SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 17, 2012
The independent radio station Echo of Moscow has long been seen as a paragon of quality journalism in Russia. Now, however, Gazprom is moving to take control of the station's supervisory board. Many fear tough times ahead for press freedoms in the country. By Benjamin Bidder in Moscow more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- December 21, 2011
Members of the Russian art collective Voina are supposed to serve as associate curators for the 2012 Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art, which begins this spring in Germany. Voina's work is drawing attention around the world, but international arrest warrants have been issued for two of the its leaders. By Walter Mayr in St. Petersburg more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- December 12, 2011
The disputed elections in Russia have unleashed a wave of rage and sparked the largest anti-government protests since the end of the Soviet Union, organized via the Internet. The Kremlin seems powerless to stop the online activists as Russians lose their fear. For the first time, Vladimir Putin seems vulnerable. By Benjamin Bidder, Christian Neef and Matthias Schepp more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- October 04, 2011
Five years after the murder of the investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya in Moscow, the identities of the presumed killers are now known. A picture is emerging of a web of intrigue involving the Chechen mafia, shadowy intelligence agents and a corrupt police officer with a gambling addiction. By Benjamin Bidder and Matthias Schepp in Moscow more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- September 26, 2011
Few were surprised on Saturday when Russian President Dmitry Medvedev nominated his predecessor Vladimir Putin to become his successor as well. Fewer still were impressed. German commentators say the move does not bode well for Russia. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- August 24, 2011
Five years after journalist Anna Politkovskaya was murdered in Moscow, Russian police now believe the contract killing may have been organized by one of their own. A retired officer was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of being involved in the murder. more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- July 18, 2011
A week after it emerged that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin would receive a prestigious German prize meant to honor "role models," the sponsoring organization has pulled the plug on this year's entire award ceremony. German commentators agree with critics: Putin has little in common with previous winners. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 31, 2011
For almost five years, Rustum Makhmudov had managed to avoid arrest. Now, the suspected killer of Russian journalist Anna Polikovskaya has been arrested in Chechnya. Investigators hope to learn who else might have been complicit in the murder. By Benjamin Bidder in Moscow more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- December 27, 2010
A Moscow court has found former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky guilty of theft and money laundering in a trial widely criticised as politically motivated. He may have to stay in prison until 2017. more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- December 15, 2010
Russia is taking revenge on its most famous prisoner: oligarch-turned-icon Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the man who embodies the country's contradictions. The verdict in his second trial was abruptly postponed on Wednesday until Dec. 27. He has no prospect of a lenient sentence, let alone an acquittal. By Matthias Schepp more...
