Stories about War & Conflict from January, 2023
There are almost 1,500 political prisoners in Belarus
The main tools for repressing critics of the regime and dissidents in Belarus are still criminal and administrative prosecution, arbitrary arrests, dismissals from work and de facto deportations
Georgia facing backlash over possible flight resumption with Russia
Flights between Georgia and Russia have been banned since 2019, on President Putin's orders. After Russian lawmaker, Sergey Gavrilov, visited the country in June 2019, and a bout of violence followed.
New era in Czech politics as Petr Pavel wins presidential election
General Petr Pavel, a former NATO official, won the presidential election in the Czech Republic. He will strengthen ties with Brussels in contrast to current president Miloš Zeman.
‘This Arab Life': A personal excavation of the ‘silent’ Arab generation
In an interview, author Amal Ghandour discusses her latest book, This Arab Life, and provides a rich and illuminating examination of the Middle East's dynamic past and present.
Sweden and Turkey relations sour after far-right politician burns the Koran
Following the torching of a Koran, a series of protests were held outside the Swedish Consulate General in Istanbul where participants burned the Swedish flag and chanted slogans against Sweden.
The band that Lukashenka declared extremist sang ‘Zhyve Belarus’ (Long live Belarus!)
Rarely covered by the international media, Lukashenka’s regime is using Stalin-like repression on its citizens. Dissidents are detained and prosecuted and, in many cases now, their family members are too.
‘We are asking for forgiveness that we know we will never receive': In Russia, people are bringing flowers to monuments of Ukrainians
In at least 17 cities of Russia, people are bringing flowers and photos of the destroyed house in Dnipro, Ukraine, hit by a Russian missile on January 14, 2023, to spontaneous memorials.
“I will forever be the enemy of the Russian regime” says TikToker in Moldova
This is the first case of a TikToker formerly based in Russia openly standing against the Russian regime and supporting Ukraine.
Tensions over Lachin Corridor linger with no breakthrough in sight
Azerbaijan's government denies any involvement in the blockade. Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of orchestrating the protest, while authorities in Karabakh accuse Azerbaijan of forcing remaining Karabakh Armenians into submission.
Relatives of drafted soldiers in Russia do not know if they are dead or alive
In the Russian region of Samara, a petition to publish names of mobilized soldiers who died after the shelling of Makeevka on the 31st of December, 2022, gathered 50,000 signatures. The army officials refused.
Infrastructural content moderation: the case of Mariupol
In addition to the obvious humanitarian consequences that internet shutdowns in a war zone bring, infrastructural content moderation is a potent and dangerous approach to spreading disinformation.
BBC Bangla issues its final broadcast after 81 years
BBC Bangla radio was a source of impartial and credible news during crises in Bangladesh over the decades. The closure of its radio broadcasts marks the end of an era.
Will a yurt in Ukraine cause a diplomatic row between Kazakhstan and Russia?
Kazakh yurts offering humanitarian help are popping up in Ukraine. Perceiving this as official support of Kyiv, Moscow is reacting by putting pressure on the Kazakh authorities.
The Tanabra have made a comeback after 100 years. A decline in Sudanese taste in music?
Rural Tanabra music, fostered by the military after the military coup, has returned to Khartoum at a time when Sudanese desire for the revival of culture in their daily lives.
Rights organization OVD-Info gives an overview of repression in Russia in 2022
In 2022 in Russia, there were more than 21,000 arrests and at least 370 defendants in criminal cases for anti-war statements and speeches. More than 200,000 Internet resources have been blocked including 11 sentences in cases of state treason.
Kosovo: Six attacks against journalists in December following escalating tensions
The Kosovo media sphere is endangered by the recent physical assaults and their implications for press freedom and reporting on developments in the northern part of the country
Popular Russian singer answers ‘Glory to Ukraine’. Now they want to revoke his citizenship
Singer Valerii Meladze has been openly against the war since February 2022. Now he may face harsh consequences for the words he said off-the-record in Dubai in support of Ukraine.
The first lady of Azerbaijan is a UNESCO goodwill ambassador no more
The decision to resign was in protest to recent "anti-Azerbaijan stance" by France some pundits say.
Undertones in Russia: War, Propaganda, the West
Researchers share some of the strongest narratives that are circulating in Russia and what we can expect in 2023
What’s Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki’s next move after a dubious truce?
The peace agreement signed by the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) was designed to end the bloodiest war currently underway anywhere. As uncertainty mounts about whether the ceasefire will hold, what is Eritrea’s President Isaias Afwerki likely to do next?
