Stories about Eastern & Central Europe from April, 2016
Fighting Fear and Hopelessness From House Arrest in Macedonia
A 19-year-old law student placed under house arrest in Macedonia explains why thousands of protesters like him are fed up with the nation's leaders.
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.
Anatomy of a Macedonian ‘Colorful Revolution’
"Why do I protest, and what is the Colorful Revolution? This is a struggle against the authoritarian and corrupt regime, personified by ex-Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski."
Macedonian Protesters ‘Congratulate’ Pardoned Ex-Interior Minister at Her PhD Graduation
Protesters crashed a public ceremony where Gordana Jankuloska was formally receiving her doctoral degree and unfurled a banner reading "Congratulations on your pardon!"
Arrests Add Fuel to Anti-Impunity Protesters’ Fire in Macedonia
"We have shaken the regime! But we must not yield or surrender! The fight is not over! We must go to protests in mass numbers."
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."
Journalist Zoran Božinovski's Supporters Fear Extradition to Macedonia Puts Him at Risk of Torture
"The Serbian government will bear responsibility if Božinovski is exposed to inhuman treatment in Macedonian prisons."
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.
Macedonian Crisis Deepens as Protests Increase in Number and Intensity
Protests are piling up in Macedonia, and a government that had enjoyed the fruits of impunity for so long is reaping what it sowed.
Some Iraqi Refugees Who Made It to Europe Are Choosing to Return Home
“If there was a hope I would get asylum soon, I would have stayed. But there was no hope.”
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.
The Week That Was at Global Voices Podcast: Priorities, Anyone?
This week we take you to China, Mexico, Jamaica, Macedonia and Uganda, where we speak to Prudence Nyamishana who tells us why Ugandans are peeved at their government's priorities.
Protests in Macedonia Against the President's Pardon Get a Dose of Color
The movement took on a new name for themselves -- the "Colorful Revolution", a reference to protesters throwing balloons filled with paint.
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.”
Protests in Macedonia Gain Momentum as New Round of Political Negotiations Is Announced
Tens of thousands of Macedonians have gathered in the streets since the president announced his decision to pardon government officials accused of corruption and abuses of power from prosecution.
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.
‘Without Justice, There's No Peace!': Macedonians March Against President's Pardon for Politicians Under Investigation
Several people were injured and a dozen arrested in protests against President Ivanov's amnesty for top politicians allegedly involved in corruption and misuse of power.
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.
The Week That Was at Global Voices Podcast: What Panama Papers?
In this episode, the period gets political in Poland, Afro-Chileans demand recognition in Chile, and Chinese censors go into overdrive to remove the Panama Papers -- even from email.
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?
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