Independent news sites and major social networks blocked following recent hike in online criticism of the regime. Videos showing the night-time queues for bread blocked. Internet access only for political leaders and members of the presidential family.
After citizens of Russian origin, Kazakh nationalists are targeting Turkish-speaking citizens. Clashes with Uyghurs and Dungans. The government minimizes and invites the population to national harmony. Poverty pushes minorities into city suburbs, where social tension is growing.
The leader of the Orthodox Church claims "Russia is the true leader of the free world". Celebrated and honored by Putin. Hailed for his "evangelizing force". The worry of the schism with the Ukrainian Orthodox. His appeal against all tyrannies and warnings about the limits of super-technological civilization.
An age-old scourge in the country that the government is struggling to eradicate. Fines of up to 30 euros for offenders. In 2019-2020 more than 27 thousand people were reported for violent behavior towards children. Psychologists: far more incisive actions are needed.
Flooded in the Volga by the Soviets to build a large hydroelectric station. It has a glorious history. Father Paisij's great role in the reconstruction of Russia. An eventual discovery seen as a sign of the new Orthodox rebirth in the country.
Chechen authorities speak of a 92% vaccination rate. Activists denounce coercive methods: those who refuse the vaccine risk dismissal. Local doctors propose Islamic medicine. Muslims believe that "through illness Allah purifies from sins". In Tatarstan no-vaxers locked up in asylums.
The World Uyghur Congress calls for a boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics. Violence also against Kazakh citizens. Tales of forced sterilisations. Prisoners tortured to death in Chinese concentration camps.
The judiciary wants to close down "Memorial", an association that honors dissidents from the years of the USSR. Activist Lev Ponomarev, targeted by the authorities: the fascistization of Russian society is growing, and the problem is not only Putin.
Food rationed, families queuing for three loaves of bread. Smartphones seized by police; those who film queues risk arrest. Food prices skyrocket. Authorities deny there are problems and continue to celebrate President Berdymuhamedov.
The Polish government claims the Kremlin is behind the flow of refugees trying to cross the border between Poland and Belarus. The Russians reject the accusations and criticize the EU. The Europeans prepare new sanctions and Lukashenko threatens to block the passage of gas. Fears in the Baltic Republics and Ukraine over Moscow's moves.
Russian Foreign Minister: strategic collaboration between the two countries. The Kremlin condemns cases of xenophobia towards Russian-speaking Kazakhs, while blaming foreign forces. Attention to the protection of common borders, transit points between Europe and Asia.
Tension rises after four people of Azeri origin attacked residents of the capital. Abuses against Caucasian detainees reported in Rostov prison. Discrimination against Caucasians and Muslims could trigger street riots.
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