rferl--2020-08-11--Kazakh Prosecutor Seeks Year In Prison For Activist Charged With Assaulting Police

ALMATY , Kazakhstan -- The prosecutor in a high-profile case in Kazakhstan ’ s largest city , Almaty , has asked a court to sentence civil right activist Asya Tulesova to one year in prison for allegedly knocking the hat off of a police officer during a recent protest and verbally insulting five other police .
Prosecutor Erlan Qulanbaev on August 11 also asked the Medeu District Court to impose a fine against Tulesova of 222,000 tenges , or about $ 530 , in connection with the assault charges filed against her .
Tulesova has rejected the charges as politically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the six police officers who were involved in an altercation with her .
Tulesova , 36 , was arrested two days after she took part in an unsanctioned demonstration in Almaty on June 6 .
Investigators say Tulesova knocked the hat off of one police officer and verbally insulted his colleagues while they were forcibly detaining protesters at the rally .
More than 100 protesters were arrested at the June 6 rally -- which took place after calls for peaceful , nationwide gatherings were made by two opposition groups -- the unregistered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic Movement of Kazakhstan .
Tulesova , known for her civic engagement and environmental activism , gained broad notoriety in Kazakhstan in April 2019 when she held up a protest banner during a marathon race in Almaty with the words , `` You ca n't run from the truth . ''
Tulesova and her friend Beibarys Tolymbekov were later sentenced to 15 days in jail over that protest on charges of violating Kazakhstan 's restrictive public-assembly law .
Human Rights Watch has urged Kazakh authorities to drop all charges against Tulesova and immediately @ @ @ @ @

ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- The prosecutor in a high-profile case in Kazakhstan’s largest city, Almaty, has asked a court to sentence civil right activist Asya Tulesova to one year in prison for allegedly knocking the hat off of a police officer during a recent protest and verbally insulting five other police.
Prosecutor Erlan Qulanbaev on August 11 also asked the Medeu District Court to impose a fine against Tulesova of 222,000 tenges, or about $530, in connection with the assault charges filed against her.
Tulesova has rejected the charges as politically motivated. But she has offered apologies to the six police officers who were involved in an altercation with her.
Tulesova, 36, was arrested two days after she took part in an unsanctioned demonstration in Almaty on June 6.
Investigators say Tulesova knocked the hat off of one police officer and verbally insulted his colleagues while they were forcibly detaining protesters at the rally.
More than 100 protesters were arrested at the June 6 rally -- which took place after calls for peaceful, nationwide gatherings were made by two opposition groups -- the unregistered Democratic Party of Kazakhstan and the banned Democratic Movement of Kazakhstan.
Tulesova, known for her civic engagement and environmental activism, gained broad notoriety in Kazakhstan in April 2019 when she held up a protest banner during a marathon race in Almaty with the words, "You can't run from the truth."
Tulesova and her friend Beibarys Tolymbekov were later sentenced to 15 days in jail over that protest on charges of violating Kazakhstan's restrictive public-assembly law.
Human Rights Watch has urged Kazakh authorities to drop all charges against Tulesova and immediately release her from custody.


rferl--2020-08-11--Tajik Authorites Say Transport Minister Hospitalized After 'Suicide Attempt'

DUSHANBE -- Tajikistan 's Transport Minister Khudoyor Khudoyorzoda has been hospitalized after what authorities in the Central Asian former Soviet @ @ @ @ @ suicide .
Tajikistan 's Prosecutor-General 's Office says the 62-year-old Khudoyorzoda used a knife to @ @ @ @ @ he 'd had an argument with members of his family during the early morning hours @ @ @ @ @ statement from the Prosecutor-General 's Office did not specify details about the family argument it @ @ @ @ @ in .
`` Currently , Khudoyorzoda is being treated in the Istiqlol hospital , '' @ @ @ @ @ .
`` A surgical operation was performed on him and his current health condition is @ @ @ @ @ an investigation has been launched into the incident .
Sources close to law enforcement told @ @ @ @ @ has saved him by calling for an ambulance and providing him with first aid until @ @ @ @ @

DUSHANBE -- Tajikistan's Transport Minister Khudoyor Khudoyorzoda has been hospitalized after what authorities in the Central Asian former Soviet republic say was an attempted suicide.
Tajikistan's Prosecutor-General's Office says the 62-year-old Khudoyorzoda used a knife to try to kill himself after he'd had an argument with members of his family during the early morning hours of August 11.
A statement from the Prosecutor-General's Office did not specify details about the family argument it said Khudoyorzoda had been involved in.
"Currently, Khudoyorzoda is being treated in the Istiqlol hospital," the August 11 statement said. "A surgical operation was performed on him and his current health condition is satisfactory."
Authorities said an investigation has been launched into the incident.
Sources close to law enforcement told RFE/RL that relatives of Khudoyorzoda has saved him by calling for an ambulance and providing him with first aid until emergency medical workers arrived.
Khudoyorzoda has headed Tajikistan's Transport Ministry since 2017.


rferl--2020-08-11--U.S. Welcomes Slovakia’s Decision To Expel Russian Diplomats

The U.S. State Department has welcomed Slovakia ’ s decision to expel three Russian diplomats -- a move that media in Slovakia have linked to the 2019 killing in Berlin of a former Chechen rebel from Georgia .
State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus wrote on Twitter on August 11 that the U.S. “ applauds the recent actions taken by Slovakia to protect against threats that foreign malign actors pose to its sovereignty.
” “ [ Slovakia ] has sent a clear signal that it will not tolerate Russia ’ s politically-motivated criminal acts , ” Ortagus wrote .
On August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tomaga said the three Russian diplomats had violated the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and must leave Slovakia by the end of the week .
According to Tomaga , the decision also was a reaction to the misuse of a Schengen visa issued by Slovakia 's consulate in St. Petersburg that led to `` a serious crime…on the territory of another NATO and EU member state . ''
Russian media quoted Foreign Ministry officials in Moscow as saying that Russia will respond to the expulsions `` in a similar way.
” Slovakia 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizen used a Slovak visa to enter Germany in 2019 and later became a suspect in the Berlin killing of Zelimkhan Khangoshvili , a Georgian national of Chechen origin .
German authorities apprehended the suspect and prosecutors have accused Russia of ordering the murder , a charge that Moscow denies .
The investigative website Bellingcat earlier named the suspect as a Russian citizen , Vadim Krasikov , saying he was a contract killer who grew up in Kazakhstan .
With reporting by AFP , Dennik N , TASS , and dpa

The U.S. State Department has welcomed Slovakia’s decision to expel three Russian diplomats -- a move that media in Slovakia have linked to the 2019 killing in Berlin of a former Chechen rebel from Georgia.
State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus wrote on Twitter on August 11 that the U.S. “applauds the recent actions taken by Slovakia to protect against threats that foreign malign actors pose to its sovereignty.”
“[Slovakia] has sent a clear signal that it will not tolerate Russia’s politically-motivated criminal acts,” Ortagus wrote.
On August 10, Slovak Foreign Ministry spokesman Juraj Tomaga said the three Russian diplomats had violated the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and must leave Slovakia by the end of the week.
According to Tomaga, the decision also was a reaction to the misuse of a Schengen visa issued by Slovakia's consulate in St. Petersburg that led to "a serious crime…on the territory of another NATO and EU member state."
Russian media quoted Foreign Ministry officials in Moscow as saying that Russia will respond to the expulsions "in a similar way.”
Slovakia's Dennik N daily reported that a Russian citizen used a Slovak visa to enter Germany in 2019 and later became a suspect in the Berlin killing of Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, a Georgian national of Chechen origin.
German authorities apprehended the suspect and prosecutors have accused Russia of ordering the murder, a charge that Moscow denies.
The investigative website Bellingcat earlier named the suspect as a Russian citizen, Vadim Krasikov, saying he was a contract killer who grew up in Kazakhstan.
With reporting by AFP, Dennik N, TASS, and dpa


rferl--2020-08-11--Putin Says Russia Registers Coronavirus Vaccine, His Daughter Inoculated

Russian President Vladimir Putin says a coronavirus vaccine developed in Russia has been registered for use and that one of his daughters has already been inoculated .
Putin made the announcement at a government meeting on August 11 , saying the vaccine had proven to be `` efficient '' during initial tests and could provide lasting immunity from the coronavirus .
More than 100 possible vaccines are being developed around the world , and at least four are in final Phase 3 of testing in human trials .
Phase 3 trials usually involve thousands of people and last for months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( WHO ) .
Russia is the first country to register a coronavirus vaccine .
But scientists within Russia and abroad have voiced skepticism , questioning the decision to register the vaccine before Phase 3 trials have been completed .
The WHO last week urged Russia to follow established guidelines and go `` through all the stages '' necessary to develop a safe vaccine .
But Putin insists that the Russian vaccine underwent the necessary tests , adding that one of his two daughters had received it and was feeling well .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to begin mass production in the near future , which is important , '' Putin said , stressing that inoculation `` should be done on a strictly voluntary basis . ''
Russia 's government has said that health workers , teachers , and people in other high-risk categories will be the first to be offered the vaccine .
Russia has nearly 860,000 registered cases of COVID-19 -- the fourth-highest number in the world -- and more than 14,300 deaths , according to a global tally kept by Johns Hopkins University .
 Based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AP , dpa , and Interfax

President Vladimir Putin said a coronavirus vaccine developed in Russia has been approved for use, despite not undergoing clinical tests and no data being made public.
Putin made the announcement at a government meeting on August 11, saying the vaccine had proven to be "efficient" during initial tests and could provide lasting immunity from the coronavirus.
More than 100 possible vaccines are being developed around the world, and at least four are in final Phase 3 of testing in human trials.
Phase 3 trials usually involve thousands of people and last for months, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Russia is the first country to register a coronavirus vaccine. But scientists within Russia and abroad have voiced skepticism, questioning the decision to register the vaccine before Phase 3 trials have been completed.
The WHO last week urged Russia to follow established guidelines and go "through all the stages" necessary to develop a safe vaccine.
But Putin insists that the Russian vaccine underwent the necessary tests, adding that one of his two daughters had received it and was feeling well.
"I hope that we will be able to begin mass production in the near future, which is important," Putin said, stressing that inoculation "should be done on a strictly voluntary basis."
Russia's government has said that health workers, teachers, and people in other high-risk categories will be the first to be offered the vaccine.
Russia has nearly 860,000 registered cases of COVID-19 -- the fourth-highest number in the world -- and more than 14,300 deaths, according to a global tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.
The World Health Organization's spokesman in Geneva, Tarik Jasarevic, said it was in "close contact" with Russian health authorities but that it was too soon for any approval.
"Prequalification of any vaccine includes the rigorous review and assessment of all the required safety and efficacy data," he said.
A spokesman for the German Health Ministry told the newspaper group RND that "there is no known data on the quality, efficacy, and safety of the Russian vaccine," adding that "patient safety is of the highest priority."
Meanwhile, the Pan American Health Organization expressed concerns that some institutions in the region were negotiating to manufacture and distribute any COVID-19 vaccine from Russia without standard safety and efficacy trials.
U.S. Health Secretary Alex Azar, asked about Russia's announcement, said safety was paramount and late-stage trials were key. He said the United States was on track for an effective vaccine by the end of the year, with six candidates under development.
"The point is not to be first with a vaccine. The point is to have a vaccine that is safe and effective," Azar told ABC.
"We hope it's true, but as is so often the case with Russia: trust but verify," the acting chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, Tyler Goodspeed, said on the Fox Business Network, referencing a Russian proverb cited by former U.S. President Ronald Reagan in negotiations with the Kremlin.
With reporting by Reuters, AFP, AP, dpa, and Interfax


rferl--2020-08-11--Pompeo Arrives In Czech Republic At Start Of Central Europe Visit

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Prague on August 11 to open a five-day visit to Central Europe with an agenda including China 's role in 5G network construction .
Pompeo will spend two days in the Czech Republic before traveling to Slovenia , Austria , and Poland , which is eager to welcome some of the U.S. troops leaving Germany to guard against historic adversary Russia .
The focus will be on Pompeo 's campaign for nations to reject cooperation with Huawei , the Chinese telecom giant considered a threat by Washington as it takes a lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe 's energy dependence on Russia .
In Prague , Pompeo will join his Czech counterpart Tomas Petricek on a trip to Plzen to pay tribute to U.S. troops that liberated the western Czech city in 1945 .
On August 12 , he will meet Czech and U.S. tech companies over 5G before talks with Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis .
Pompeo will also deliver a speech in the Czech Senate and hold a short meeting with the pro-Russian , pro-Chinese Czech President Milos Zeman .
On August 13 , Pompeo will travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sign a bilateral agreement on 5G security .
The same day , Pompeo will travel to Austria to meet Chancellor Sebastian Kurz for talks on U.S.-Austrian trade and Austria 's involvement in peacekeeping missions worldwide .
Finally , the secretary will move to Poland on August 15 to discuss the redeployment of troops pulled from Germany .
The Pentagon has recently said the United States would bring home some 6,400 military personnel from Germany and shift nearly 5,600 more to other NATO allies .
Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak has said that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional troops to Poland .

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated that there can be no advancement in the relationship between the United States and Afghanistan's Taliban rulers unless there is an improvement in the treatment of women in the country.
Speaking to reporters on August 15, the two-year anniversary of the Taliban’s seizure of power in Kabul, Blinken said the United States continues to work to hold the Taliban accountable for the commitments that it's made, particularly when it comes to the rights of women and girls.
"We've been very clear with the Taliban -- and dozens of countries around the world have been very clear -- that the path to any more normal relationship between the Taliban and other countries will be blocked unless and until the rights of women and girls among other things are actually supported," Blinken said.
No country has recognized the Taliban-led government, and the United States has avoided direct economic engagement in part over the treatment of women and girls, who have seen their rights drastically curbed by the hard-line Islamists. This includes a ban on women working in local and international nongovernmental organizations and a ban on education beyond the sixth grade.
The Taliban stormed back to power in August 2021 after President Joe Biden withdrew U.S. troops under the terms of an agreement reached in February 2020 between the Taliban and the administration of then-U.S. President Donald Trump.
Blinken defended the pullout and said the United States was not focused on other priorities.
"The decision to withdraw from Afghanistan was an incredibly difficult one, but also the right one," Blinken said. "We ended America's longest war. For the first time in 20 years, we don't have another generation of young Americans going to fight and die."
A number of international human rights organizations earlier on August 15 called the Taliban's two years of rule shameful and worrying.
Amnesty International and several other international human rights organizations demanded in a statement an effective response to the situation, noting the Taliban's strict decrees against human rights in Afghanistan, especially against women and girls.
The organizations said in a statement that in the past two years, the Taliban has increasingly imposed harmful policies against women and girls and religious and ethnic minorities that clearly violate Afghanistan's obligations under international human rights law.
The Taliban has previously rejected reports on the treatment of women as propaganda of international organizations. The militant group's leaders have said they have strengthened all the rights of women in Afghanistan in light of Islamic principles.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief spokesman for the Taliban, said in an interview with the AP marking the second anniversary of the Taliban takeover of the country that the Taliban views its rule of Afghanistan as open-ended and as drawing legitimacy from Islamic law. He also suggested a ban on female education will remain in place.
Female activist Soheila Yousefi calls the situation alarming and wants the world to pay attention.
"The international community should take serious action in this regard because the world chose to be silent in these two years and did not take any practical steps. Our request is that they should look at the current situation in Afghanistan, then take a serious and comprehensive review."
The Taliban did not respond to Radio Azadi's questions before the release of the report, but the rulers have spoken of strengthening human rights in Afghanistan, especially the rights of women and girls, according to Islamic principles.
With reporting by AP and AFP


rferl--2020-08-11--Schools In Armenia To Reopen On September 15, Education Minister Says

Schools in Armenia closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic will reopen their doors to students on September 15 , Education Minister Arayik Harutiunian said on August 10 .
Harutiunian made the announcement after discussions among senior government officials coordinating the coronavirus state of emergency .
The minister added that vocational training colleges and music and art schools will also reopen on September 15 .
All establishments must comply with sanitary and hygienic rules set by the government , Harutiunian stressed .
According to the minister , decisions on universities and a number of other educational institutions will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Authorities overseeing the state of emergency , our other partners , and the ministry have jointly developed detailed procedures and guidelines on all issues , which will be published and shared in the coming days , ” Harutiunian said on Facebook .
He said teachers , parents , and students `` must work together to ensure a successful start and a smooth course of the academic year , taking into account the restrictions caused by the pandemic and excluding media provocations.
” All schools , universities , and other general education institutions have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic in March when they switched to distance learning to ensure the continuity of the educational process .
The current state of emergency in Armenia is due to end on August 12 , but the government plans to extend it for another month .
Armenia has recorded 40,433 coronavirus cases and 796 deaths , according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University .

Schools in Armenia closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic will reopen their doors to students on September 15, Education Minister Arayik Harutiunian said on August 10.
Harutiunian made the announcement after discussions among senior government officials coordinating the coronavirus state of emergency.
The minister added that vocational training colleges and music and art schools will also reopen on September 15.
All establishments must comply with sanitary and hygienic rules set by the government, Harutiunian stressed.
According to the minister, decisions on universities and a number of other educational institutions will be made within the next week.
“Authorities overseeing the state of emergency, our other partners, and the ministry have jointly developed detailed procedures and guidelines on all issues, which will be published and shared in the coming days,” Harutiunian said on Facebook.
He said teachers, parents, and students "must work together to ensure a successful start and a smooth course of the academic year, taking into account the restrictions caused by the pandemic and excluding media provocations.”
All schools, universities, and other general education institutions have remained closed since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in March when they switched to distance learning to ensure the continuity of the educational process.
The current state of emergency in Armenia is due to end on August 12, but the government plans to extend it for another month.
Armenia has recorded 40,433 coronavirus cases and 796 deaths, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.
Based on reporting by Robert Zargaryan


rferl--2020-08-11--Opposition Candidate Tsikhanouskaya Leaves Belarus Amid Protests

MINSK -- Belarusian opposition presidential candidate Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya has left Belarus and is in Lithuania , the Baltic country 's foreign minister , Linas Linkevicius , announced on Twitter on August 11 amid protests across Belarus over a presidential election that the opposition says was rigged .
Appearing visually shaken in a video released on August 1 by the tut.by news website , Tsikhanouskaya said that she 'd made the decision to leave Belarus on her own .
It was not immediately clear whether the video had been made in Belarus on August 10 or after she 'd arrived in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Maryya Kalesnikava , said on August 11 that the video statement was made under duress after Tsikhanouskaya had been held without a lawyer for three hours by `` high-ranking law enforcement '' officers when she tried to file a formal complaint about the official election results at the headquarters of the Central Election Commission in Minsk .
`` Svyatlana was there without contact with us , '' Kalesnikava said .
`` The recent video is the result of these three hours . ''
`` I made a very difficult decision , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made by myself .
Neither friends , relatives , the campaign team , nor Syarhey ( Tsikhanouskaya 's husband ) could affect it in any way .
I know that many will understand me , many will judge me , and many will hate me .
But , you know , God forbid , [ you have to ] face the dilemma I had to face . ''
In another video released on August 11 on the Telegram channel of the Russia-based MBKhMedia and Belarus 's pro-government Telegram channel Zhyoltye Slivy , Tsikhanouskaya @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good judgment '' and to show `` respect for the law . ''
`` I do not want blood and violence , '' Tsikhanouskaya said in that 37-second video clip .
`` I ask you not to stand against police , do not go out to the squares so that you do not put your lives in danger .
Take care of yourselves and your loved ones . ''
A transcript from the second video clip that emerged on August 11 also was published by BelTa -- the Belarusian state-run news agency .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a second night of protests across the country over an official tally that gave incumbent President Alyaksandr Lukashenka a landslide victory .
At least one protester died in Minsk overnight amid clashes between riot police and demonstrators .
Police also used tear gas , water cannon , and stun grenades to disperse crowds of demonstrators overnight in more than a dozen other cities across Belarus -- including Babruysk , Brest , Vitsebsk , Homel , Hrodna , Mahilyou , Byaroza , and Mazyr .
RFE/RL ’ s correspondents reported from the southeastern city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were detained overnight when riot police moved in and violently dispersed a crowd of demonstrators .
One young woman who was detained in Homel told RFE/RL that she witnessed severe beatings of other detainees by police who were holding them in custody .
Meanwhile , opponents of Lukashenka have called for a nationwide strike beginning at noon on August 11 .
Opposition figures also have called for protests to continue across the country on August 11 , including a mass demonstration called for in Minsk at 6 p.m. local time. The Investigative Committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on August 11 that they would face repercussions for `` illegal actions . ''
`` The Investigative Committee once again appeals to citizens .
Do not follow provocations by the organizers of the riots , '' it said in a statement .
`` Think about the consequences of your actions , be prudent .
We remind you that such illegal actions will certainly lead to criminal liability . ''
In Lithuania , Foreign Minister Linkevicius tweeted early on August 11 that : `` Svetlana # Tikhanovskaya is safe .
She is in # @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lithuania and is safe , '' Linkevicius later told AFP , without providing further details .
But Tsikhanouskaya 's spokesperson Volha Kavalkova said on August 11 that Belarusian authorities had taken Tsikhanouskaya out of the country .
`` Svyatlana had no choice , '' Kavalkova said .
`` It is important that she is free and alive .
She left along with her campaign chief Maryya Maroz .
But part of Svyatlana ’ s team continues to be held hostage here ” in Belarus .
Kavalkova said Tsikhanouskaya 's campaign team would hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 .
But she said the campaign team now has two main goals -- to defend the choice of the Belarusian people and to stop violence and bloodshed .
`` The situation is critical now , '' Kavalkova said .
`` No matter how difficult it is for all of us , we need to avoid violence .
We must defend our victory in legal , nonviolent ways .
We call on all democratic forces and supporters of change to unite . ''
Meanwhile , the Belarusian Interior Ministry confirmed that one protester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 .
The ministry said an unidentified explosive device blew up in his hand as he was trying to throw it at police .
But witnesses and correspondents at the scene say police were shooting stun grenades into a crowd of protesters at the time of the demonstrator 's death .
RFE/RL ’ s Belarus Service reports that several thousand people were in the area at the time and traffic had been partially blocked as some demonstrators built barricades in central Minsk .
Access to the Internet remained blocked for a third day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Belarus report they 've been unable to use their mobile phones because their SIM cards have been blocked .
Tsikhanouskaya 's team had been unable to reach her by phone on August 10 after she left the election commission building .
Earlier she told reporters she considered herself to have won the election , not Lukashenka .
Preliminary official results announced by the Central Election Commission ( TsVK ) on August 10 gave Lukashenka a landslide victory with more than 80 percent of the vote while the official tally for Tsikhanouskaya was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the race after her husband , a popular vlogger and potential opposition candidate , was jailed .
She has said she now considers herself the election winner .
`` The authorities are not listening to us .
The authorities need to think about peaceful ways to hand over power , '' she said on August 10 .
`` Of course we do not recognize the results . ''
In its first comment since the election , the White House said it was `` deeply concerned by the Belarus presidential election ... and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right to peaceably assemble and to refrain from the use of force . ''
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo echoed that sentiment in a separate statement , urging the Belarusian government “ to respect the rights of all Belarusians to participate in peaceful assembly , refrain from use of force , and release those wrongfully detained.
” Britain had called on Belarus to refrain from further violence against protesters following what it called the `` seriously flawed '' vote , while France urged security forces to exhibit `` the greatest restraint .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hold talks with the authorities , but the government didn ’ t respond .
Belarusians are upset over the economy , the government ’ s response to the coronavirus pandemic , and human rights abuses in Lukashenka ’ s 26 years in office .
Lukashenka on August 10 repeated allegations that forces abroad were trying to manipulate protesters , whom he referred to as `` sheep , '' in order to topple him .
`` There were phone calls from Poland , Great Britain , and the Czech Republic , to manage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sheep , '' Lukashenka said during a meeting with Sergei Lebedev , the chairman of the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth of Independent States .
`` They are trying to orchestrate mayhem , '' said Lukashenka .
`` But I have already warned : there will be no revolution . ''
With reporting by RFE/RL 's Belarus Service , BelTA , Reuters , AP , and AFP

MINSK -- Demonstrators gathering in the Belarusian capital for a third straight day to protest the official election results were met by a heavy police presence, with protest chants and car horns answered by tear gas fired by security forces.
The international community, meanwhile, continued to weigh in on the August 9 election, with the European Union declaring the vote "neither free nor fair" and threatening to impose sanctions against those responsible for the violence against peaceful protesters.
Live video streamed online from central Minsk showed multiple incidents in which people were forcibly detained by police in full riot gear.
In one case, OMON security forces called for backup to come quickly as they pinned a man to the ground as demonstrators, many recording video on their phones, approached.
The man was eventually dragged to a waiting van and driven away.
A similar scene unfolded in front of the Pushkin subway station, one of seven stations in the city center that were closed as the authorities braced for another night of protests against what opponents of President Alyaksandr Lukashenka have called a "rigged" election.
Preliminary official results of the August 9 vote announced by the Central Election Commission (TsVK) gave Lukashenka a landslide victory with more than 80 percent of the vote, while the official tally for his main rival, Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, was less than 10 percent.
The latest demonstrations took place after it was announced that Tsikhanouskaya had left Belarus and was in Lithuania.
Tsikhanouskaya surfacing in Lithuania -- announced by the Baltic country's foreign minister, Linas Linkevicius, on Twitter on August 11 -- followed reports that she had visited Belarus's Central Election Commission (CEC) headquarters on August 10 to file a complaint about the official outcome of the vote.
Tsikhanouskaya had refused to accept the results, which sparked nationwide protests that featured clashes between police and demonstrators who claim the vote was rigged.
Appearing emotionally shaken in a video released on August 11 and uploaded on the YouTube channel of her husband, Syarhey Tskihanouski, Tsikhanouskaya was shown reading a prepared statement in which she said she'd made the decision to leave Belarus on her own. It was not immediately clear whether the video had been made in Belarus on August 10 or after she'd arrived in Lithuania:
"I made a very difficult decision," Tsikhanouskaya said in the video. "That decision I made by myself. Neither friends, relatives, the campaign team, nor Syarhey could affect it in any way. I know that many will understand me, many will judge me, and many will hate me. But, you know, God forbid, [you have to] face the dilemma I had to face."
But an ally of Tsikhanouskaya, Maryya Kalesnikava, said on August 11 that the video statement was made under duress after Tsikhanouskaya had been held without a lawyer for three hours by "high-ranking law enforcement" officers when she tried to register her complaint.
"Svyatlana was there without contact with us," Kalesnikava said. "The recent video is the result of these three hours."
A second video -- also released on August 11, but on the Telegram channel of the Russia-based MBKhMedia and Belarus's pro-government Telegram channel Zhyoltye Slivy -- showed Tsikhanouskaya wearing the same clothing and sitting on a green couch that cybersleuths said looked strikingly similar to furniture previously seen in video footage taken in the CEC headquarters.
In that video, Tsikhanouskaya called on all Belarusians to use "good judgment" and to show "respect for the law."
"I do not want blood and violence," Tsikhanouskaya said in that 37-second video clip. "I ask you not to stand against police, do not go out to the squares so that you do not put your lives in danger. Take care of yourselves and your loved ones."
As evening set in on August 11, RFE/RL's Belarus Service reported that there had been small-scale attempts to protest the vote with strikes and sit-ins. Live-stream footage carried by Current Time, the Russian-language network led by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, showed a heavy police presence and peaceful demonstrators gathering in the city center, chanting "Hello Belarus" and holding up protest signs.
The BBC reported that there was nearly no Internet service available in the capital and in other major cities, and that hospitals were "ready to receive large numbers of casualties."
The two nights of protests have resulted in hundreds of arrests. Scores of injuries have been reported and at least one protester died in Minsk overnight on August 9-10 amid clashes between riot police and demonstrators.
The Belarusian Interior Ministry confirmed that one protester died in Minsk. The ministry said an unidentified explosive device blew up in his hand as he was trying to throw it at police.
But witnesses and correspondents at the scene say police were shooting stun grenades into a crowd of protesters at the time of the demonstrator's death.
Police also used tear gas, water cannons, and stun grenades to disperse crowds of demonstrators overnight in more than a dozen other cities across Belarus -- including Babruysk, Brest, Vitsebsk, Homel, Hrodna, Mahilyou, Byaroza, and Mazyr.
RFE/RL’s correspondents reported from the southeastern city of Homel that at least 500 people were detained overnight when riot police moved in and violently dispersed a crowd of demonstrators.
In an August 11 press release, Human Rights Watch said that Belarusian security forces had "viciously beat and detained largely peaceful protesters over the country’s election outcome on August 9 and 10" and had "variously used stun grenades, rubber bullets and slugs, blanks from AK-variant rifles, and tear gas."
The same day, the Investigative Committee of Belarus warned citizens that they would face repercussions for "illegal actions."
"The Investigative Committee once again appeals to citizens. Do not follow provocations by the organizers of the riots," it said in a statement. "Think about the consequences of your actions, be prudent. We remind you that such illegal actions will certainly lead to criminal liability."
Tsikhanouskaya's spokesperson Volha Kavalkova said on August 11 that Belarusian authorities had taken Tsikhanuskaya out of the country.
"Svyatlana had no choice," Kavalkova said. "It is important that she is free and alive. She left along with her campaign chief Maryya Maroz. But part of Svyatlana’s team continues to be held hostage here” in Belarus.
Kavalkova said Tsikhanouskaya's campaign team would hold "emergency consultations" later on August 11. But she said the campaign team now has two main goals: to defend the choice of the Belarusian people and to stop violence and bloodshed.
Tsikhanouskaya entered the race after her husband, a popular vlogger and potential opposition candidate, was jailed.
She has said she considers herself the election winner.
On August 11, EU chief diplomat Josep Borrell, writing on behalf of EU members, declared that the vote was "neither free nor fair" and threatened "measures on those responsible for the observed violence, unjustified arrests, and falsification of election results."
In its first comment since the election, the White House said on August 10 that it was "deeply concerned by the Belarus presidential election...and we urge the Belarusian government to respect the right to peaceably assemble and to refrain from the use of force."
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo echoed that sentiment in a separate statement on August 10, urging the Belarusian government “to respect the rights of all Belarusians to participate in peaceful assembly, refrain from use of force, and release those wrongfully detained.”
The Belarusian parliament on August 11 condemned what it called attempts by a "few politically biased groups" to destabilize the country, saying that "the path of violence is unacceptable for the Belarusian people."
Lukashenka on August 10 repeated allegations that forces abroad were trying to manipulate protesters, whom he referred to as "sheep," in order to topple him.
With reporting by RFE/RL's Belarus Service, BelTA, Reuters, AP, and AFP


rferl--2020-08-11--Nord Stream 2 Construction On Agenda Of German-Russian Meeting

German authorities have made a total of 17 requests for information to Russia in connection with the murder in a Berlin park of a Georgian citizen , but to no avail , Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in Moscow on August 11 .
In August 2019 , Zelimkhan Khangoshvili , a former Chechen separatist fighter who had fled from Georgia to Germany , was shot dead in Berlin .
German prosecutors have filed murder charges against a Russian national in that case and accused the Russian government of ordering the killing .
Maas , speaking at a news conference following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov , said there would be consequences if a court concurred with prosecutors ' conclusion that the murder had been ordered by a Russian state body .
`` It 's up to the court what the verdict will be .
That will be the basis for our reaction , '' Maas said .
If the court reached the same conclusion , he said `` one must also expect further reactions . ''
Lavrov , in turn , said Moscow has provided Berlin with all the information it could on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide evidence to Russia that supports the German prosecutor-general 's claim that Russian state officials ordered the killing .
`` Our relevant agencies passed on all they could to their German counterparts in response to the requests that were sent to us , '' Lavrov said .
Maas was in Moscow on August 11 for talks with Lavrov expected to center mainly on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project .
The pipeline , under construction in the Baltic Sea , would double Russia 's direct natural gas exports to Germany while bypassing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of dollars in gas-transit fees .
The United States has long opposed Nord Stream 2 , which has increasingly become a source of friction between Berlin and Washington .
The United States argues the project will endanger European security by making Germany overly dependent on Russian gas .
The United States already has imposed sanctions aimed at companies working on the project , saying the pipeline will increase the European Union 's dependence on Russia for natural gas .
German officials have condemned the U.S. sanctions , and some critics argue that behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its own desire to sell its liquefied natural gas to Europe .
With reporting by Reuters and Interfax

German authorities have made a total of 17 requests for information to Russia in connection with the murder in a Berlin park of a Georgian citizen, but to no avail, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in Moscow on August 11.
In August 2019, Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, a former Chechen separatist fighter who had fled from Georgia to Germany, was shot dead in Berlin. German prosecutors have filed murder charges against a Russian national in that case and accused the Russian government of ordering the killing.
Maas, speaking at a news conference following talks in Moscow on August 11 with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, said there would be consequences if a court concurred with prosecutors' conclusion that the murder had been ordered by a Russian state body.
"It's up to the court what the verdict will be. That will be the basis for our reaction," Maas said. If the court reached the same conclusion, he said "one must also expect further reactions."
Lavrov, in turn, said Moscow has provided Berlin with all the information it could on the murder.
Lavrov said Berlin should provide evidence to Russia that supports the German prosecutor-general's claim that Russian state officials ordered the killing.
"Our relevant agencies passed on all they could to their German counterparts in response to the requests that were sent to us," Lavrov
said.
Maas was in Moscow on August 11 for talks with Lavrov expected to center mainly on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project.
The pipeline, under construction in the Baltic Sea, would double Russia's direct natural gas exports to Germany while bypassing Ukraine, which stands to lose billions of dollars in gas-transit fees.
The United States has long opposed Nord Stream 2, which has increasingly become a source of friction between Berlin and Washington. The United States argues the project will endanger European security by making Germany overly dependent on Russian gas.
The United States already has imposed sanctions aimed at companies working on the project, saying the pipeline will increase the European Union's dependence on Russia for natural gas.
German officials have condemned the U.S. sanctions, and some critics argue that behind U.S. opposition to the pipeline project is its own desire to sell its liquefied natural gas to Europe.
"No state has the right to dictate Europe's energy policy with threats, and that will not succeed," Maas told reporters in Moscow.
Sanctions among allies are "definitely the wrong way to go," Maas said after his meeting with Lavrov.
Lavrov told reporters that, despite the challenges, the pipeline would be completed in the near future.
With reporting by Reuters, Interfax, and dpa


rferl--2020-08-11--Belarus Rocked By Third Night Of Post-Election Protests As Thousands Detained

Belarus witnessed a third night of post-election protests on August 11 after top presidential challenger Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya left for Lithuania amid a widening government crackdown on the opposition .
Riot police fired tear gas , rubber bullets , and stun grenades to disperse protesters in the capital , Minsk , where live streamed video and social media showed people being detained by police at multiple locations .
RFE/RL ’ s Belarus Service reported authorities were enforcing a de facto curfew , detaining people walking on the streets , stopping cars and detaining some drivers , and limiting public transportation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , journalists , and cars honking horns .
Security forces sought to prevent people gathering in central squares and near administrative buildings .
Several protesters were detained at Pushkin metro station , which is expected to become a center of protest as people leave flowers and white ribbons to honor a man who died there on August 10 .
Demonstrations and clashes with police were also reported in several towns across the Eastern European country .
The protests appeared to be smaller than on previous nights when tens of thousands of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results of what the opposition says was a rigged August 9 election extending President Alyaksandr Lukashenka ’ s 26-year rule .
Observers said the lower turnout may reflect the decentralized nature of the protests , part of a strategy of action at multiple locations in the capital to spread out security forces .
Internet service has also been down , depriving protesters of information about where to congregate .
The harsh crackdown – with more than 5,000 people detained , some 200 hospitalized , and one dead since the election – came after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ landslide victory with more than 80 percent of the vote while the official tally for his main rival , Tsikhanouskaya , was less than 10 percent .
The latest demonstrations took place after Tsikhanouskaya surfaced in Lithuania on August 11 following reports that a day earlier she had visited Belarus 's Central Election Commission ( CEC ) headquarters to file a complaint about the official outcome of the vote .
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius told Current Time , the Russian-language network led by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA , that his country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` because there was an element of danger . ''
`` We can only judge that she did n't have much choice : either leave the country or the other consequences would not be good , ” Linkevicius said .
Appearing visually shaken in a video released on August 11 and uploaded on her husband 's - Syarhey Tskihanouski -- YouTube channel , Tsikhanouskaya was shown reading a prepared statement in which she said she 'd made the decision to leave Belarus on her own .
It was not immediately clear whether the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August 10 or after she 'd arrived in Lithuania .
`` I made a very difficult decision , '' Tsikhanouskaya said in the video .
`` That decision I made by myself .
Neither friends , relatives , the campaign team , nor Syarhey could affect it in any way .
I know that many will understand me , many will judge me , and many will hate me .
But , you know , God forbid , [ you have to ] face the dilemma I had to face . ''
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said on August 11 that the video statement was made under duress after Tsikhanouskaya had been held without a lawyer for three hours by `` high-ranking law enforcement '' officers when she tried to register her complaint .
`` Svyatlana was there without contact with us , '' Kalesnikava said .
`` The recent video is the result of these three hours . ''
A second video -- also released on August 11 , but on the Telegram channel of the Russia-based MBKhMedia and Belarus 's pro-government Telegram channel Zhyoltye Slivy -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sitting on a green couch that cyber-sleuths said looked strikingly similar to furniture previously seen in video footage taken in the CEC headquarters .
In that video , Tsikhanouskaya called on all Belarusians to use `` good judgment '' and to show `` respect for the law . ''
`` I do not want blood and violence , '' Tsikhanouskaya said in the 37-second video clip .
`` I ask you not to stand against police , do not go out to the squares so that you do not put your lives in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your loved ones . ''
Tsikhanouskaya 's spokesperson Volha Kavalkova said on August 11 that Belarusian authorities had taken Tsikhanuskaya out of the country .
`` Svyatlana had no choice , '' Kavalkova said .
`` It is important that she is free and alive .
She left along with her campaign chief Maryya Maroz .
But part of Svyatlana ’ s team continues to be held hostage here ” in Belarus .
Kavalkova said Tsikhanouskaya 's campaign team now has two main goals -- to defend the choice of the Belarusian people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tsikhanouskaya entered the race after her husband , a popular vlogger and potential opposition candidate , was jailed .
The international community continues to weigh in on the election , with the European Union declaring on August 11 that the vote was `` neither free nor fair '' and threatening to impose sanctions against those responsible for the violence against peaceful protesters and falsification of election results .
If the EU were to impose sanctions on Belarus over its human rights record , it would unravel a rapprochement with Brussels in the wake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 .
The United States has similarly expressed concern over the election results and use of force against protesters .
With reporting by Current Time And RFE/RL 's Belarus Service

MINSK -- Belarus has witnessed a fourth night of protests in Minsk and elsewhere against the reelection of Alyaksandr Lukashenka in a vote that protesters say was rigged.
In several parts of Minsk, groups of hundreds of people formed human chains on August 12 to protest as people in cars honked horns and slowed to a crawl to block police vehicles.
Similar protests were held in at least five other cities, according to the Belarusian rights NGO Vyasna (Spring).
On Minsk's Dzerzhinsky Avenue, people stood on balconies, clapping in an expression of support, AP reported. A group of riot police arrived and fired rubber bullets at them.
An RFE/RL journalist and his wife were stopped as they were driving in that area by police. Vitaly Tsyhankov was pulled from the car by police, beaten, and thrown to the ground, before being detained, his wife said. She was also detained.
Earlier, Belarusian authorities admitted for the first time on August 12 using live ammunition against people protesting against the presidential election that handed the 65-year-old Lukashenka a sixth term as U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed U.S. action to ensure a "good outcome for the Belarusian people."
At least one person has been killed and thousands detained after the August 9 poll that saw Lukashenka, in power since 1994, declared winner. His top challenger, Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, has left the country and is now in Lithuania.
Earlier in the day, women joined hands in Minsk and other towns and cities in Belarus on August 12 to protest the postelection crackdown.
This came after the Belarusian Interior Ministry said that a man was wounded in the western city of Brest overnight after law enforcement opened fire at a group of people who, police said, attacked them with iron bars.
It was the first such admittance by the authorities that live ammunition had been used against protesters.
The Investigative Committee also admitted a 25-year-old man detained at a street protest in Homel died after being transferred to a prison and then a hospital, making him the second person killed in the unrest.
The victim's mother told RFE/RL that her son had not participated in protests and was going to see his girlfriend when he was rounded up by police. She said her son had heart problems and believed he had been beaten.
Meanwhile, in an interview with RFE/RL during a visit to Prague on August 12, Pompeo said that "we've watched the violence and the aftermath, peaceful protesters being treated in ways that are inconsistent with how they should be treated."
The vote has resulted in three straight evenings of mass protests marred by police violence and thousands of detentions.
Pompeo said that the United States had not yet settled on the appropriate response, but would work with Washington's European partners to determine what action to take.
According to the Belarusian Interior Ministry, protests were held in 25 towns and cities across Belarus on August 11.
"More than 1,000 people were detained for taking part in unsanctioned mass events. According to the Health Ministry, 51 people turned to medical institutions for help. Fourteen police and Interior Ministry troops sustained injuries of different degrees of severity, some of whom were hospitalized," the statement said.
WATCH: More footage of the crackdown overnight by RFE/RL's Belarus Service
Riot police have fired tear gas, rubber bullets, and stun grenades to disperse protesters in the capital, Minsk, and other cities since August 10.
Belarusian authorities said a day earlier that more than 5,000 people had been detained, some 200 hospitalized, and at least one death after protests erupted after the August 9 poll.
The demonstrations on August 11 took place after Tsikhanouskaya surfaced in Lithuania that day following reports that she had visited Central Election Comission headquarters on August 10 to file a complaint about the official outcome of the vote.
On August 12, hundreds of relatives of detained people gathered in front of the central detention center in Minsk in an attempt to get information about their loved ones.
They said that they could hear the screams of people apparently being beaten inside the detention center.
They chanted "Shame!" and "Fascists!" when an ambulance and four military vehicles came out of the detention center. They also loudly announced the time in the hope that it would help incarcerated people realize how long had passed since they were detained, as Belarusian law allows suspects to be kept in custody for 72 hours without access to a lawyer and family.
RFE/RL correspondents noticed individuals in military uniforms resembling snipers on the roofs of detention center buildings.
Human rights activists say all detention centers, police stations, and jails across the country are overcrowded with detained protesters and journalists.
The Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAZh) issued a statement on August 12 calling on the authorities to stop targeted violence against media representatives.
According to the statement, 12 journalists detained by police while they were covering the protests across the country remain in custody. It remains unknown what they are accused of.
The BAZh said security forces deliberately used violence against journalists on August 11, intentionally damaging their equipment and confiscating memory cards.
The group demanded that the authorities stop the violence against reporters and immediately release all detained journalists.
Meanwhile, European Union foreign ministers will discuss the developments in Belarus at their meeting on August 14, the 27-member bloc's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, announced on Twitter.
"We will discuss urgent issues and address the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Belarus presidential elections as well as developments in Lebanon," Borrell's tweet said.
In his earlier statement on Twitter Borrell called the election in Belarus "neither free nor fair."
"EU calls on [Belarusian] leadership to initiate genuine dialogue w/ broader society & stop unacceptable violence and crackdown on freedoms of assembly, media and expression. We will conduct in-depth review of our relations," Borrell tweeted.
Belarusian Nobel Prize-winning writer Svetlana Alexievich condemned the police violence against protesters, telling RFE/RL that "the authorities have declared war on their people" and Lukashenka should step down to prevent a bloody civil war.
"Leave before it's too late, before you have plunged the people into a terrible abyss, into the abyss of civil war," the 72-year-old author said in her first remarks since the election.
"Nobody wants blood. Only you want power. And it's your desire for power that requires blood."


rferl--2020-08-11--Suspect In Sheremet's Killing In Ukraine Transferred To House Arrest

KYIV -- A court in Kyiv has ruled to transfer one of the suspects in the high-profile 2016 killing in the Ukrainian capital of journalist Pavel Sheremet from a detention center to house arrest .
The Kyiv Court of Appeals on August 11 ruled that Yulia Kuzmenko , a pediatric surgeon , who has been in pretrial detention since December , can be placed under round-the-clock house arrest .
Last month , the same court eased pretrial restrictions for another suspect in the high-profile case , a military paramedic , Yana Duhar .
The court agreed to lift curfew restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer needed to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet .
The third suspect in the case , Andriy Antonenko , remains in a detention center .
Vladyslav and Inna Hryshchenko , a married couple who are suspected in another unrelated case , have been declared persons of interest in the case .
All five took part in military operations in different capacities in Ukraine 's east , where government forces are fighting against Russia-backed separatists .
The Interior Ministry and the National Police said in December that the group 's goal was `` to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine '' by killing Sheremet .
Sheremet , a Belarusian-born Russian citizen who had made Kyiv his permanent home , was leaving his apartment to head to the studio where he hosted a morning radio program when an improvised explosive device planted under his vehicle exploded on July 20 , 2016 , killing him .
Duhar , Antonenko , and Kuzmenko were arrested in December as suspects in the case .
Analysts said Sheremet 's killing underscored concerns of a climate of impunity for attacks on journalists and others who challenge the authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticism over a perceived lack of progress in solving the case .
In January , the Ukrainian Prosecutor-General 's Office said additional evidence was needed for the Sheremet murder case to go to trial .
Sheremet 's mother , Lyudmila Sheremet , told RFE/RL in December that she does not know if the suspects are guilty or not , but that she is afraid `` that innocent people may be hurt '' as officials try to show they 're making headway in the case .

KYIV -- A court in Kyiv has ruled to transfer one of the suspects in the high-profile 2016 killing in the Ukrainian capital of journalist Pavel Sheremet from a detention center to house arrest.
The Kyiv Court of Appeals on August 11 ruled that Yulia Kuzmenko, a pediatric surgeon, who has been in pretrial detention since December, can be placed under round-the-clock house arrest.
Last month, the same court eased pretrial restrictions for another suspect in the high-profile case, a military paramedic, Yana Duhar.
The court agreed to lift curfew restrictions for Duhar and said that she no longer needed to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet.
The third suspect in the case, Andriy Antonenko, remains in a detention center.
Vladyslav and Inna Hryshchenko, a married couple who are suspected in another unrelated case, have been declared persons of interest in the case.
All five took part in military operations in different capacities in Ukraine's east, where government forces are fighting against Russia-backed separatists.
The Interior Ministry and the National Police said in December that the group's goal was "to destabilize the political and social situation in Ukraine" by killing Sheremet.
Sheremet, a Belarusian-born Russian citizen who had made Kyiv his permanent home, was leaving his apartment to head to the studio where he hosted a morning radio program when an improvised explosive device planted under his vehicle exploded on July 20, 2016, killing him.
Duhar, Antonenko, and Kuzmenko were arrested in December as suspects in the case.
Analysts said Sheremet's killing underscored concerns of a climate of impunity for attacks on journalists and others who challenge the authorities, while the government has faced persistent criticism over a perceived lack of progress in solving the case.
In January, the Ukrainian Prosecutor-General's Office said additional evidence was needed for the Sheremet murder case to go to trial.
Sheremet's mother, Lyudmila Sheremet, told RFE/RL in December that she does not know if the suspects are guilty or not, but that she is afraid "that innocent people may be hurt" as officials try to show they're making headway in the case.


rferl--2020-08-11--Russian Actor, Kremlin Critic Yefremov Sent To Hospital From Courtroom

Russian actor and outspoken Kremlin critic Mikhail Yefremov , who is charged with killing a person while driving under the influence of alcohol , has been sent to hospital from a court in Moscow where his trial was under way .
The Presnensky district court on August 11 had to stop the high-profile trial after Yefremov felt unwell .
An ambulance took him away later .
The court 's press service said the trial will resume on August 12 .
If convicted , Yefremov , who in recent years has been criticizing the Kremlin in his one-man performances , may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yefremov 's lawyer Elman Pashayev said his client lost consciousness and is currently unable to attend the trial .
Russian media reports quote unnamed medical personnel as saying that Yefremov has stroke symptoms .
Police say Yefremov was inebriated when he drove his car at a high speed into an oncoming lane in central Moscow on the evening of June 8 , hitting another car .
Yefremov did not suffer any injuries in the accident , but the driver of the other vehicle , identified as 57-year-old Sergei Zakharov , was rushed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours later .
After Zakharov was pronounced dead , Yefremov was charged with `` causing a deadly traffic accident while driving under the influence '' and later placed under house arrest .
Yefremov ’ s trial started on August 5 .
He pleaded not guilty , saying `` I do not remember anything . ''
Authorities later said that medical tests confirmed that Yefremov had traces of drugs , including cocaine , in his blood at the moment of the accident .
Performances by the 56-year-old Yefremov satirizing President Vladimir Putin and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
Based on reporting by TASS and Interfax

Russian actor and outspoken Kremlin critic Mikhail Yefremov, who is charged with killing a person while driving under the influence of alcohol, has been sent to hospital from a court in Moscow where his trial was under way.
The Presnensky district court on August 11 had to stop the high-profile trial after Yefremov felt unwell. An ambulance took him away later.
The court's press service said the trial will resume on August 12. If convicted, Yefremov, who in recent years has been criticizing the Kremlin in his one-man performances, may face up to 12 years in prison.
Yefremov's lawyer Elman Pashayev said his client lost consciousness and is currently unable to attend the trial.
Russian media reports quote unnamed medical personnel as saying that Yefremov has stroke symptoms.
Police say Yefremov was inebriated when he drove his car at a high speed into an oncoming lane in central Moscow on the evening of June 8, hitting another car.
Yefremov did not suffer any injuries in the accident, but the driver of the other vehicle, identified as 57-year-old Sergei Zakharov, was rushed to hospital with multiple injuries and died hours later.
After Zakharov was pronounced dead, Yefremov was charged with "causing a deadly traffic accident while driving under the influence" and later placed under house arrest.
Yefremov’s trial started on August 5. He pleaded not guilty, saying "I do not remember anything."
Authorities later said that medical tests confirmed that Yefremov had traces of drugs, including cocaine, in his blood at the moment of the accident.
Performances by the 56-year-old Yefremov satirizing President Vladimir Putin and his policies have been very popular in recent years.
Based on reporting by TASS and Interfax


rferl--2020-08-11--Putin Says Russia Has Registered A Coronavirus Vaccine, His Daughter Inoculated, Amid Skepticism

President Vladimir Putin said a coronavirus vaccine developed in Russia has been approved for use , despite not undergoing clinical tests and no data being made public .
Putin made the announcement at a government meeting on August 11 , saying the vaccine had proven to be `` efficient '' during initial tests and could provide lasting immunity from the coronavirus .
More than 100 possible vaccines are being developed around the world , and at least four are in final Phase 3 of testing in human trials .
Phase 3 trials usually involve thousands of people and last for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization ( WHO ) .
Russia is the first country to register a coronavirus vaccine .
But scientists within Russia and abroad have voiced skepticism , questioning the decision to register the vaccine before Phase 3 trials have been completed .
The WHO last week urged Russia to follow established guidelines and go `` through all the stages '' necessary to develop a safe vaccine .
But Putin insists that the Russian vaccine underwent the necessary tests , adding that one of his two daughters had received it and was feeling well .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to begin mass production in the near future , which is important , '' Putin said , stressing that inoculation `` should be done on a strictly voluntary basis . ''
Russia 's government has said that health workers , teachers , and people in other high-risk categories will be the first to be offered the vaccine .
Russia has nearly 860,000 registered cases of COVID-19 -- the fourth-highest number in the world -- and more than 14,300 deaths , according to a global tally kept by Johns Hopkins University .
 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about Russia 's announcement , said safety was paramount and late-stage trials were key .
He said the United States was on track for an effective vaccine by the end of the year , with six candidates under development .
`` The point is not to be first with a vaccine .
The point is to have a vaccine that is safe and effective , '' Azar told ABC .
`` We hope it 's true , but as is so often the case with Russia : trust but verify , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Economic Advisers , Tyler Goodspeed , said on the Fox Business Network , referencing a Russian proverb cited by former U.S. President Ronald Reagan in negotiations with the Kremlin .
With reporting by Reuters , AFP , AP , dpa , and Interfax


rferl--2020-08-11--Pompeo Arrives In Czech Republic At Start Of Central European Visit

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Prague on August 11 to open a five-day visit to Central Europe with an agenda including China 's role in 5G network construction .
Pompeo will spend two days in the Czech Republic before traveling to Slovenia , Austria , and Poland , which is eager to welcome some of the U.S. troops leaving Germany to guard against historic adversary Russia .
The focus will be on Pompeo 's campaign for nations to reject cooperation with Huawei , the Chinese telecom giant considered a threat by Washington as it takes a lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe 's energy dependence on Russia .
In Prague , Pompeo will join his Czech counterpart , Tomas Petricek , on a trip to Plzen to pay tribute to U.S. troops that liberated the western Czech city in 1945 .
On August 12 , he will meet Czech and U.S. tech companies over 5G before talks with Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis .
Pompeo will also deliver a speech in the Czech Senate and hold a short meeting with the pro-Russian , pro-Chinese Czech President Milos Zeman .
On August 13 , Pompeo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to sign a bilateral agreement on 5G security .
The same day , Pompeo will travel to Austria to meet Chancellor Sebastian Kurz for talks on U.S.-Austrian trade and Austria 's involvement in peacekeeping missions worldwide .
Finally , Pompeo will move to Poland on August 15 to discuss the redeployment of U.S. troops from Germany .
The Pentagon has recently said the United States would bring home some 6,400 military personnel from Germany and shift nearly 5,600 more to other NATO allies .
Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak has said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,000 additional troops to Poland .


rferl--2020-08-11--Belarus Braces For Third Night Of Protests To Dispute Election Results

MINSK -- Demonstrators gathering in the Belarusian capital for a third straight day to protest the official election results were met by a heavy police presence , with protest chants and car horns answered by tear gas fired by security forces .
The international community , meanwhile , continued to weigh in on the August 9 election , with the European Union declaring the vote `` neither free nor fair '' and threatening to impose sanctions against those responsible for the violence against peaceful protesters .
Live video streamed online from central Minsk showed multiple incidents in which people were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gear .
In one case , OMON security forces called for backup to come quickly as they pinned a man to the ground as demonstrators , many recording video on their phones , approached .
The man was eventually dragged to a waiting van and driven away .
A similar scene unfolded in front of the Pushkin subway station , one of seven stations in the city center that were closed as the authorities braced for another night of protests against what opponents of President Alyaksandr Lukashenka have called a `` rigged '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August 9 vote announced by the Central Election Commission ( TsVK ) gave Lukashenka a landslide victory with more than 80 percent of the vote , while the official tally for his main rival , Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya , was less than 10 percent .
The latest demonstrations took place after it was announced that Tsikhanouskaya had left Belarus and was in Lithuania .
Tsikhanouskaya surfacing in Lithuania -- announced by the Baltic country 's foreign minister , Linas Linkevicius , on Twitter on August 11 -- followed reports that she had visited Belarus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headquarters on August 10 to file a complaint about the official outcome of the vote .
Tsikhanouskaya had refused to accept the results , which sparked nationwide protests that featured clashes between police and demonstrators who claim the vote was rigged .
Appearing emotionally shaken in a video released on August 11 and uploaded on the YouTube channel of her husband , Syarhey Tskihanouski , Tsikhanouskaya was shown reading a prepared statement in which she said she 'd made the decision to leave Belarus on her own .
It was not immediately clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarus on August 10 or after she 'd arrived in Lithuania : '' I made a very difficult decision , '' Tsikhanouskaya said in the video .
`` That decision I made by myself .
Neither friends , relatives , the campaign team , nor Syarhey could affect it in any way .
I know that many will understand me , many will judge me , and many will hate me .
But , you know , God forbid , [ you have to ] face the dilemma I had to face .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maryya Kalesnikava , said on August 11 that the video statement was made under duress after Tsikhanouskaya had been held without a lawyer for three hours by `` high-ranking law enforcement '' officers when she tried to register her complaint .
`` Svyatlana was there without contact with us , '' Kalesnikava said .
`` The recent video is the result of these three hours . ''
A second video -- also released on August 11 , but on the Telegram channel of the Russia-based MBKhMedia and Belarus 's pro-government Telegram channel Zhyoltye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clothing and sitting on a green couch that cybersleuths said looked strikingly similar to furniture previously seen in video footage taken in the CEC headquarters .
In that video , Tsikhanouskaya called on all Belarusians to use `` good judgment '' and to show `` respect for the law . ''
`` I do not want blood and violence , '' Tsikhanouskaya said in that 37-second video clip .
`` I ask you not to stand against police , do not go out to the squares so that you do not put your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yourselves and your loved ones . ''
As evening set in on August 11 , RFE/RL 's Belarus Service reported that there had been small-scale attempts to protest the vote with strikes and sit-ins .
Live-stream footage carried by Current Time , the Russian-language network led by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA , showed a heavy police presence and peaceful demonstrators gathering in the city center , chanting `` Hello Belarus '' and holding up protest signs .
The BBC reported that there was nearly no Internet service available in the capital and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals were `` ready to receive large numbers of casualties . ''
The two nights of protests have resulted in hundreds of arrests .
Scores of injuries have been reported and at least one protester died in Minsk overnight on August 9-10 amid clashes between riot police and demonstrators .
The Belarusian Interior Ministry confirmed that one protester died in Minsk .
The ministry said an unidentified explosive device blew up in his hand as he was trying to throw it at police .
But witnesses and correspondents at the scene say police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of protesters at the time of the demonstrator 's death .
Police also used tear gas , water cannons , and stun grenades to disperse crowds of demonstrators overnight in more than a dozen other cities across Belarus -- including Babruysk , Brest , Vitsebsk , Homel , Hrodna , Mahilyou , Byaroza , and Mazyr .
RFE/RL ’ s correspondents reported from the southeastern city of Homel that at least 500 people were detained overnight when riot police moved in and violently dispersed a crowd of demonstrators .
In an August 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Belarusian security forces had `` viciously beat and detained largely peaceful protesters over the country ’ s election outcome on August 9 and 10 '' and had `` variously used stun grenades , rubber bullets and slugs , blanks from AK-variant rifles , and tear gas . ''
The same day , the Investigative Committee of Belarus warned citizens that they would face repercussions for `` illegal actions . ''
`` The Investigative Committee once again appeals to citizens .
Do not follow provocations by the organizers of the riots , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Think about the consequences of your actions , be prudent .
We remind you that such illegal actions will certainly lead to criminal liability . ''
Tsikhanouskaya 's spokesperson Volha Kavalkova said on August 11 that Belarusian authorities had taken Tsikhanuskaya out of the country .
`` Svyatlana had no choice , '' Kavalkova said .
`` It is important that she is free and alive .
She left along with her campaign chief Maryya Maroz .
But part of Svyatlana ’ s team continues to be held hostage here ” in Belarus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would hold `` emergency consultations '' later on August 11 .
But she said the campaign team now has two main goals : to defend the choice of the Belarusian people and to stop violence and bloodshed .
Tsikhanouskaya entered the race after her husband , a popular vlogger and potential opposition candidate , was jailed .
She has said she considers herself the election winner .
On August 11 , EU chief diplomat Josep Borrell , writing on behalf of EU members , declared that the vote was `` neither free nor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those responsible for the observed violence , unjustified arrests , and falsification of election results . ''
In its first comment since the election , the White House said on August 10 that it was `` deeply concerned by the Belarus presidential election ... and we urge the Belarusian government to respect the right to peaceably assemble and to refrain from the use of force . ''
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo echoed that sentiment in a separate statement on August 10 , urging the Belarusian government “ to respect the rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assembly , refrain from use of force , and release those wrongfully detained.
” The Belarusian parliament on August 11 condemned what it called attempts by a `` few politically biased groups '' to destabilize the country , saying that `` the path of violence is unacceptable for the Belarusian people . ''
Lukashenka on August 10 repeated allegations that forces abroad were trying to manipulate protesters , whom he referred to as `` sheep , '' in order to topple him .
With reporting by RFE/RL 's Belarus Service , BelTA , @ @ @ @ @ @


rferl--2020-08-11--German Foreign Minister Says Russia Not Cooperating On Berlin Murder Probe

German authorities have made a total of 17 requests for information to Russia in connection with the murder in a Berlin park of a Georgian citizen , but to no avail , Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in Moscow on August 11 .
In August 2019 , Zelimkhan Khangoshvili , a former Chechen separatist fighter who had fled from Georgia to Germany , was shot dead in Berlin .
German prosecutors have filed murder charges against a Russian national in that case and accused the Russian government of ordering the killing .
Maas , speaking at a news conference following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov , said there would be consequences if a court concurred with prosecutors ' conclusion that the murder had been ordered by a Russian state body .
`` It 's up to the court what the verdict will be .
That will be the basis for our reaction , '' Maas said .
If the court reached the same conclusion , he said `` one must also expect further reactions . ''
Lavrov , in turn , said Moscow has provided Berlin with all the information it could on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide evidence to Russia that supports the German prosecutor-general 's claim that Russian state officials ordered the killing .
`` Our relevant agencies passed on all they could to their German counterparts in response to the requests that were sent to us , '' Lavrov said .
Maas was in Moscow on August 11 for talks with Lavrov expected to center mainly on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project .
The pipeline , under construction in the Baltic Sea , would double Russia 's direct natural gas exports to Germany while bypassing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of dollars in gas-transit fees .
The United States has long opposed Nord Stream 2 , which has increasingly become a source of friction between Berlin and Washington .
The United States argues the project will endanger European security by making Germany overly dependent on Russian gas .
The United States already has imposed sanctions aimed at companies working on the project , saying the pipeline will increase the European Union 's dependence on Russia for natural gas .
German officials have condemned the U.S. sanctions , and some critics argue that behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its own desire to sell its liquefied natural gas to Europe .
`` No state has the right to dictate Europe 's energy policy with threats , and that will not succeed , '' Maas told reporters in Moscow .
Sanctions among allies are `` definitely the wrong way to go , '' Maas said after his meeting with Lavrov .
Lavrov told reporters that , despite the challenges , the pipeline would be completed in the near future .
With reporting by Reuters , Interfax , and dpa


rferl--2020-08-10--U.S. 'Deeply Concerned' By Russia's Targeting Of 'Foreign-Agent' Media

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says Washington is `` deeply concerned '' by fresh efforts by Russia to target foreign media operating there .
In a statement issued on August 10 , Pompeo said a a recent draft order published by Russia 's state media regulator would `` impose new burdensome requirements '' on Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Voice of America , which he said already faced `` signficant and undue restrictions . ''
`` We remain troubled by the ongoing crackdown on independent press in Russia and call on Russia to uphold its obligations and OSCE commitments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , referring to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe .
In July , Russia 's federal media regulator , Rozkomnadzor , issued a draft order that would require all media outlets registered as `` foreign agents '' to identify that fact in published or broadcast materials .
The new order would supplement a 2017 law on designating foreign-funded media as `` foreign agents . ''
After that law was adopted , the Justice Ministry listed VOA , several services of RFE/RL , and Current Time as `` foreign agents .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ led by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA .
Failure to abide by the new requirements could result in fines of up to 100,000 rubles ( $ 1,400 ) or 15 days in custody for individuals .
Organizations could be fined up to 5 million rubles ( $ 70,000 ) .
Acting RFE/RL President Daisy Sindelar said on July 23 that the proposed order was intended to further restrict the media in Russia and to instill fear in their audiences .

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says Washington is "deeply concerned" by fresh efforts by Russia to target foreign media operating there.
In a statement issued on August 10, Pompeo said a a recent draft order published by Russia's state media regulator would "impose new burdensome requirements" on Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Voice of America, which he said already faced "signficant and undue restrictions."
"We remain troubled by the ongoing crackdown on independent press in Russia and call on Russia to uphold its obligations and OSCE commitments to freedom of expression," Pompeo said, referring to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
In July, Russia's federal media regulator, Rozkomnadzor, issued a draft order that would require all media outlets registered as "foreign agents" to identify that fact in published or broadcast materials.
The new order would supplement a 2017 law on designating foreign-funded media as "foreign agents." After that law was adopted, the Justice Ministry listed VOA, several services of RFE/RL, and Current Time as "foreign agents." Current Time is the Russian-language network led by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA.
Failure to abide by the new requirements could result in fines of up to 100,000 rubles ($1,400) or 15 days in custody for individuals. Organizations could be fined up to 5 million rubles ($70,000).
Acting RFE/RL President Daisy Sindelar said on July 23 that the proposed order was intended to further restrict the media in Russia and to instill fear in their audiences.


rferl--2020-08-12--Kyrgyzstan Demands Explanation For Lukashenka's 'Appearance' With Wanted Ex-Prime Minister

BISHKEK -- Kyrgyzstan 's Foreign Ministry has called on Belarus to explain why President Alyaksandr Lukashenka made a recent public appearance with a man who looks like Kyrgyzstan 's wanted former prime minister , Daniyar Usenov .
Usenov , thought to be living in exile in Belarus , has been sought for years by Kyrgyz authorities in connection with the deaths of nearly 100 people in April 2010 when security forces in Bishkek fired live ammunition at anti-government demonstrators .
The Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry said on August 11 that a diplomat from the Belarusian Embassy in Bishkek was handed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undertake immediate measures for the expedited detainment and extradition '' of Usenov .
Lukashenka appeared next to the man while visiting the Belarusian National Biotechnological Corporation on August 10 , the day his reelection to a sixth presidential term was announced by the Central Election Commission in Minsk .
Bishkek demanded similar explanations from Minsk in July 2018 after Belarusian media released a photograph of a man that Kyrgyz authorities say was the wanted former prime minister .
Belarusian state media had identified that man as Daniil Uritski , saying he was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Usenov , convicted together with Kyrgyzstan 's ousted President Kurmanbek Bakiev and 24 other defendants , was sentenced to life in prison in 2014 after a trial in absentia on charges of ordering the deadly April 2010 crackdown .
Usenov , Bakiev and other defendants in the case fled Kyrgyzstan after the government was ousted in 2010 .
Bakiev later appeared in Belarus .
But Minsk has refused Kyrgyzstan 's extradition requests for Bakiev .

BISHKEK -- Kyrgyzstan's Foreign Ministry has called on Belarus to explain why President Alyaksandr Lukashenka made a recent public appearance with a man who looks like Kyrgyzstan's wanted former prime minister, Daniyar Usenov.
Usenov, thought to be living in exile in Belarus, has been sought for years by Kyrgyz authorities in connection with the deaths of nearly 100 people in April 2010 when security forces in Bishkek fired live ammunition at anti-government demonstrators.
The Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry said on August 11 that a diplomat from the Belarusian Embassy in Bishkek was handed a note of protest and asked "to undertake immediate measures for the expedited detainment and extradition" of Usenov.
Lukashenka appeared next to the man while visiting the Belarusian National Biotechnological Corporation on August 10, the day his reelection to a sixth presidential term was announced by the Central Election Commission in Minsk.
Bishkek demanded similar explanations from Minsk in July 2018 after Belarusian media released a photograph of a man that Kyrgyz authorities say was the wanted former prime minister.
Belarusian state media had identified that man as Daniil Uritski, saying he was the CEO of the Belarusian National Biotechnological Corporation.
Usenov, convicted together with Kyrgyzstan's ousted President Kurmanbek Bakiev and 24 other defendants, was sentenced to life in prison in 2014 after a trial in absentia on charges of ordering the deadly April 2010 crackdown.
Usenov, Bakiev and other defendants in the case fled Kyrgyzstan after the government was ousted in 2010.
Bakiev later appeared in Belarus. But Minsk has refused Kyrgyzstan's extradition requests for Bakiev.


rferl--2020-08-12--Russian Actor And Kremlin Critic Yefremov's Trial Postponed Again Due To His Hospitalization

The trial of Russian actor Mikhail Yefremov , an outspoken Kremlin critic who is charged with killing a person while driving under the influence of alcohol , has been postponed until August 18 due to his hospitalization .
The judge had to stop the high-profile trial at the Presnensky district court on August 11 after an ambulance was called to the courtroom to treat Yefremov who felt unwell .
He was taken to the hospital later and Abramova said the trial will resume the next day .
But Judge Yelena Abramova on August 12 postponed the trial because Yefremov was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If convicted , Yefremov , who in recent years has been criticizing the Kremlin in his one-man performances , may face up to 12 years in prison .
Russian media reports quoted unnamed medical personnel on August 11 as saying that Yefremov has stroke symptoms .
Police say Yefremov was inebriated when he drove his car at a high speed into an oncoming lane in central Moscow on the evening of June 8 , hitting another car .
Yefremov did not suffer any injuries in the accident , but the driver of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zakharov , was rushed to hospital with multiple injuries and died hours later .
After Zakharov was pronounced dead , Yefremov was charged with `` causing a deadly traffic accident while driving under the influence '' and later placed under house arrest .
Yefremov ’ s trial started on August 5 .
He pleaded not guilty , saying `` I do not remember anything . ''
Authorities later said that medical tests confirmed that Yefremov had traces of drugs , including cocaine , in his blood at the moment of the accident .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vladimir Putin and his policies have been very popular in recent years .
With reporting by TASS and Interfax

The trial of Russian actor Mikhail Yefremov, an outspoken Kremlin critic who is charged with killing a person while driving under the influence of alcohol, has been postponed until August 18 due to his hospitalization.
The judge had to stop the high-profile trial at the Presnensky district court on August 11 after an ambulance was called to the courtroom to treat Yefremov who felt unwell. He was taken to the hospital later and Abramova said the trial will resume the next day.
But Judge Yelena Abramova on August 12 postponed the trial because Yefremov was unable to come to the courtroom.
If convicted, Yefremov, who in recent years has been criticizing the Kremlin in his one-man performances, may face up to 12 years in prison.
Russian media reports quoted unnamed medical personnel on August 11 as saying that Yefremov has stroke symptoms.
Police say Yefremov was inebriated when he drove his car at a high speed into an oncoming lane in central Moscow on the evening of June 8, hitting another car.
Yefremov did not suffer any injuries in the accident, but the driver of the other vehicle, identified as 57-year-old Sergei Zakharov, was rushed to hospital with multiple injuries and died hours later.
After Zakharov was pronounced dead, Yefremov was charged with "causing a deadly traffic accident while driving under the influence" and later placed under house arrest.
Yefremov’s trial started on August 5. He pleaded not guilty, saying "I do not remember anything."
Authorities later said that medical tests confirmed that Yefremov had traces of drugs, including cocaine, in his blood at the moment of the accident.
Performances by the 56-year-old Yefremov satirizing President Vladimir Putin and his policies have been very popular in recent years.
With reporting by TASS and Interfax


rferl--2020-08-12--Tashkent Scraps Redistricting Plan After Rare Street Protests

TASHKENT -- Authorities in Uzbekistan 's capital , Tashkent , have scrapped a controversial plan to merge some neighborhoods of the capital with the surrounding region after protests by residents who would have been pushed outside of the city limits .
Hasan Qalandarov , the head of the Orikzor neighborhood in the Uchtepa district of Tashkent , told local residents on August 11 that municipal authorities in Tashkent decided to cancel the plan after discussing the concerns and demands of residents .
Mirzohid Khidirov , the deputy governor of the Zangiota district in the Tashkent region , confirmed to RFE/RL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan has been dropped .
Hundreds of residents of several Tashkent neighborhoods had joined street protests against the plan since August 6 .
RFE/RL 's Uzbek Service covered those protests extensively while state media provided only limited information .
The protesters told RFE/RL they did not want to lose their status as Tashkent residents because it would cause problems for placing their children in better schools and for getting jobs that require employees to be residents of the city .
They also told RFE/RL the move would lead to changes in documents about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely causing property values to fall .
The protests began after a television report on August 5 said a plan to merge parts of Tashkent 's Uchtepa district with the Tashkent region had been outlined in accordance with an order by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev .
Officials said the redistricting of neighborhoods was necessary `` to eliminate disparities in administrative boundaries of the capital ... and to improve infrastructure to make it more convenient for the population . ''
Protests against government decisions are rare in the tightly controlled Uzbekistan .
Mirziyoev has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since he came to power following the death in 2016 of Uzbekistan 's authoritarian President Islam Karimov .
His promises have included greater involvement of ordinary citizens in decisions about social , economic , and political developments in Uzbekistan .

TASHKENT -- Authorities in Uzbekistan's capital, Tashkent, have scrapped a controversial plan to merge some neighborhoods of the capital with the surrounding region after protests by residents who would have been pushed outside of the city limits.
Hasan Qalandarov, the head of the Orikzor neighborhood in the Uchtepa district of Tashkent, told local residents on August 11 that municipal authorities in Tashkent decided to cancel the plan after discussing the concerns and demands of residents.
Mirzohid Khidirov, the deputy governor of the Zangiota district in the Tashkent region, confirmed to RFE/RL, on August 11 that the redistricting plan has been dropped.
Hundreds of residents of several Tashkent neighborhoods had joined street protests against the plan since August 6.
RFE/RL's Uzbek Service covered those protests extensively while state media provided only limited information.
The protesters told RFE/RL they did not want to lose their status as Tashkent residents because it would cause problems for placing their children in better schools and for getting jobs that require employees to be residents of the city.
They also told RFE/RL the move would lead to changes in documents about the properties where they live, most likely causing property values to fall.
The protests began after a television report on August 5 said a plan to merge parts of Tashkent's Uchtepa district with the Tashkent region had been outlined in accordance with an order by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev.
Officials said the redistricting of neighborhoods was necessary "to eliminate disparities in administrative boundaries of the capital...and to improve infrastructure to make it more convenient for the population."
Protests against government decisions are rare in the tightly controlled Uzbekistan.
Mirziyoev has promised reforms and more freedoms for Uzbeks since he came to power following the death in 2016 of Uzbekistan's authoritarian President Islam Karimov.
His promises have included greater involvement of ordinary citizens in decisions about social, economic, and political developments in Uzbekistan.