Russia
Moscow mayor given the boot, but will his replacement be any better?
Russian president Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday fired longstanding Moscow mayor Yuri Luzhkov, criticized for leaving on holiday while forest fires choked his city. But the opposition fears his successor,yet to be named by the Kremlin, will be just another government puppet. Read more...
Ready steady blow: Russia’s inflatable sex doll water sports
There are the serious sporting events... and then there is Russia's Bubble Baba Challenge. The annual race sees hundreds of competitors hurl themselves across river rapids riding inflatable sex dolls. Read more and see the photos...
Mysterious gang of brutal thugs attacks festival-goers
Amateur video footage shows an unknown gang of thugs viciously attacking a crowd of about 3,000 people at a punk rock festival in central Russia. Authorities have accused a local café owner of organising the attack, but our Observer questions this official version, calling it "ridiculous". Read more...
Tales of Russian corruption
Corruption in Russia represents 50% of the country’s GDP, according to a study published on August 16 by the national Human Rights lawyers association. Our Observers in Russia tell us that paying bribes for nearly everything is part of their daily lives. Read more…
"The government says everything's under control, but it's not true"
Since the beginning of August, calls for volunteers to combat the fires that are ravaging the country have increased. Our Observers explain that the measures which have been put into place are just not enough. Read more…
Fans and artists show support for 'hooligan' rapper
Noize MC, Russia’s most prominent rapper, was condemned to 10 days in prison for hooliganism. Other artists and fans have condemned the actions of the police. Read more...
On the hunt for the 'psychopath' police officer
Concerned Russian citizens are on the hunt for a police officer who assaulted a man at a peaceful Saint Petersburg opposition demonstration. Read more...
Moscovites throttled by wildfire smog
Russia's relentless heat wave and ensuing wildfires have transformed the west of the country into something resembling a massive apocalyptic film setting, with eerie smog unfurling itself onto the streets of Moscow. See the amateur pictures...
Protest over disputed Vinci highway plan turns violent
A battle pitting Russian environmentalists against government authorities and French construction firm Vinci took a violent turn on July 28 when dozens of people stormed the administrative building of the Moscow suburb of Khimki, smashing the windows with stones and smoke grenades. Read more and watch the videos...
