Stories about Eastern & Central Europe from May, 2014
One Macedonian Man's 65-Year Battle to Get His Property Back
A Macedonian blogger profiled Dushko Brankovikj, whose property has been nationalized twice. He won every court case so far, but the state has yet to return what belongs to him.
Serbia Mourns British-Serbian Legend Timothy John Byford
Author, actor, educator, television and film director Timothy John Byford died in Belgrade on May 5, 2014, after a long illness. Born in Salisbury, England, Byford spent most of his life in Belgrade, where he moved in 1971 and later became a naturalized citizen of Serbia. As news portal InSerbia...
Macedonian Blogger Warns About Resurgent Neo-Nazi Iconography
Commemorating Victory in Europe Day, Macedonian blog Anfas (“en face“) recently documenting images used by Facebook users to warn about resurgent fascism in a post titled “Images of shame – Current Macedonian Neo-Nazi Iconography”. The blogger also explained the importance of raising awareness of resurgent neo-Nazi iconography in Macedonia: Овој...
Death and Twitter: Reports from Ukraine
Today Russian journalist Ilya Azar reported on Twitter that members of Ukraine's newfangled National Guard had fired on civilian bystanders in Krasnoarmeysk.
Russians Hate Eurovision's Bearded-Lady Champion
On the Internet, Russians have reacted to Wurst’s victory with a mix of humor and homophobia.
Two People Are Driving Around Europe to Find What It Means to Be European
On the eve of European elections, two French artists will tour Europe to meet with as many types of Europeans as possible.
Crowd Boos Ukrainian Governor During Victory Day Speech
On a holiday that honors the millions who battled and sacrificed ostensibly to preserve the Soviet Union, lo and behold, Kherson's Governor offended people with his anti-Soviet remarks.
Investigative Journalists Report on Macedonian Government Official's Hidden Wealth
The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), together with Macedonian Nova TV and the Czech Center for Investigative Journalism published an investigative piece about the amassed wealth of the head of Macedonian Secret Service Sasho Mijalkov, who also happens to be a first cousin to the current Prime Minister...
Russia's War of the Roses
After the deadly fire in Odessa, and months of tensions between Moscow and Kiev, it's no surprise that a WWII memorial has become an important stage in Russian politics.
Shamed Macedonian Government Caves in to Student Demands
Amid elections and economic instability, a student digital movement shames the Macedonian government into issuing a tender to fix appalling living conditions in the largest Skopje university dormitory.
Dissecting the Dead in Odessa
Vladimir Golyshev's text on the Odessan tragedy is an excellent representation of pro-Maidan bias, and it's worth reading as a typical case of how Kiev’s allies understand last week's tragedy.
When Is Imperialism Actually Imperialism?
The media have been quick to sling the accusation of imperialism at Europe, the U.S. and Russia over their involvement in other countries' conflicts. But what does imperialism really mean?
Crowdsourcing Ukraine’s Rebellion
Bloggers in Ukraine are turning to the Internet to publish the locations of troops in the country’s southeast, where the army is in the midst of a massive “counter-terrorist” operation against militants who have seized control of parts of major cities. A group called “Military Maps” on the Russian social...
Live Fire for Russian Historical Reenactor Spy
Military commander of the Slavyanks separatists, Igor Strelkov, is a historical reenactor, and, allegedly, works for Russia's military intelligence.
Tragedy and Confusion in Odessa
Over thirty pro-Russian protesters died in a fire in the cheerful Black Sea port of Odessa on May 2.
Laundering the Russian Invasion of Ukraine
The Kremlin might project its power into Ukraine’s mainland by encouraging, and perhaps arming, Crimean militia. In theory, Moscow might succeed in “laundering” an armed intervention in this way.
Russian Internet on the Way to Pyongyang
Starting on August 1, 2014 all distributors of online content will be required to physically store 6 months worth of user data in Russia.
Is Federalism a Solution to South-East Ukraine's Identity Crisis?
In an ironic twist, pro-Ukrainian activists disseminate flyers in the Donetsk urging people to call for a referendum on joining the Dnepropetrovsk Region.
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