Stories about Russian from August, 2013
Turkmenistan's National Cycling Day: Traditionalists, Penny-Pinchers and President-Pleasers
If you are a citizen of Turkmenistan, you had better be ready to don the Lycra and mount a bicycle: September 1 has been slated as National Cycling Day.
Don't Be Fooled by His Smile: Yekaterinburg's Evgeny Roizman Is Mad As Hell
It seems likely that Russia’s fourth largest city, Yekaterinburg, will soon have as its mayor Evgeny Roizman, one of Russia’s most peculiar public figures.
The Politics of Moscow's Migrant Crime Statistics
Moscow's next mayor will have little influence over domestic immigration policy, but that doesn't stop candidates from weighing in on the topic.
“Me & My Shadow”: Protecting Data on the Net
The Internet, mobile phones, and other such achievements of progress have become essential aspects of human existence, and have simplified communication between people and integrated them into a new space.
Russia's Unpopular but “Necessary” Illegal Immigrant Camps
At the end of July, Moscow's Governor proposed a new detention center for illegal immigrants on a former military base near the Yegoryevsky district. Not everyone is thrilled.
Conference on Water Ends with ‘Empty Statements’ in Tajikistan
Tajikistan recently hosted an international conference on water. The event has failed to impress the country's social media users who believe that large summits are less effective than tangible efforts to resolve water-related problems.
Russia's Political Firebrand: What Makes Navalny Tick?
Russia's best-known political blogger earned his fame fighting corruption in the private sector, but may now face five years' jail time on (possibly trumped-up) embezzlement charges. In the meantime, he's running for mayor of Moscow.
Kyrgyzstan to Become a ‘Beam of Light’ in the ‘Dark’ Region?
Blogger Bektour Iskender suggests [ru] that “free” Kyrgyzstan should allow citizens of the less free nations in Central Asia, particularly Turkmenistan, to stay in the country visa-free: OK, we have [visa-free...
Kazakhstan: Script Reform Is ‘Hardly Possible at All’
As Kazakhstan prepares for a highly controversial shift from Cyrillic script to Latin alphabet, its netizens are keen to note that a similar reform implemented years ago by Uzbekistan has...
Kazakhstan Eyes 2022 Winter Olympics
Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city and the former capital, will be bidding for the 2022 Winter Olympics. However, blogger Politolog warns [ru] that the event might prove too costly for the oil-rich...
Young Kyrgyz and Tajiks Learn to Blog
More than 20 young activists from the Central Asian nations of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan are learning the basics of blogging at a summer school in northern Tajikistan. Rustam Gulov reports...
Russian Political Prisoners Ignored by Everyone
Twelve men and women currently on trial for their involvement in the May 6, 2012 riots appear to have been largely forgotten.
Navalny's Montenegrin Kryptonite or Russia's Invulnerable Candidate?
Information has emerged showing Navalny’s ownership of an active real estate company in Montenegro, established in 2007 and undeclared when he registered as a candidate for Moscow's mayor’s race.
Regional Elections Offer Russian Opposition No Escape from Internecine Conflict
As regional races heat up with less than a month to go before the September 8, 2013 election day, Russia's opposition parties are engaging in their usual tactics of attacking each other.
Kyrgyz Press: Shocking Titles, Latest Tattle
Kyrgyz newspapers are hotbeds of hearsay. Thanks to Gezitter.org, a blog translating their pages into Russian, non-Kyrgyz readers can also enjoy - or endure - the barrage of gossip.
The Moscow Mayor's Mischievous Viral Marketing
Alexey Navalny turns the tables on those harassing him about financing, nationalism, and transparency.
Bodies Pile in Egypt, But Birds Still Singing for Russian Vacationers
Russians living in Egypt to potential tourists: "Don't be afraid."
Russian Police: Now Raiding Opposition Activists Without Warrants
Moscow police forced entry into a flat used by pro-Navalny activists, cutting down their reinforced door after they refused to let anyone in without a search warrant.
Tempers Flare at Kyrgyzstan's Favorite Lake
Conflicts on the shores of Kyrgyzstan's flagship holiday destination, Lake Issyk-Kul, are eating away at one of the republic's chief sources of income - tourism.
Russia's Soviet Assault on Navalny's Online Fundraising
Russia's Attorney General announced that it has partly corroborated a complaint against Alexey Navalny’s online fundraising methods, claiming they violate the country's campaign finance laws.
Vladimir Putin's Solitary PR Stunt
Over the past months the Kremlin has given Russian bloggers more than the usual amount of fodder to ridicule the government and President Vladimir Putin.
