Why Was Ukraine’s Top Prosecutor Fired?
When Viktor Shokin was fired in March 2016, after less than 14 months in the post, it was seen as a crucial development in a country under pressure to curb corruption and institute reforms. Here is a look at the arguments, facts, and evidence in the dispute roiling Washington and Kyiv.
VISUAL REPORTS
Chernobyl Tourism Boom Brings Illegal Traffic To The Zone
Inspired by the popular TV series and a tourism initiative proposed by Ukraine's president, more tourists are visiting the Chernobyl exclusion zone than ever. Alongside the official guided tours, the abandoned area has also seen a rising number of illegal visitors entering at their own risk.
How Soviet Computer Geeks Built The Russian Web With Stolen U.S. Software
In the 1980s, a Soviet computer scientist headed for Moscow with U.S. software tapes hidden under his clothes. Three decades later, his colleagues gathered at a California dinner part to reminisce about how they built the first internet in the U.S.S.R.
INFOGRAPHIC: The Largest Icebreaker Fleets In The World
Although Russia has more than 40 icebreakers, it plans to strengthen its position and add another nine vessels in the next five years.
OTHER NEWS
Putin Proposes Moratorium On Missile Deployment To Europe
The Russian newspaper Kommersant is reporting that President Vladimir Putin has sent a proposal to NATO calling for a moratorium on deploying short- and medium-range missiles in Europe.
Roskomnadzor Installing Equipment To Isolate Internet
Russian media regulator chief Aleksei Zharov has announced that, in accordance with Russia’s declared intent to create a “sovereign internet,” equipment is being installed in the networks of major telecom operators, and testing will commence at the end of September to assess its impact on internet traffic. (in Russian, Current Time)
Ukraine’s Zelenskiy Says 'Russian Aggression' Is Block To Nation Building
Speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on September 24, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said "Russian aggression against Ukraine" was a barrier that prevents Ukraine from achieving "sustainable development goals" and that Kyiv can't overcome it "without international support."
Russian Scientists Criticize Authorities For Harsh Response To Rallies
More than 50 scholars from the Russian Academy of Sciences calling themselves the July 1 Club have called on the country's leadership to stop political repression after a wave of arrests and harsh sentences against participants in recent pro-democracy protests.
RFE/RL Condemns Terrorism Charges Against Pskov Journalist Prokopyeva
RFE/RL called charges of “publically justifying terrorism” brought against Pskov reporter Svetlana Prokopyeva “unacceptable,” saying they were punishment for the expression of an opinion, and an attempt “to send a message” to other independent media. Prokopyeva is being prosecuted for a commentary she gave to the outlet Echo of Moscow (Ekho Moskvy) last November after a Russian teenager killed himself in a suicide bombing at security service headquarters in Arkhangelsk. Prokopyeva has contributed to RFE/RL’s Russian Service.
Pskov Residents Seek 'Justice' For Detained Activists
Residents in Russia’s northwest city of Pskov have been picketing for 100 consecutive days in support of prominent local liberal activist Artyom Milushkin and his wife, Liya, who have been detained since January pending trial on drug charges they say are politically motivated.
St. Petersburg Awarded 2021 UEFA Champions League Final
The match is set to be played in St. Petersburg's Krestovsky Stadium, which serves as the home for the city's Zenit soccer team. Istanbul is already scheduled to host the 2020 final. UEFA also said that Munich will host the 2022 final, followed by London in 2023.
Romania's Koevesi One Step Closer To EU Prosecutor's Job
Negotiators from the European Parliament and the European Council have agreed to back former Romanian anti-corruption official Laura Codruta Koevesi to become the first-ever European anti-fraud prosecutor. The nomination now goes to the two institutions for approval.
European Parliament Reiterates Support For Kosovo Visa Liberalization
The European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties has backed visa liberalization for citizens of Kosovo, agreeing to start talks with the European Council on a possible visa waiver program. The vote came amid continued opposition from several EU member states.
China To Build $1.8 Billion Power Plant In Uzbekistan
As part of a program announced by Tashkent in 2017 for the development of renewable energy, China has begun construction of a wind farm in the Gijduvan district of Uzbekistan’s Bukhara region. The project, occupying a territory of 6,000 hectares, is priced at $1.8 billion and has an estimated production capacity of up to 1500 MW. (in Russian, Uzbek Service)
Kazakh Journalist Handed Jail Term On Libel Charge
A court in Kazakhstan's southern town of Saryaghash has sentenced journalist Amangeldy Batyrbekov to two years and 10 months on libel charges after finding him guilty of insulting the dignity and honor of a local education official in a Facebook post.
Tajikistan’s First-Ever Olympic Champion Suspended Amid Doping Allegations
Tajikistan’s hammer thrower Dilshod Nazarov has withdrawn from the world championships, after being added to a list of doping suspects on September 24. The Athletics Integrity Unit, an international oversight body, said he and other athletes on the list are "suspended temporarily” prior to a hearing by the International Association of Athletic Federations.