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(RFE/RL Russian Service)

VISUAL REPORTS

Russians Rally Against Plan To Raise Retirement Age

Rallies organized by the Communist Party were held across Russia over the weekend to protest unpopular pension-reform proposals that have dented Russian President Vladimir Putin’s approval ratings.

Dirty Laundry: Muscovites Oppose Homeless Laundromat

A laundromat for the homeless is facing opposition in Moscow.

Pope Pays Tribute To Latvia's Independence Fighters

Pope Francis has laid flowers at the monument to Latvian independence in Riga, on the second leg of a Baltic regional tour.

Virtual Maidan: Ukraine's Revolution Comes To Life

Ukraine’s “Revolution of Dignity” comes to life in this virtual reality simulation.

OTHER NEWS

Prosecutor General Suspends Data Collection From Ukrainian Journalists

Ukraine’s prosecutor-general office has announced that it has “temporarily suspended” efforts to obtain cellphone information belonging to RFE/RL investigative journalist Natalia Sedletska and reporter Kristina Berdynskyh in response to a September 18 order issued by the European Court of Human Rights. (Ukrainian Service)

Russian Supreme Court Chief Urges Halt To 'Pointless' Criminal Cases Over Online Speech

The head of Russia’s Supreme Court says the judiciary should halt "pointless" criminal cases over online speech if investigators fail to demonstrate criminal intent by Internet users who post allegedly extremist content.

Macedonia's 'Fake News' Exports Now For Domestic Consumption

Ahead of a September 30 referendum on changing its name to end a long dispute with Greece, Macedonia, the country accused of helping flood the U.S. 2016 presidential campaign with bogus stories, is itself awash in a social-media influence campaign.

Russia Summons Norway's Ambassador After Arrest Of Man On Espionage Charges

The Russian Foreign Ministry has summoned Norway's ambassador to protest the arrest of a Russian citizen at the country’s Gardermoen airport on September 21 on suspicion of spying.

Challengers Defeat Pro-Kremlin Candidates In Regional Races

Two challengers have defeated pro-Kremlin candidates in gubernatorial runoffs, amid widespread anger over pension reforms backed by the ruling United Russia party and President Vladimir Putin.

Russia's Navalny Freed, Then Sentenced Again

On September 24, the day opposition leader Aleksei Navalny was released after spending a month behind bars for organizing an opposition protest, a Moscow court sentenced him to another 20 days in jail, his spokeswoman said.

Oleh Sentsov Named Honorary Resident Of Paris

Declaring that “Paris has always been on the side of the defenders of freedom,” mayor Anne Hidalgo named Ukrainian filmmaker Oleh Sentsov, imprisoned in Russia on terrorism charges since May 2014, an honorary resident of the city. Sentsov joins 17 other recipients of the honorary title, and one building -- the headquarters of Charlie Hebdo. (Russian Service)

Following Yerevan victory, Armenian Leader Pushes For Early Parliamentary Elections

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian called for fresh parliamentary elections one day after official results showed his My Step ruling alliance winning 81 percent of the vote in an election that propelled its candidate Hayk Marutian into the Yerevan mayor's office.

Lukashenka To Strengthen Border With Ukraine

In a meeting with senior security officials, President Alyaksandr Lukashenka announced plans to reinforce Belarus’s border with Ukraine, citing “trouble,” “arms transfers,” and “gangsters who bear arms” that make their way into the country. (in Russian, Current Time TV)

Belarus Detains Tajik Soccer Player Banned Because Of His Beard

Belarusian authorities have detained a Tajik former soccer player who was prevented from playing in Tajikistan several years ago because he wore a beard, his wife has told RFE/RL.

Moldova Court Again Suspends President's Powers Over Ministerial, Appointments

The Moldovan Constitutional Court has suspended the powers of Igor Dodon, the country's Russia-friendly president, amid a standoff over ministerial appointments with his opponents in Chisinau's pro-Western government.

Russia, Kyrgyz Troops To Hold Antiterror Drills In Eastern Kyrgyzstan

Some 2,000 Russia and Kyrgyz troops will join in antiterrorism exercises in eastern Kyrgyzstan on September 26, during which nearly 400 pieces of military hardware will be deployed, including 30 Russian aircraft and Iskander-M ballistic missile systems.

BLOGGING CENTRAL ASIA: Kazakhstan: A Falling Presidential Confidant And A Rising Presidential Daughter

PODCAST: A New Wave Of Feminism In Central Asia

PRESSROOM: RFE/RL Names Leadership For Romania And Bulgaria News Services

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