Stories about Eastern & Central Europe from November, 2023
Interview with the political figure Boubacar Touré on the coup which overthrew Niger's president
The risk of pitting various African countries against one another since the Niger coup seems to be increasing while an ultimatum from the African Union lies fallow.
What can Taiwan learn from Ukraine? Interview with disinformation and civil defense expert Puma Shen
Can Taiwan learn from Ukraine as it faces military threats from China? Global Voices interviewed Puma Shen, a Taiwanese disinformation expert after his first visit to Ukraine in September.
North Macedonia journalists protest court order for enabling censorship
"No one can silence us or prevent us from raising our voice or publishing the truth that is important for the citizens."
‘The only white people who did not bring evil’: Serbian media narratives around Russia in Africa
Russian influence in Africa exists in some areas — notably in security and the arms trade — but most authors who have written on the subject conclude that the overall impact should not be overstated.
Russian artist Alexandra Skochilenko addresses the court in Saint Petersburg at her trial over anti-war messages
"My trial, widely followed in Russia and globally, will make history, regardless of the verdict. You're not judging a terrorist, extremist, or even a political activist. You're judging a pacifist."
Tatar language activist who identifies as queer: ‘Under the influence of the modern Russian state, Central Asian politicians are trying to implement similar anti-gay policies’
Interview with Tatar queer language activist Marsel Ganeyev, whose aim is to „help minorities reconnect to their roots or overcome the emotional trauma"
Members of Belarusian band behind 2020 protest songs receive draconian sentences
"We are not cattle, cattle and cowards, we are a living people, we are Belarusians!" sang the Tor Band. Now their member are in prison with sentences up to nine years.
Decoding eight years of Taiwan's presidency by Tsai Ing-wen: Interview with French journalist Arnaud Vaulerin
"During this period, this democracy of 23.5 million inhabitants has positioned itself in the international arena. There will be a before, and an after Tsai Ing-wen."
Italy's plan to set up asylum-seeker center in neighboring Albania sparks debate
A center will open in Albania to temporarily accommodate immigrants en route to Italy, while their asylum applications are assessed.
Even the air in Moldova seems to tremble in suspense over the Russian aggression in Ukraine
Protests, disinformation campaigns, and economically unsubstantiated restrictive measures are some of the tactics that official Moscow uses against Moldova. UNHCR data indicates that Moldova is hosting over 100,000 refugees from Ukraine and other countries.
Moldova shows a ‘moderate yet clear’ pro-EU stance at local elections
Preliminary outcomes of the local elections in Moldova indicate moderate yet clear backing for the incumbent pro-EU PAS party. Earlier, authorities talked about Russia interfering in the elections
Apart from shadow deals, there are no visible results in Belarus-Zimbabwe economic relations
In spite of various visits and signed contracts, nothing substantial had happened in Zimbabwe - Belarus economic relations after Belarusian's leader visit to Zimbabwe in January 2023, when he promised groundbreaking results.
Independent Ukrainian journalists face multiple challenges, despite international support projects
Before Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Ukraine enjoyed a high degree of media freedom. What is the situation today after 20 months of war, destruction and some cases, the killing of journalists?
Armenia and Azerbaijan vow peace — for now
Armenian and Azerbaijan's leadership may have finally agreed on a peace deal document to be signed "in the coming months."
In Georgia, backsliding has taken over culture and art, says a new report
Those who spoke to PEN American said the repression reminded them of the Soviet occupation, "during which all art and culture was systematically repressed or exploited for government propaganda purposes."
Casual racism in Russia's everyday life: ‘Even though you are Buryat, you are still one of us’
Hurtful stereotypes can create actual barriers between people, fuel division and animosity. Stereotypes about an ethnic minority living in Russia, Buryats, are a vivid example of these negative social processes
Yelena Trifonova: ‘In Siberia, calling someone “Muscovite” is almost an insult’
"Independent journalism will persist as long as there's a demand for it in Russia. We cannot abandon people; because it’s the same as abandoning hostages," says the editor of Baikal People.
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