VISUAL REPORTS
Anonymous Bomb Threats Force Evacuations In Moscow
A series of bomb threats by anonymous callers that have been reported across Russia over recent days reached the capital, Moscow, on September 13.
Russian Court Sentences Crimean Tatar Leader To Eight Years
Sentenced to eight years in prison by a Russian-controlled court in Crimea, prominent Crimean Tatar leader Akhtem Chiygoz called the verdict "an illegitimate judicial reprisal arranged by an invader."
'Russian-Germans' Courted Ahead Of Election
Ahead of general elections on September 24, the anti-migrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is aiming to win support from thousands of voters who have roots in the former Soviet Union.
Uzbek Official Beats School Directors For Poor Independence Day Showing
A recently obtained video from Uzbekistan shows the head of the Saikhunabad district beating and insulting local school directors for failing to generate crowds to celebrate the country’s Independence Day. (over 492k views on Current Time TV Facebook)
OTHER NEWS
Russia, Belarus Kick Off Military Exercises Amid Tensions With West
Moscow and Minsk say the Zapad (West) 2017 exercise, scheduled from September 14 to 20 in Belarus and parts of western Russia, is officially set to involve 12,700 troops, but Western estimates differ.
U.S. Government Agencies Ordered To Remove Kaspersky Software
The U.S. government has ordered all U.S. federal agencies to phase out use of Kaspersky Lab software products, citing “ties between certain Kaspersky officials and Russian intelligence and other government agencies.”
European Parliament Calls For Sanctions Against Russian Officials On Magnitsky List
The European Parliament adopted a resolution on September 13 calling on EU bodies to bring sanctions against 32 Russian officials who are believed to have been involved in the criminal prosecution of Hermitage Capital fund lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, who died in prison in November, 2009. (in Russian, Current Time TV)
European Parliament Orders Probe Into ‘Azerbaijani Laundromat’
European lawmakers have called for a parliamentary investigation into an alleged secret fund operated by Azerbaijan's ruling elite to pay off European politicians and make luxury purchases.
Ukraine Receives First Coal Shipment From U.S.
The first shipment of anthracite coal from the U.S. arrived in Odesa on September 13, launching what both countries say is a long-term partnership. The coal is intended to ensure the uninterrupted operation of Ukraine’s thermal power stations, including the state-owned company Tsentrenergo. (Ukrainian Service)
Kadyrov’s International Investments
A transfer of $14 million by Chechnya’s Akhmat Kadyrov Foundation to help fund the restoration of the Umayyad mosque in Aleppo, Syria has raised eyebrows within the cash-strapped republic, which is heavily subsidized by Moscow. Some observers have suggested that leader Ramzan Kadyrov is throwing money around on orders from Moscow. (Kavkaz Realities)
Kremlin Warns Against ‘Extremists’ Blocking Matilda Film
The Kremlin's spokesman has said police should crack down on "extremists" trying to prevent the screening of a controversial film based on an early romantic liaison of Russian Tsar Nicholas II.
Navalny Campaign Head In Kazan Is Defiant Despite Repeated Arrests
Elvira Dmitriyeva just completed an eight-day jail sentence after being convicted for posting a public notice on social media inviting the public to visit Navalny's local campaign headquarters.
Saakashvili Vows To Help Solve Country's 'Political Crisis'
Mikheil Saakashvili has told a rally in western Ukraine that he had returned to the country to help solve the country’s “political crisis” and that he intends to travel to Kyiv next week.
Moldova President Says Lawmakers, Government Trying To Usurp His Powers
Moldova's pro-Russia president Igor Dodon has accused the country's leaders of attempting to limit his powers in the interests of foreign governments, and warned the alleged effort will lead to mass street protests.
PRESSROOM: RFE/RL Takes Azerbaijani Case To European Court