1 February 2009

Stories from 1 February 2009

Russia: Economy Update

  1 February 2009

Edward Hugh writes at A Fistful of Euros: “Russia’s current woes can be readily summed up in just one single variable – the value of the ruble – and this value, as we all know, is falling. Almost uncontrollably so.”

Azerbaijan: Ol! Marks Rasul-zadeh Anniversary

  1 February 2009

Marking the 125th anniversary of the birth of Mammed Amin Rasul-zadeh, one of the founders of the short-lived Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan in the early 20th Century, the Ol! Youth Movement staged a small event in Baku and posts the video on its channel on YouTube.

Tunisia: Attacks on Freedom of Expression

  1 February 2009

The Tunisian government is confirming again its “strong support” for freedom of speech. According to local journalists on Tuesday, January 27th plainclothes policemen surrounded the offices of the newly launched satellite radio station Kalima and detained one of its journalists, Dhafer Ottey. On Wednesday, Kalima’s journalists and reporters stayed in...

Korea: Serial Killer and His Human Rights

  1 February 2009

A man who had an ordinary life and a good reputation in his town found to have killed 7 women over 2 years. He is a father who has two teenage sons. His targets were random. From women who worked at karaoke clubs, to middle-aged women who went back home...

China: Hard to get home in a time for family reunion

  1 February 2009

A journey to home preludes most people's Spring festival. It usually starts a few days before the Chinese New Year eve. And when they are to say goodbye to their families, the short holiday will end with another journey back to a place far away from home. The Spring Festival...

Russia: A Day of Rallies

  1 February 2009

It was sunny in Moscow on Jan. 31, with temperatures around minus 14 degree Celsius/7 degrees Fahrenheit, but despite the cold, the city saw a number of anti-government rallies - and some fighting. Below are a few accounts, some photos, videos, and links.