Stories about Breaking News from March, 2020
An interview with Afgan Mukhtarli, abducted Azerbaijani journalist who now walks free
In May 2017 journalist Afgan Mukhtarli was abducted in the Georgian capital Tbilisi and reappeared in a jail cell in Azerbaijan. Recently released, he reflects on his ordeal.
Azerbaijan signals a lockdown and a crackdown in fight against coronavirus
Attempting to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Azerbaijan's president has closed the country's borders, emptied its streets, cancelled large public gatherings, and given a fiery speech against the opposition.
India stays home for 14 hours in the fight against COVID-19
Millions of Indians confined themselves to their homes between 7 am and 9 pm on March 22, 2020, in response to a government-imposed curfew to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Nigeria enforces travel bans amid sloppy management of COVID-19 cases
Nigerian netizens are calling for a travel ban for travelers from high COVID-19 transmission areas. This will strengthen the national response to the pandemic.
Tanzania tackles COVID-19 with strict measures to slow the spread
In the wake of six confirmed COVID-19 cases in Tanzania, the government has taken strict measures to slow the spread. But messaging and communication around preventative measures remains a challenge.
St Petersburg firm creates online bar for self-isolating Russians
As coronavirus cases in Russia rise, a startup in St Petersburg has launched a "virtual bar" where self-isolating Russians can build new friendships and feel a little less alone.
Turkmenistan fights coronavirus with (more) isolation and herbal remedies
Turkmen officials deny any cases of COVID-19 in the country. They aim to keep the virus away by closing borders, testing incoming travellers, and burning an aromatic desert grass.
Chilean women proclaim: ‘We are no longer afraid’
"We are tired of the abuse, of the constant violence. Everything we do is questioned, we encountered obstacles over and over again just to live a normal life. It is over, we are no longer afraid."
With no officially confirmed cases, El Salvador locks itself down to prevent COVID-19
"What would Italy give to be in our position?"
China government spokesperson suggests on Twitter that COVID-19 may have originated in the United States
Chinese Communist Party-affiliated media have framed the incident as part of the US information war against China.
Putin supports proposals paving the way for his continued rule
After months of speculation about Putin's successor, there is clarity: if passed, new constitutional amendments proposed this week will allow him to stay in office as president until 2036.
Czech Republic introduces drastic measures to deter spread of COVID-19
All schools will be shut down for at least the next two weeks.
Bhutan deals with its first COVID-19 case by temporarily shutting down borders
Bhutan's first positive case of COVID-19, an American tourist who travelled from India, prompted the government to impose a two-weeks-long restriction on all incoming tourists.
