Stories about Eastern & Central Europe from May, 2016
Russian Newspapers Are Now Warning Readers About Russian TV Networks
A newspaper in Russia's regions targeted by a defamatory investigative report on a pro-Kremlin television network is hitting back with a warning to its readers.
Giant David Bowie Mural Unveiled in Sarajevo
The mural recognises Bowie's participation in humanitarian efforts during the siege in the Balkan city in the 1990s.
Russian Officials Make Plans for an Autonomous, State-Controlled Internet
Although the bill is in its early stages, should it become law, all of the RuNet's critical infrastructure would fall under complete control of the Russian state.
Russian Media and Internet Users Debate the Ethics of Reporting on Teenage Suicide
Russian censors have blocked dozens of communities on social network VKontakte after an ethically murky media investigation accused these communities of pressuring teenage users to take their own lives.
Crimea's Government Cancels That ‘Putin Is a D*******’ Event
A curious event announcement appeared briefly on the website of the Crimean government on May 25. It concerned Vladimir Putin and the word “dickhead.”
Global Voices Interviews Activists From ‘Defense of Democracy’ Committee Who Say Poland Is in Peril
The Committee for the Defense of Democracy accuses the Polish government of destroying the country's democratic foundations. So what now? Global Voices talks to three of the movement's figures.
Leading Russian Independent Newspaper Suspends Deputy Editor After Blackmail Scandal
Novaya Gazeta has suspended its deputy chief editor, following revelations that he instructed reporters to blackmail suspects in a recent investigation.
The Week That Was at Global Voices Podcast: The Disappeared
This week, we take you to Ecuador, Uganda, Bangladesh, Ukraine and Pakistan.
‘Activists’ Attack St. Petersburg Bordellos, Forcing Women to March Nude to Police
Only recently freed from prison, one of Russia's most notorious criminals has attacked two suspected bordellos in St. Petersburg, assaulting and humiliating the women inside.
The Oil Spill in the Adriatic Sea Is a Sneak Peek at Looming Natural Disasters
A malfunction at an oil refinery caused an oil spill in the Adriatic Sea off the coast in Croatia last week, wreaking havoc on the local environment and spreading panic.
The Luhansk Excursions: Dashcams and Nostalgia in Eastern Ukraine
Videos of the contested eastern Ukraine city of Luhansk filmed with dashboard cameras have become a way for displaced residents to reconnect with their home.
A Group of Anti-Corruption Activists Was Attacked Today in Russia. Wanna Buy Some Plane Tickets?
News of an attack on activists is the leading news story across much of Russian social media today, and the travel company Aviasales decided to capitalize on the story.
Russians Aren't Happy About Losing Eurovision, But They Weren't Happy Before, Either
Russia's narrow defeat this weekend in the 2016 Eurovision music contest wasn't the only tension in a competition full of lights, pyrotechnics, and nationalism.
Bulgarian ‘Green’ Activist Faces Lawsuit Over Facebook Post
Bulgarian eco-activist Borislav Sandov was sentenced for "insulting" the director of a mining company through a Facebook status. Court of appeals will hear his case at the end of May.
Macedonia’s Government Is Subsidizing Bad Patriotic Rock Music and People Aren’t Happy
The selection of music involves categories such as "compositions that affirm the history of Macedonia" and "compositions that affirm family values and families with multiple children."
Cue the Next Witch-Hunt Against Russia's News Media
If Moscow is saddling up for another offensive against “foreign agents,” Ilya Ukhov couldn’t have timed it better when he claimed Dozhd might secretly receive funding from the US government.
Ukrainian Activists Leak Personal Information of Thousands of War Reporters in the Donbas
The international journalist community reacted with consternation and anger to a leaked database of reporters accredited with the self-proclaimed "Donetsk People's Republic" published by Ukrainian activists.
Russia's 11-Year-Old Internet King
Last month, a mother living in Moscow felt bad for her 11-year-old son. She felt so bad she turned to Facebook, where she appealed to her friends with a request.
Russian Court Sentences Internet User to Two Years Behind Bars for VKontakte Reposts
A court in Tver region, Russia, has sentenced Internet user Andrey Bubeyev to two years and three months in prison on extremism charges for reposts on social network VKontakte.
Anti-Impunity Activists Say Skopje Marathon Scuffle Is Example of Government’s Violence
"There hasn't been a major incident, but it's obvious that the regime considers even the use of force as a potential weapon."
Russian Internet Experts Push ‘Real Name’ Policy for Comments on News Websites
A new initiative by Kremlin-friendly Internet experts seeks to make anonymous comments on online media websites a thing of the past.
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