Global Voices Online

After laying the blame for the stabbing of a pro-opposition journalist by his gay lover, Queerty comments on news that the authorities are once again playing the homophobic card in the run-up to the presidential election in Azerbaijan. State TV claims that a leading opposition leader and possible candidate in the October vote is homosexual. Unzipped: Gay Armenia also comments on the news, and says that in a region such as the Caucasus such tactics work every time.

Recent Links also in Central Asia & Caucasus

KZBlog's post is about some good news about the cycling team Astana after losing two premier cyclists and a long period of doubt over funding.

Aravanski reports that the Kyrgyz government sharply increased the prices for electricity and heating, making those barely affordable by most citizens.