Stories about Eastern & Central Europe from September, 2016
Russian Politician Wants Journalists Prosecuted for Sharing Footage of His Ricky Martin Dance
A city councilman in Orlov has filed a police report against local journalists for sharing video footage of him dancing to Ricky Martin’s “Livin la Vida Loca.”
In Defense of My Right to Abortion in Macedonia
"Choosing not to bear a child for whom a nurturing environment cannot be guaranteed isn't a denial of responsibility— it's the ultimate assumption of responsibility for oneself and the world."
Khodorkovsky Announces ‘Open Media’ Project To Support Investigative Journalism Startups
Mikhail Khodorkovsky's "Open Media" project will provide as much as 30 million rubles in support to investigative journalism startups.
Russian TV Airs ‘Separatist Coca-Cola’ Prank Video As Real News Footage
A practical joke published on YouTube has made it to network television in Russia, where it was aired as real footage of ethnic tension in Ukraine.
Jordanian Government Ignores Public Backlash, Signs Gas Deal With Israel
Despite significant opposition, Jordan signs controversial gas deal with Israel. Protests planned for this Friday could determine the agreement's future.
‘No Embarrassment’ Photo Exhibition in Moscow Ends Early Under Pressure From Conservative Activists
Conservative activists pressured the Lumiere Brothers Center for Photography in Moscow to close Jock Sturges' photo exhibition, arguing that his work violated Russia's laws against child pornography.
This Soviet Cartoon Was Too Much for Romania’s Communist Censors
According to the documentary "Chuck Norris vs Communism," Romania's state censorship board actually banned scenes from an episode of the classic Soviet cartoon "Nu Pogodi."
Macedonian ‘Colorful Revolution’ Rallies to Defend Special Prosecutor’s Office
Activists of the “Colorful Revolution” movement have announced a new demonstration planned to take plan in front of the parliament building in Skopje in support of the Special Prosecutor's Office.
Allegations of Rigged Ethnic Hungarian Voting in Croatia’s Latest Election
The number of people who registered to vote as ethnic Hungarians dramatically increased between Croatia's last two elections. Why?
Polish Lawmakers Move Forward With a New Abortion Ban That Critics Say Will Be ‘Hell for Women’
Poland's “Black Protest” movement picks up steam, after lawmakers vote to proceed with legislation that will criminalize abortions in nearly all circumstances, threatening women and doctors with prison.
How an ‘American Spy’ May Have Exposed Russian Election Fraud
Depending on how you interpret the numbers, it’s possible that a journalist from Reuters managed to reveal what real elections in Russia last Sunday would have looked like.
Poles Dress in Black to Protest Legislation That Would Mean a Near Total Ban on Abortions
Thousands of Poles share photos of themselves dressed in black to protest against legislation that would criminalize almost all kinds of abortion and toughen the country's already severe anti-abortion laws.
The Russian Political Prisoner's Cookbook
You lose a lot when you're locked up in prison, but one thing you gain is time to hone your talents. Russian political prisoners are certainly familiar with this experience.
In Bulgaria, an Example of How Refugees Need Not Be a Problem, but a Solution
Refugees can help solve shortages of workers—if they're given the chance.
A Toxic Mix of Illegal Logging and Corruption Is Devastating Europe’s Last Primeval Forests
The documentary film “Clear Cut Crime” shows the toxic effects of collusion between illegal logging and politicians in Romania and Ukraine.
Life in Russia After Porn
A week after Russian censors banned two of the most popular pornography websites around, ordinary Web users are firing back with an online flashmob that mixes satire and protest.
One Australian Nurse's Stirring Response to the Refugee Crisis
"I have learnt that not everyone is as caring; that the term ‘refugee’ is a dirty label that strips people of their identity."
He Supported Bombing Syria a Little Too Eagerly, Now RuNet Pioneer Faces Prison
Anton Nossik faces two years in a penal colony for saying that Syria should be "Wiped from the Face of the Earth."
That Time Russia Banned Online Porn (Again)
The two pornographic metropolises of the Internet, PornHub and YouPorn, were banned in Russia this week. ISPs are required to comply with the ban within 24 hours.
Skopje Authorities Bulldoze Roma Families’ Homes, Then Ignore Their Plight
"Without electricity, water supply or sewage, with high risk from infectious diseases due to the floods and lack of minimal hygiene conditions, they dread the coming of winter."
After Months of Protest, Russian Coal Miners Finally Get Paychecks
It took a months-long protest and a hunger strike, but miners in Russia’s Rostov region are finally getting paid.
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