeline traces RFE’s role as a signal of hope during the 1968 Prague Spring, the Soviet-led invasion, and thereafter.
OTHER NEWS
U.S., Afghanistan Reject Multinational Peace Talks In Moscow
The United States and Afghanistan both say they will not attend Russia-hosted peace talks scheduled for next month, with Kabul asserting it prefers instead to hold direct talks with the Taliban.
British Jets Scramble From Romania To Investigate Russian Fighter Jets
Two British Typhoon jets based in Romania have scrambled to investigate two suspected Russian Su-30 Flanker aircraft appeared to be heading from the Crimea region toward NATO airspace over the Black Sea.
Aide To Ukrainian Premier Faces Trial On Charges Of Russian Spying
An aide to Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Hroysman who is charged with spying for Russia went on trial on August 22. Stanislav Yezhov has pleaded not guilty to the charges, saying investigators have no evidence that would prove he served as a Russian spy.
New Russian Draft Law Could Require Google And Facebook To Pay For Data Storage
A new draft law regulating foreign internet companies could require Google, Facebook and other providers to pay for the storage of content in Russia. According to the bill, foreign companies identified as “organizing the dissemination of information” on the internet would pay a fee to telecom operators to store their data, or suffer slowed internet access to their services. (Russian Service)
Kadyrov Says Attacks On Police Were Coordinated From Abroad, Blames Parents
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has written on social media that a set of August 20 attacks by teenagers that injured five police officers and two civilians was coordinated from abroad, and blamed the teens’ parents for failing to protect them from foreign recruiters. The militant group IS has claimed responsibility for the attack. (in Russian, Current Time TV)
Siberian Village, In Need Of Funds, Considers Changing Name To ‘Syria’
Locals in in the Siberian village of Bungur have launched an initiative to rename their village ‘Syria,’ reasoning that if Moscow has millions of dollars to spend in the Middle Eastern country, it might be willing to invest in a Syria closer to home.
U.S. Rejects Bosnian Serb Leader’s ‘Wild’ Conspiracy Theory
Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik has accused the United States of using its development agency to interfere in Bosnia-Herzegovina’s internal affairs and electoral process, a charge dismissed by the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo.
Moldova President Says Biggest Problem Is Population Loss, Not Corruption
Moldova's number one problem after more than a quarter of a century of independence isn't poverty or corruption -- it is depopulation, President Igor Dodon has told RFE/RL.
Tajik Court Frees Journalist, Reduces Sentence To Fine And Community Service
Tajik authorities have released prominent journalist Hairullo Mirsaidov from detention after a court converted his 12-year prison sentence to a fine and community service in a case widely seen as politically motivated.
Uzbek State TV Told To Bury Karimov
Speaking on condition of anonymity, editors from state TV channels in Uzbekistan have told RFE/RL’s Uzbek Service they have been instructed to avoid mentioning former President Islam Karimov by name in their broadcasts. (in Russian, Uzbek Service)
Uzbekistan To Consider Restrictions On Weddings
Taking a cue from Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev, who has looked askance at the trend toward increasingly lavish weddings in a country where nearly 13 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, the Uzbek Senate has decreed the formation of local committees throughout the country to address the issue.