Post-Soviet excesses: What does the diplomatic scandal between Russia and Moldova tell us?
Russia / Europe When the Moldovan government declared five Russian diplomats persona non grata, it came as a complete surprise to most observers, especially outside the country. First of all, five people were expelled at once; even Estonia, with its traditionally bad relations with Russia, has recently expelled only two Russian consulate staff....
New Wave of Anti-corruption Protests Hits Russia
Organized by opposition leader Navalny on a public holiday, the protests led to mass arrests in Russia’s two largest cities. …read more Source: Transitions Online...
Russian Craft Food Chain Purveys Bread, Salt, and Bigotry
Shops are owned by capitalist-turned-organic farmer German Sterligov, an advocate of the good old ways. …read more Source: Transitions Online...
The logic of the Kremlin Gate
Russia / World Russia was accused of hacking the Democratic Party’s servers in a summer 2016 scandal and the Trump Team was consequently rumored to enjoy close ties with Moscow. The attempted coup in Montenegro, attempts to discredit Emmanuel Macron during the presidential campaign in France and the threat of potential interference in the...
Ukraine’s Government seeks to legalize illegal Security Service detention prisons
The Cabinet of Ministers has tabled a draft bill which acknowledges the long-denied existence of SBU [Security Service] detention facilities and proposes amendments to legislation in order to formally allow them. Legal may be preferable to illegal, however removing the possibility of abuse by the Security Service would be better still …read...
Russia refuses to let imprisoned Crimean Tatar leader see his gravely ill mother
There appear to be no depths that Russia and its court lackeys will not stoop to. Crimean Tatar Mejlis leader and recognized political prisoner Akhtem Chiygoz has been refused permission to see his mother who is critically ill and has not seen her son for two years. …read more Source: Kharkiv Human Rights Protection...
Continuing the Euromaidan through Healthcare Reform: A Conversation with Ukraine’s Minister of Health
Ukraine’s Minister of Health Ulana Suprun believes the key to combatting corruption lies in the resolution of issues plaguing the medical system. Join us for a discussion about the vital role healthcare plays in the national security of Ukraine and the sweeping package of healthcare reforms currently before the Verkhovna Rada. Minister...
After Crimea, a Changing Landscape in Russian Anti-Extremism Policy
In the years following Russia’s annexation of Crimea, the state’s turn towards nationalist ideology, based on traditional values, has shaped the formation and enforcement of anti-extremism policies. The move away from state secularism has led to the introduction of explicitly ideological articles into the criminal code. The...
Ukraine Lawmakers Back NATO Membership
Vote angers the Kremlin, which faces allegations of meddling in two Balkan countries to derail their NATO bids. …read more Source: Transitions Online...
Russian Police Arrest St. Petersburg Scientologists
Charges of extremism and inciting hatred echo those levelled at the recently banned Jehovah’s Witnesses. …read more Source: Transitions Online...
