VISUAL REPORTS
5 Cents Per Kilo: Uzbekistan’s Cotton Campaign
During Uzbekistan’s cotton harvest, every citizen is expected to pick 50 kilos of cotton every day for 12 straight days.
One Day In The Life Of Russia’s Oil Extraction Workers
Nyagan, an oil-rich, small town in Russia’s Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous District, was built in the 1970’s by geologists, construction workers and oil workers who continue to live there, inhabiting decaying, rat-infested railway cars. (over 358K views on Current Time TV Facebook)
Living In The Shadow Of Baku's Oil Rigs
Near the capital of oil-rich Azerbaijan, hundreds of families live in the midst of drilling sites where petroleum leaks into the water and soil. Residents say the pollution is affecting their health, and government plans to help them relocate are not moving forward.
Anna Politkovskaya’s Last Interview
October 7 marked the 11th anniversary of the murder of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, a contract killing whose sponsor remains unknown. She spoke with RFE/RL two days before her death about Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. (over 831k views on Current Time TV, Facebook)
OTHER NEWS
Putin Hosts CIS And Eurasian Economic Union Summits In Sochi
Leaders of several former Soviet republics gathered in the Russian city of Sochi on October 11 for summits of the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Eurasian Economic Union.
Putin Warns Cryptocurrencies Like Bitcoin Carry 'Serious Risks'
"Cryptocurrencies are issued by an unlimited number of anonymous bodies," Russian President Vladimir Putin told a meeting of finance officials in the Black Sea resort town of Sochi on October 10. "Thus buyers of cryptocurrencies could be involved in unlawful activities."
Navalny Elicits Skepticism In North Caucasus
Kremlin opponent Aleksei Navalny has failed to capture the hearts and minds of residents of the North Caucasus, a report by RFE/RL shows. Some residents say they support the presidential hopeful’s campaign against corruption and for the right to participate in the political process, but not the candidate himself. One person interviewed said, "Everyone remembers his anti-Caucasian and anti-Islamic statements.” (Caucasus Realities website)
Russian Court Seeks Arrest Of Four Ukrainians
Russia’s Investigative Committee announced on October 11 that a warrant has been issued for the arrest of four Ukrainian citizens, including MP Voldymyr Parasuk, who are wanted in connection with attacks on Russian diplomatic missions in Ukraine during 2014-2016, and the desecration of the Russian flag. (in Russian, Current Time TV)
European Parliament Seeks Ways To Bring Georgia, Ukraine, And Moldova Closer
The European Parliament's foreign affairs committee is calling for tighter sanctions on Russia and a mechanism for bringing Eastern Partnership countries closer to the European Union.
Sting Calls On Belarus To End Death Penalty
British singer and songwriter Sting, who performed in the Belarus capital, Minsk, on October 9, has recorded and posted a video address on his Twitter account calling on the country to end the death penalty. (Belarus Service)
Georgian Opposition Activists Detained At Protest In Tbilisi
Police have scuffled with Georgian opposition activists who were protesting against the Tbilisi city council's move to give a plot of land to a construction company linked to billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the Georgian Dream party.
Erdogan To Visit Predominantly Muslim Area Of Serbia
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to visit Sandzak today, a mainly Muslim-populated region of Serbia, as part of a two-day trip that analysts say is a bid to increase Ankara's clout in the Balkans.
Kyrgyz Election Officials Accused Of Backing Ruling Party Candidate
Kyrgyz presidential candidate Omurbek Babanov's campaign team has accused election officials of obstructing his campaign and backing the candidate favored by outgoing President Almazbek Atambaev.
THE POWER VERTICAL: The Zapad Hangover
BLOGGING THE BALKANS: Sarajevo U2 Concert Fuels Nostalgia Two Decades Later