Maxim Edwards is the Eurasia editor for Global Voices. He is a British journalist, editor, and translator specialising in migration, Eastern Europe, and the former Soviet Union, and a former editor at openDemocracy and OCCRP.
Latest posts by Maxim Edwards
Ukrainian workers battle controversial new labour code
Ukrainian and international labour rights activists believe that the draft labour code will radically weaken employees' rights and the role of trade unions in the workplace
What lies ahead for the RuNet in 2020?
Interview with Alexander Isavnin, a researcher at the Internet Protection Society, on the Russian government's next steps to regulate and control cyberspace.
New documentary charts the RuNet's unlikely rise — and its fall
Twenty-five years on, Andrey Loshak's documentary series examines the ups and downs of Russia's internet, from its apparently idyllic beginnings to its uncertain future.
Failed promises on electoral system reform prompts new wave of protest in Georgia
For the second time this year, the Georgian Dream government faces mass demonstrations.
After a hot summer of protests, Germans debate their country's role in climate change
These decisions send a clear signal on where vital parts of the German government seem to be standing in the crucial battle against climate change.
Behold Russia's new ‘sovereign internet’
The "sovereign internet" bill is about bringing the "critical infrastructure" of the RuNet under the state's oversight. That could mean a more effective implementation of Moscow's laws regulating expression online.
Despite ban, Telegram survives in Russia — but for how long?
Most users still have access, but the authorities aren't giving up on attempts to block the instant messaging and voice app.
Meet the civic activists documenting abuses in Crimea
Crimean Solidarity members livestream arrests, detentions, and court hearings on the occupied peninsula, and fundraise for detainees' legal fees. That's why Moscow has had enough of them.
The Hungarian journalists who wouldn't keep quiet
Interview with Csaba Lukács, journalist and managing director of the independent weekly Magyar Hang, on the trials and tribulations of running a critical, conservative newspaper in Viktor Orbán's Hungary.
Bearing witness to Putin's rise to power
Interview with Vitaly Mansky, a former film director with Russia's state TV, about his latest documentary — on Putin's rise to power, exactly 20 years ago.
A professor's self-immolation puts the spotlight on the fragile future of Russia's minority languages
Many people discussing Razin's death seem bewildered that anyone would use minority languages in daily life, let alone die for them—an attitude by no means limited to Russia.
Russian opposition divided over online ‘smart voting’ campaign
No Russian disillusioned with the country’s rulers has any qualms with voting against United Russia, but many are deeply uneasy about who this means they must vote for.
Videoblogging shaman walks to Moscow to ‘exorcise’ Putin
The 51-year old Yakut shaman calls his quest divinely ordained, insisting that Putin is a manifestation of dark forces which must be banished to save Russia from ruin.
Who turned off Moscow’s internet during recent protests?
Evidence suggests that law enforcement agencies pressured mobile network operators to get part of the capital offline for the duration of the protests.
How protesters are ‘deanonymising’ Russia's riot police
Activists are identifying the men behind the helmets, truncheons, and riot shields, and sharing their names, dates of birth, and links to their social media profiles.
As Siberia burns, Russia chokes
While forest fires are no rarity in Siberia, climate scientists stated that this year’s fires spread particularly aggressively due to a combination of strong winds and the unusually hot summer.
Outrage in Moscow after opposition candidates barred from local election
State-appointed “handwriting experts” stepped in and discovered palpably absurd reasons to invalidate hundreds of signatures collected in support of independent candidates.
Kremlin's new law against ‘online disrespect’ proves hard to implement
The law allows courts to fine or jail people found guilty of making “insulting statements” towards the authorities online.
Moldova's journalists cautiously optimistic after ‘silent revolution’
Following inconclusive parliamentary elections, the pro-Russian and pro-EU opposition put their differences aside and formed a government, ousting the ruling party lead by the country's most powerful oligarch.
Russia's north still up in arms over Moscow's trash exports
Resistance to a remote landfill has grown into a nationwide environmental protest movement.
