Stories about Eastern & Central Europe from June, 2021
Top Belarusian media website removes social media posts to protect employees
Tut.by editors removed virtually all of the content published on most of their social media channels in 2020 and the first half of 2021, at the height of the post-election protests.
Marmara Sea covered by “sea snot”, with possible dangers to environment
"Sea snot"—or "marine mucilage"—may cause biodiversity loss. It is triggered by global warming, waste pollution and rising water temperatures.
Zagor: Legendary Italian comics series that captured Balkan hearts turns 60
"It's because of Zagor that I started reading comics and my life would be very different without him."
WATCH/LISTEN: “Beyond the Protest Square,” a conversation with Tanya Lokot
Missed the livestream of the June 17 Global Voices Insights webinar featuring media scholar Tanya Lokot on her new book "Beyond the Protest Square"? Here are the video and audio replays.
Final verdict against war criminal Ratko Mladić brings relief, denialism, but not closure
Serbian tabloids rushed to denounce the decision as evidence of anti-Serb bias and hailed Mladic as a hero.
Organiser of online map protest in Russia fined for crowdsourced obscenities
Unlike street protests, which require prior authorisation from local authorities, online rallies aren't technically subject to the same restrictions.
Illegal logging, poaching and waste dumping endanger nature in North Macedonia
North Macedonia's great and varied biological diversity is seriously endangered and was significantly impacted by COVID-19, as protected areas in the country, and national parks' income were impacted.
Belarus bans foreign travel for citizens, EU closes airspace to Belarusian flights
Most Belarusians, including many foreign residency permit holders, have been temporarily banned from going abroad, while new EU air space restrictions further narrow travel options to and from Belarus.
Pop-rock music and changing attitudes to the personality cult of Josip Broz Tito
" ... the generations of children born in Yugoslavia in the 1970s reacted to the break-up of the value system that put Tito on a pedestal with a growing dose of cynicism."
No wedding, no live music: Macedonian musicians protest selective reduction of COVID-19 restrictions
Performers have lost their patience, taking to the streets in protest after having been ‘thrown to the streets’ due to their inability to work.
New report highlights ongoing pressure on Ukrainian activists and rights defenders
In the first quarter of 2021, physical attacks, destruction or damage to activists’ property, and attempted intimidation of human rights defenders were the most common, in addition to digital threats.