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UN calls for investigation to be opened into treatment of homosexuals in Chechnya
The United Nations has requested a full investigation surrounding the LGBT community in Chechnya, as stated by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid al-Hussein, at a briefing in Geneva. According to him, the UN continues to monitor this situation.
In April, Novaya Gazeta published material detailing a campaign in Chechnya, during which hundreds of homosexual men were abducted. Journalists claimed that the victims were tortured and forced to disclose information about other gays whom …
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Media: Ukrainian political prisoner dies in Russian jail
Fontanka website reports that Ukrainian citizen Artur Panov, who was accused by the Russian authorities of preparing a terrorist act in Russia, has died of heart failure at a detention center in Rostov.
On February 14, a trial on the case of Arthur Panov began in the North Caucasus Military District Court of Rostov-on-Don. A Rostov student who was charged with assisting with the Ukrainian’s criminal activities also appeared with Panov in the dock.
Panov was detained in early December 2015 in …
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Lavrov and Tillerson discussed future talks on Syria in Astana
On May 1st, TASS reported that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. The diplomats discussed, among other things, a meeting in Astana dedicated to the Syrian settlement, the press service of the Russian Foreign Ministry reported.
"The foreign ministers briefly exchanged views on the international meeting on Syria held in Astana on May 3rd and 4th," the Ministry's statement says.
Other aspects of bilateral relations were …
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Putin fires 12 high-ranking generals
Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed 12 high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Investigative Committee and the Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM).
As reported on the official information portal, those who lost their positions include Vladimir Artamonov, deputy minister of civil defense and emergency situations, and Rim Gabluddin, colonel of justice and first deputy head of the Russian Investigative Committee for the Republic of Bashkortostan. Yuriy …
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Syrian opposition: Russia wants to create 'zones for reducing tensions' in Syria
Russia has proposed the creation of four zones to reduce tension in Syria: in the Idlib province, north of the city of Homs, in East Ghouta, and in the south of the country. This was reported by RIA Novosti, citing a source in the Syrian opposition.
“Security lines (lines of demarcation) will be created along the entire length of the boundaries of the zones to reduce tension in order to avoid coming into direct contact with fire between the different sides of the Syrian crisis,” said a …