Stories from RuNet Echo from April, 2016
Russia's Vilest Website Grows a Heart
One of the vilest, most mean-spirited corners of the Russian Internet is now behind one of the sweetest, most compassionate flashmobs in RuNet history.
Russian Prosecutor General Accuses ‘Right Sector’ of Using Social Media to Overthrow the Kremlin
The Russian Prosecutor General claims that Ukrainian nationalist group "Right Sector" used the Russian social network VKontakte to organize "mass riots and unsanctioned public events."
The Next Attack on Russia's Free Press Comes Into Focus
Someone in Russia desperately wants people to think a billionaire is preparing to sell off two particularly important assets: the energy company Quadra and the media holding group RBC.
How Ukraine Is Dealing With the European Refugee Crisis
While Ukrainian officials and right-wing activists use the refugee crisis to win political points and shape public opinion, the Middle Eastern refugees themselves aren't exactly flocking to settle in Ukraine.
Facial Recognition Service Becomes a Weapon Against Russian Porn Actresses
Users of the Russian imageboard “Dvach” (2chan) have launched a campaign to deanonymize Russian actresses who appear in pornography, utilizing a controversial new service called “FindFace.”
The Awkward Story of How Russia's Top Pranksters Weren't Really Pranked
Journalist Elena Milchanovska says Russia's top pranksters aren't on the Kremlin's payroll, but they'd like to be. “Vovan and Lexus” say she's full of baloney.
There's Nothing Orthodox About the Way These Russian Priests Get Around
Prosecutors in Nizhny Novgorod are investigating a curious helicopter landing that took place on a highway outside the city. The case involves dashcam footage and men dressed as priests.
Russian Censors Have New Advice for Media Outlets On How to Cover Suicide
Roscomnadzor's advice to Russian media outlets reporting on instances of suicide is based on recommendations from the WHO, but needs "more work" to be in line with the Russian legislation.
The Russian Art of Meta-Stalking
Russian photographer Egor Tsvetkov says his work exposes how “digital narcissism” often “provokes online stalking.” But is his latest project doing the same thing?
This Is What It Takes to Provoke an Angry Mob of Buddhists
The women of Pussy Riot have been free for more than two years now, but they might soon get some company in the annals of Russia’s crimes against religiosity.
Panama Papers: Huge Leak of Offshore Records Implicates Russian, Ukrainian Presidents
An international journalistic investigation based on a massive cache of 11.5 million offshore records uncovers the shady financial dealings of 12 current and former world leaders, including Putin and Poroshenko.
