rferl--2020-08-18--Media Watchdogs Urge Ukraine To Investigate Arson Attack On Journalists' Car

Media watchdogs have called on Ukrainian authorities to investigate intimidation and attacks against journalists from Skhemy ( Schemes ) , a joint investigative project by RFE/RL and UA : Pershy television , after one of their cars was torched .
The International and European federations of journalists said in a statement on August 18 that a campaign of harassment and intimidation , including surveillance and arson attacks , was aimed at `` muzzling '' the journalists ' investigations .
The day before , the car of one of the team members was set on fire outside Kyiv , which investigators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ignition source . ''
No one was hurt in the incident .
`` It is essential that investigative journalists can freely and critically report on corruption and wrongdoing of state officials , '' IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said in the statement .
`` Surveillance and the attack against this team are worrisome blows against press freedom that ca n't go unpunished .
We stand in solidarity with the victimized journalists and call on the authorities to protect them from these attacks , '' he added .
A similar statement from the Committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find the perpetrators of the torching of the and `` hold them to account . ''
Skhemy reporters were recently working on a story revealing how the transport of high-level state officials is breaking traffic rules .
During the production of the program , the journalists repeatedly voiced concerns about being under surveillance .
Skhemy reporter Mykhaylo Tkach said earlier in August that he believed he had found signs of surveillance in his apartment .
`` Authorities also must thoroughly investigate the surveillance allegations '' made Tkach , said Gulnoza Said , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program coordinator .
`` By reporting on corruption , investigative journalists at Schemes are doing an important service for the public , and the authorities should ensure their safety , '' Said added .
RFE/RL acting President Daisy Sindelar has expressed distress over the arson attack , saying that while no one was injured , the broadcaster remains `` concerned that this incident appears aimed at intimidating RFE/RL 's reporters and contributing to a threatening environment for journalists across Ukraine . ''
`` Schemes is an award-winning investigative team whose work is vital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We urge Ukrainian authorities to ensure that our colleagues can work safely and without fear , '' she added in a statement on August 17 .

KYIV -- Media watchdogs have called on Ukrainian authorities to investigate intimidation and attacks against journalists from Skhemy (Schemes), a joint investigative project by RFE/RL and UA: Pershy television, after one of their cars was torched.
The International and European federations of journalists said in a statement on August 18 that a campaign of harassment and intimidation, including suspected surveillance and arson attacks, was aimed at "muzzling" the journalists' investigations.
The day before, the car of one of the team members was set on fire outside Kyiv, which investigators said was caused by "an external ignition source." No one was hurt in the incident.
"It is essential that investigative journalists can freely and critically report on corruption and wrongdoing of state officials," IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said in the statement.
"Surveillance and the attack against this team are worrisome blows against press freedom that can't go unpunished. We stand in solidarity with the victimized journalists and call on the authorities to protect them from these attacks," he added.
A similar statement from the Committee to Protect Journalists urged Ukrainian authorities to find the perpetrators of the torching of the and "hold them to account."
Skhemy reporters were recently working on a story revealing how the transport of high-level state officials is breaking traffic rules.
During the production of the program, the journalists repeatedly voiced concerns about being under surveillance.
Skhemy reporter Mykhaylo Tkach said earlier in August that he believed he had found signs of surveillance in his apartment.
"Authorities also must thoroughly investigate the surveillance allegations" made Tkach, said Gulnoza Said, the CPJ’s Europe and Central Asia program coordinator.
"By reporting on corruption, investigative journalists at Schemes are doing an important service for the public, and the authorities should ensure their safety," Said added.
RFE/RL acting President Daisy Sindelar has expressed distress over the arson attack, saying that while no one was injured, the broadcaster remains "concerned that this incident appears aimed at intimidating RFE/RL's reporters and contributing to a threatening environment for journalists across Ukraine."
"Schemes is an award-winning investigative team whose work is vital to the public interest of all Ukrainians. We urge Ukrainian authorities to ensure that our colleagues can work safely and without fear," she added in a statement on August 17.


rferl--2020-08-18--HRW Urges Kazakhstan to Bolster COVID-19 Aid To Ease Poverty Fears

Human Rights Watch ( HRW ) has urged the Kazakh government to extend and bolster economic relief for those negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent hundreds of thousands of people from facing poverty .
The rights watchdog said in a report on August 18 that the pandemic had elevated inequalities in Central Asia 's wealthiest country , underscoring Kazakhstan ’ s weak social-protection system .
Kazakhstan stands out as the only country in Central Asia to provide cash transfers to individuals during the pandemic .
But with many people across Kazakhstan facing poverty even before the pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HRW said .
Soon after reporting the first COVID-19 cases in Kazakhstan in March , President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev announced that the government was allocating about $ 10 billion toward improving access to health care , cash transfers for people who lost income , and protecting businesses from the economic fallout .
The aid package totaled almost 7 percent of Kazakhstan ’ s gross domestic product .
The authorities also handed out food packages to low-income families and people with disabilities and reimbursed utility expenses for April and May in the amount of about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Employees who lost jobs because of the pandemic are eligible to apply for unemployment assistance for up to six months .
The assistance provides a maximum of 40 percent of their former salaries .
After that , they can apply for Targeted Social Assistance , a poverty-targeting social-protection program .
However , HRW noted that some past studies identified the program as insufficient to guarantee an adequate standard of living and too low to pay for food , shelter , and water .
Though the measures provide much-needed support for people , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wage needed to cover basic expenses in higher-cost cities such as Almaty or Nur-Sultan .
Meanwhile , three-month loan deferrals -- a measure introduced to ease people 's financial burdens -- expired in June .
The government extended economic assistance -- the monthly payment of about $ 100 -- for people who lost income , but it remains unclear if the payment will be renewed beyond August 16 as the government began easing lockdown measures from August 17 .
Despite Kazakhstan 's vast natural resources , a high portion of its population was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
One study from October 2018 found that a quarter of Kazakhstan 's population of more than 18 million is chronically poor , and more are at risk of falling into poverty .
The situation is expected to deteriorate as oil revenues dwindle due to the pandemic .
The World Bank estimates that Kazakhstan 's `` poverty rate may rise in 2020 from a projected 8.3 to 12.7 percent , '' with an additional 800,000 people experiencing poverty .
But HRW said that the government can use its accumulated fiscal buffers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assistance to protect the economically vulnerable , In June , the Asian Development Bank approved a $ 1 billion assistance package to Kazakhstan to contain the negative impact of the pandemic .
HRW called on the government to increase economic relief measures and ensure that everyone living in Kazakhstan can apply for assistance of various kinds to ensure an adequate standard of living .
`` There could be dire consequences unless the government urgently extends and expands financial assistance during the quarantine and beyond , '' said Lena Simet , senior poverty and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August 18 , Kazakhstan has reported 103,300 coronavirus infection cases , including 1,269 fatalities .

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged the Kazakh government to extend and bolster economic relief for those negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent hundreds of thousands of people from facing poverty.
The rights watchdog said in a report on August 18 that the pandemic had elevated inequalities in Central Asia's wealthiest country, underscoring Kazakhstan’s weak social-protection system.
Kazakhstan stands out as the only country in Central Asia to provide cash transfers to individuals during the pandemic.
But with many people across Kazakhstan facing poverty even before the pandemic, the government needs to do more, HRW said.
Soon after reporting the first COVID-19 cases in Kazakhstan in March, President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev announced that the government was allocating about $10 billion toward improving access to health care, cash transfers for people who lost income, and protecting businesses from the economic fallout.
The aid package totaled almost 7 percent of Kazakhstan’s gross domestic product.
The authorities also handed out food packages to low-income families and people with disabilities and reimbursed utility expenses for April and May in the amount of about $36 for socially vulnerable groups.
Employees who lost jobs because of the pandemic are eligible to apply for unemployment assistance for up to six months. The assistance provides a maximum of 40 percent of their former salaries.
After that, they can apply for Targeted Social Assistance, a poverty-targeting social-protection program. However, HRW noted that some past studies identified the program as insufficient to guarantee an adequate standard of living and too low to pay for food, shelter, and water.
Though the measures provide much-needed support for people, the relief is lower than the monthly living wage needed to cover basic expenses in higher-cost cities such as Almaty or Nur-Sultan.
Meanwhile, three-month loan deferrals -- a measure introduced to ease people's financial burdens -- expired in June.
The government extended economic assistance -- the monthly payment of about $100 -- for people who lost income, but it remains unclear if the payment will be renewed beyond August 16 as the government began easing lockdown measures from August 17.
Despite Kazakhstan's vast natural resources, a high portion of its population was at risk of poverty even before the pandemic.
One study from October 2018 found that a quarter of Kazakhstan's population of more than 18 million is chronically poor, and more are at risk of falling into poverty.
The situation is expected to deteriorate as oil revenues dwindle due to the pandemic.
The World Bank estimates that Kazakhstan's "poverty rate may rise in 2020 from a projected 8.3 to 12.7 percent," with an additional 800,000 people experiencing poverty.
But HRW said that the government can use its accumulated fiscal buffers, continuing foreign direct investments, and international assistance to protect the economically vulnerable,
In June, the Asian Development Bank approved a $1 billion assistance package to Kazakhstan to contain the negative impact of the pandemic.
HRW called on the government to increase economic relief measures and ensure that everyone living in Kazakhstan can apply for assistance of various kinds to ensure an adequate standard of living.
"There could be dire consequences unless the government urgently extends and expands financial assistance during the quarantine and beyond," said Lena Simet, senior poverty and inequality researcher at HRW.
As of August 18, Kazakhstan has reported 103,300 coronavirus infection cases, including 1,269 fatalities.


rferl--2020-08-18--Belarusian Opposition Forms Council As Lukashenka Threatens Crackdown

The opposition in Belarus has launched a coordinating council to organize a transfer of power , a move embattled President Alyaksandr Lukashenka described as an attempt to seize power following a controversial election and brutal crackdown on his opponents .
The opposition council composed of civil society members met on August 18 , saying it represents the people and is seeking to negotiate a peaceful transition of power `` without political goals or a program . ''
`` They [ the opposition ] want to toss us aside and demand to hand over power , no less .
Thus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an attempt at a coup , with all ensuing consequences , '' Lukashenka said during his meeting with the Belarusian Security Council .
Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya , the opposition presidential candidate who claims to have won the August 9 election , said in an online video that she was prepared to temporarily take over the leadership .
`` I am ready to take responsibility and act as a national leader in order for the country to calm down and enter the normal rhythm , '' Tsikhanouskaya said in the video .
The 37-year-old political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidates including her husband were jailed or exiled , also said security and law enforcement officers would be forgiven if they abandoned Lukashenka 's government .
She left Belarus for Lithuania after the election amid reports that she and her family were threatened by authorities .
Olga Kovalkova , Tsikhanouskaya 's representative , said at a press conference establishing the coordinating council that she expected the exiled opposition figure would soon return to Minsk , to act as a guarantor in a negotiated transition of power .
`` We are operating solely through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The situation is critical .
The authorities have no choice but to come to dialogue .
The situation will only get worse . ''
Official results from an August 9 election gave Lukashenka just over 80 percent of the vote , a figure that immediately prompted allegations of vote-rigging .
Tsikhanouskaya , who drew tens of thousands of people to her campaign rallies , claims to have actually received between 60 and 70 percent of the vote .
The scale of the domestic and international backlash appears to have caught Lukashenka off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ precarious position of facing international isolation and sustained street and industrial protests .
Nearly 7,000 people were detained , hundreds were injured , and at least two people died in a crackdown on protesters .
Some of those who have been released since have complained of beatings and terrible conditions while in detention .
The repression only emboldened the opposition as employees at several state-controlled companies have left their factories to join thousands in the streets demanding Lukashenka step down .
Workers at a major potash mining facility , Belruskali , were the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ union leaders told RFE/RL ’ s Belarus Service that operations at six facilities had been halted .
Belarus supplies almost one-fifth of the world 's potash , a key fertilizer for farmers around the globe .
The election rigging and brutal crackdown on protesters has led to small but significant fractures in the regime , with the Belarusian ambassadors to Spain and Slovakia coming out in support of protesters ’ demands and employees from state media resigning .
There have also been scattered reports of police and security officials resigning .
On the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crisis .
Ahead of an EU emergency meeting on the situation on August 19 , German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke separately by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin , whose country has close economic and military ties with Belarus .
According to her press service , Merkel told Putin on August 18 that the Belarusian authorities should refrain from violence against peaceful demonstrators and release political prisoners .
She also said Lukashenka should hold talks with opposition groups .
“ The Russian side emphasized that any outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the country , which would lead to a further escalation of the crisis , was unacceptable , ” the Kremlin said in its readout of the call .
“ The hope is for an early normalization of the situation was expressed.
” European Council President Charles Michel also held a phone call with Putin , during which he expressed concern about election irregularities and violence against protesters .
The two discussed the best way to encourage intra-Belarusian dialogue for a peaceful end to the crisis , a European diplomat told RFE/RL .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ members taking the lead as events unfold in its neighbor , the country ’ s parliament voted on August 18 to impose unspecified sanctions on Belarus and called for the international rejection of the legitimacy of Lukashenka .
The EU is already preparing a raft of sanctions on Belarus officials responsible for vote-rigging and violence .
U.S. President Donald Trump said he would talk to Russia `` at the appropriate time '' in the wake of protests , adding that `` It does n't seem like it 's too much democracy there in @ @ @

The opposition in Belarus has launched a coordinating council to organize a transfer of power, a move embattled President Alyaksandr Lukashenka described as an attempt to seize power following a controversial election and brutal crackdown on his opponents.
The opposition council composed of civil society members met on August 18, saying it represents the people and is seeking to negotiate a peaceful transition of power "without political goals or a program."
"[The opposition] want to toss us aside and demand to hand over power, no less. Thus, we view this unambiguously: This is an attempt at a coup, with all ensuing consequences," Lukashenka said during his meeting with the Belarusian Security Council.
Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the opposition presidential candidate who claims to have won the August 9 election, said in an online video that she was prepared to temporarily take over the leadership.
"I am ready to take responsibility and act as a national leader in order for the country to calm down and enter the normal rhythm," Tsikhanouskaya said in the video.
The 37-year-old political novice, who ran after other potential candidates, including her husband, were jailed or exiled, also said security and law enforcement officers would be forgiven if they abandoned Lukashenka's government. She left Belarus for Lithuania after the election amid reports that she and her family were threatened by authorities.
Volha Kovalkova, Tsikhanouskaya's representative, said at a press conference establishing the coordinating council that she expected the exiled opposition figure would soon return to Minsk, to act as a guarantor in a negotiated transition of power.
"We are operating solely through legal means," Kovalkova said. "The situation is critical. The authorities have no choice but to come to dialogue. The situation will only get worse."
Official results from an August 9 election gave Lukashenka just over 80 percent of the vote, a figure that immediately prompted allegations of vote-rigging.
Tsikhanouskaya, who drew tens of thousands of people to her campaign rallies, claims to have actually received between 60 and 70 percent of the vote.
The scale of the domestic and international backlash appears to have caught Lukashenka off guard as he finds himself in the precarious position of facing international isolation and sustained street and industrial protests.
Nearly 7,000 people were detained, hundreds were injured, and at least two people died in a crackdown on protesters. Some of those who have been released since have complained of beatings and terrible conditions while in detention.
The repression only emboldened the opposition as employees at several state-controlled companies have left their factories to join thousands in the streets demanding Lukashenka step down.
Workers at a major potash mining facility, Belruskali, were the latest to go on strike, and union leaders told RFE/RL’s Belarus Service that operations at six facilities had been halted. Belarus supplies almost one-fifth of the world's potash, a key fertilizer for farmers around the globe.
The election rigging and brutal crackdown on protesters has led to small but significant fractures in the regime, with the Belarusian ambassadors to Spain and Slovakia coming out in support of protesters’ demands and employees from state media resigning. There have also been scattered reports of police and security officials resigning.
On the international stage, diplomacy is intensifying over the crisis.
Ahead of an EU emergency meeting on the situation on August 19, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke separately by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose country has close economic and military ties with Belarus.
According to her press service, Merkel told Putin on August 18 that the Belarusian authorities should refrain from violence against peaceful demonstrators and release political prisoners. She also said Lukashenka should hold talks with opposition groups.
“The Russian side emphasized that any outside attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of the country, which would lead to a further escalation of the crisis, was unacceptable,” the Kremlin said in its readout of the call. “The hope is for an early normalization of the situation was expressed.”
European Council President Charles Michel also held a phone call with Putin, during which he expressed concern about election irregularities and violence against protesters. The two discussed the best way to encourage intra-Belarusian dialogue for a peaceful end to the crisis, a European diplomat told RFE/RL.
In Lithuania, one of the EU members taking the lead as events unfold in its neighbor, the country’s parliament voted on August 18 to impose unspecified sanctions on Belarus and called for the international rejection of the legitimacy of Lukashenka.
The EU is already preparing a raft of sanctions on Belarus officials responsible for vote-rigging and violence.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he would talk to Russia "at the appropriate time" in the wake of protests, adding that "It doesn't seem like it's too much democracy there in Belarus."


rferl--2020-08-19--Tajik Court Sentences 20 People Over Links To Banned Muslim Brotherhood

A court in Tajikistan has sentenced 20 people to prison terms ranging from between five and seven years , after finding them guilty of membership in the banned Muslim Brotherhood movement .
The trials took place behind closed doors in the northern Sughd Pronince last week , without the presence of family members and reporters , relatives and officials said .
The names of the defendants have not been made public and details of the investigation and the trial process remain unknown .
Anvarjon Abdughaffori , the judge who presided over the trials , said on August 18 that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a banned group .
Separately , one defendant has been fined after being found guilty of failing to report crimes , Abdughaffori told RFE/RL .
The defendants were among 154 people who have been detained in several raids against suspected Muslim Brotherhood cells across Tajikistan since January .
It remains unclear whether the defendants pleaded guilty or rejected the charges , or if they had been given a chance to appeal their sentences .
The defendants are said to have been denied access to defense lawyers , a claim RFE/RL can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defendants told RFE/RL that they have been kept in the dark about the situation since the arrest of their family members .
The relatives said they have complained to higher courts about the Sughd court ’ s handling of the cases , saying the accusations against the defendants are baseless and unfair .
They described the defendants as educated people with university diplomas on secular subjects .
They spoke in condition of anonymity , fearing retaliation by Tajik authorities , who show little tolerance of criticism .
Courts in Tajikistan are known to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in handling cases that involve opposition figures , government critics , or suspected members of religious movements .
Such trials often take place behind closed doors amid widespread allegations of mistreatment and torture of the defendants during pretrial detentions .
The Muslim Brotherhood has been banned in Tajikistan since 2006 .
Tajik authorities accuse the group of seeking to overthrow the government through violence and replace it with an Islamic system .
There are several university lecturers , students , businessmen , and at least one government official among those detained in anti-Muslim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial in Sughd are all the residents of the region .
In July , authorities said that 116 Muslim Brotherhood defendants , including two foreign citizens have gone in trial in the capital , Dushanbe .
Despite having the trials behind the closed doors and not making public the details , the Supreme Court insists that the trials are not `` secret . ''
Opponents and rights groups accuse the Tajik government of cracking down on peaceful Muslims using bogus charges of religious extremism and terrorism .

A court in Tajikistan has sentenced 20 people to prison terms ranging from between five and seven years, after finding them guilty of membership in the banned Muslim Brotherhood movement.
The trials took place behind closed doors in the northern Sughd Pronince last week, without the presence of family members and reporters, relatives and officials said.
The names of the defendants have not been made public and details of the investigation and the trial process remain unknown.
Anvarjon Abdughaffori, the judge who presided over the trials, said on August 18 that the main charge against the defendants was membership of a banned group.
Separately, one defendant has been fined after being found guilty of failing to report crimes, Abdughaffori told RFE/RL.
The defendants were among 154 people who have been detained in several raids against suspected Muslim Brotherhood cells across Tajikistan since January.
It remains unclear whether the defendants pleaded guilty or rejected the charges, or if they had been given a chance to appeal their sentences.
The defendants are said to have been denied access to defense lawyers, a claim RFE/RL cannot independently verify.
Several relatives of the defendants told RFE/RL that they have been kept in the dark about the situation since the arrest of their family members.
The relatives said they have complained to higher courts about the Sughd court’s handling of the cases, saying the accusations against the defendants are baseless and unfair.
They described the defendants as educated people with university diplomas on secular subjects.
They spoke in condition of anonymity, fearing retaliation by Tajik authorities, who show little tolerance of criticism.
Courts in Tajikistan are known to be under the government control, especially in handling cases that involve opposition figures, government critics, or suspected members of religious movements.
Such trials often take place behind closed doors amid widespread allegations of mistreatment and torture of the defendants during pretrial detentions.
The Muslim Brotherhood has been banned in Tajikistan since 2006. Tajik authorities accuse the group of seeking to overthrow the government through violence and replace it with an Islamic system.
There are several university lecturers, students, businessmen, and at least one government official among those detained in anti-Muslim Brotherhood sweeps.
Those who went to trial in Sughd are all the residents of the region. In July, authorities said that 116 Muslim Brotherhood defendants, including two foreign citizens have gone in trial in the capital, Dushanbe.
Despite having the trials behind the closed doors and not making public the details, the Supreme Court insists that the trials are not "secret."
Opponents and rights groups accuse the Tajik government of cracking down on peaceful Muslims using bogus charges of religious extremism and terrorism.


rferl--2020-08-19--HRW Condemns Azerbaijan’s Latest Crackdown On Opposition

Human Rights Watch has condemned Azerbaijan ’ s latest crackdown on opposition leaders and activists that followed a July 14 unsanctioned rally in the capital , Baku .
Numerous people were detained on `` spurious '' charges that range from violating lockdown rules to an attempted coup , the rights group said in a statement on August 19 .
“ The latest wave of arrests in Azerbaijan follows the well-documented pattern of politically motivated arrests and prosecutions and threatens to decimate one of the country ’ s oldest opposition parties , ” said Giorgi Gogia , associate Europe and Central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The authorities should immediately end the crackdown , release those unjustly imprisoned , and investigate law enforcement ’ s conduct.
” Thousands of people attended the rally to support the country ’ s armed forces amid an escalation of tensions with neighboring Armenia .
On the evening of July 14 , a small number of rally participants briefly broke into the parliament building and damaged property before being removed by police .
Authorities claimed it was an attempt masterminded by the opposition to violently overthrow the government .
Dozens of activists were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days .
Local activists put the number of those detained at least 80 people , including 17 members of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party ( APFP ) , one the country ’ s oldest opposition groups .
None of the detained APFP members was in the group that broke into the parliament , their lawyers said .
Many were not even at the rally .
The arrests followed a speech by the country ’ s longtime president , Ilham Aliyev , who accused the APFP of instigating the violence .
He called the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” and the “ fifth column ” and vowed to “ resolve ” the issue .
Following minor clashes between a small group of protesters and police outside the parliament , security forces dispersed the crowd , using tear gas , water cannons , and rubber bullets .
Officials say at least seven officers were injured and 16 vehicles damaged .
Citing defense lawyers and official documents , HRW said that 16 of the detained APFP members face criminal charges of using violence against an official , violating public order , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of spreading an infectious disease .
Five detainees – Asif Yusifli , Mammad Ibrahim , Fuad Gahramanli , Bakhtiyar Imanov , and Ayaz Maharramli – are members of the party ’ s presidium , a decision-making body .
Gahramanli and Ibrahim face an additional charge of attempting to overthrow the government , punishable by up to 20 years or life in prison .
Authorities in the oil-rich Caspian Sea nation have long been criticized for frequently seeking to silence dissent by jailing opposition activists , reporters , and civil society advocates on trumped-up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly 's rapporteurs on Azerbaijan expressed “ grave concern ” about what they described as “ the troubling pattern of arbitrary arrest and detention of government critics.
” In his July 15 speech , Aliyev emphasized that he would “ not pay attention ” to criticism from the Council of Europe and other international organizations about the crackdown .
HRW said that Azerbaijan ’ s international partners should not be intimidated by Aliyev ’ s belligerent speech and should speak up against the crackdown .
“ They should urge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right thing : End the crackdown and release all those unjustly imprisoned , ” Gogia said .

Human Rights Watch has condemned Azerbaijan’s latest crackdown on opposition leaders and activists that followed a July 14 unsanctioned rally in the capital, Baku.
Numerous people were detained on "spurious" charges that range from violating lockdown rules to an attempted coup, the rights group said in a statement on August 19.
“The latest wave of arrests in Azerbaijan follows the well-documented pattern of politically motivated arrests and prosecutions and threatens to decimate one of the country’s oldest opposition parties,” said Giorgi Gogia, associate Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch.
“The authorities should immediately end the crackdown, release those unjustly imprisoned, and investigate law enforcement’s conduct.”
Thousands of people attended the rally to support the country’s armed forces amid an escalation of tensions with neighboring Armenia.
During a rally on the evening of July 14, a small number of people emerged from the crowd and briefly broke into the parliament building and damaged property before being removed by police.
Authorities claimed it was an attempt masterminded by the opposition to violently overthrow the government. Dozens of activists were rounded up by police in the following days.
Local activists said the number of those detained was at least 80 people, including 17 members of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP), one the country’s oldest opposition groups.
None of the detained APFP members was in the group that broke into the parliament, their lawyers said. Many were not even at the rally.
The arrests followed a speech by the country’s longtime president, Ilham Aliyev, who accused the APFP of instigating the violence.
He called the opposition “traitors,” “enemies,” and the “fifth column” and vowed to “resolve” the issue.
Following minor clashes between a small group of protesters and police outside the parliament, security forces dispersed the crowd, using tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets. Officials say at least seven officers were injured and 16 vehicles damaged.
Citing defense lawyers and official documents, HRW said that 16 of the detained APFP members face criminal charges of using violence against an official, violating public order, and destruction of property. One is accused of spreading an infectious disease.
Five detainees – Asif Yusifli, Mammad Ibrahim, Fuad Gahramanli, Bakhtiyar Imanov, and Ayaz Maharramli – are members of the party’s presidium, a decision-making body.
Gahramanli and Ibrahim face an additional charge of attempting to overthrow the government, punishable by up to 20 years or life in prison.
Authorities in the oil-rich Caspian Sea nation have long been criticized for frequently seeking to silence dissent by jailing opposition activists, reporters, and civil society advocates on trumped-up charges.
On July 31, the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly's rapporteurs on Azerbaijan expressed “grave concern” about what they described as “the troubling pattern of arbitrary arrest and detention of government critics.”
In his July 15 speech, Aliyev emphasized that he would “not pay attention” to criticism from the Council of Europe and other international organizations about the crackdown.
HRW said that Azerbaijan’s international partners should not be intimidated by Aliyev’s belligerent speech and should speak up against the crackdown.
“They should urge the authorities in Azerbaijan to do the right thing: End the crackdown and release all those unjustly imprisoned,” Gogia said.


rferl--2020-08-19--Two Killed In Kabul Bombings After Deadly Rocket Attacks

KABUL -- Police say two sticky bombs that targeted Afghan government employees in Kabul killed two people on August 19 and wounded two others .
The attacks came a day after a rocket salvo that hit residential and diplomatic areas in the city claimed the lives of three people and wounded 16 , according to the Interior Ministry .
One of the sticky bombs was attached to a police vehicle , while the other was attached to a car belonging to the Education Ministry , according to Kabul police spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz .
Abdulbaqi Amin , head of the Education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killed in the second blast , a spokeswoman for the ministry was quoted as saying .
No one immediately claimed responsibility for the blasts .
Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said he was not aware of the attacks , which took place as the United States is withdrawing troops while trying to usher in peace talks between the Taliban and the Western-backed government in Kabul to end nearly 19 years of war .
On August 18 , officials said a total of 14 rockets were fired into central Kabul as Afghanistan marked the 101st @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman Tareq Arian said that those killed in the strikes included two government employees .
He did not specify who the employees were , but the AFP news agency quoted two officials as saying they were members of President Ashraf Ghani 's guard of honor .
Another six honor guard members were reportedly wounded when one of the missiles landed in the presidential palace compound .
The Islamic State extremist group claimed responsibility for these attacks .
With reporting by AFP , AP , and dpa

The education of girls and women is universally accepted in more than 200 countries and territories, including nearly 50 Muslim-majority nations.
But Afghanistan’s hard-line Islamist Taliban rulers have banned teenage girls from attending school after the sixth grade since they returned to power two years ago. The ban was extended in December to women in universities.
Countless protests by Afghans inside the country, pressure from the international community, and lobbying by Muslim scholars and clerics have failed to convince the fundamentalist Taliban leaders to reopen schools.
Experts are divided over whether the ban is rooted in how the Taliban’s interpretation of Islam is shaped by conservative Pashtun tribal customs and cultural practices or if it is prompted by how senior Taliban ideologues interpret Islamic teachings.
Most Taliban leaders are ethnic Pashtun, Sunni Muslim clerics. Many were educated in Deobandi madrasahs in neighboring Pakistan. Deobandism emerged as a puritanical Islamic revivalist movement in 19-century British Colonial India. Based on the Sunni Hanafi school of jurisprudence, it is a prominent strain among Islamists in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Tribal Influences
Sami Yousafzai, a veteran Afghan journalist and commentator, argues that the Taliban restrictions against women are linked to social customs and cultural practices in eastern and southern Afghanistan.
Most Taliban leaders come from various Pashtun rural tribal communities in these regions bordering Pakistan.
"They believe that a woman's place is either inside a house or in a grave," Yousafzai said of the basic Taliban belief influenced by the status of women in the families of clerics and religious leaders in these Pashtun regions.
“Women living in the households of the current Taliban policymakers were never educated and never left their homes,” said Yousafzai, who has tracked the Islamist group since it emerged as a ragtag militia in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar in late 1994. “These women never performed any government or nongovernmental jobs.”
Yousafzai says the Taliban backs policies shaped by this worldview by leaning on Islamic teachings supporting such ideas. He says Taliban leaders rely on sayings attributed to the Prophet Muhammad that discourage women from leaving their homes.
“Their primary belief is that pubescent girls should not leave home under any circumstance,” he said. “This is why they view women leaving home for education or work as engaging in moral corruption.”
In Afghanistan, a Muslim nation of some 40 million people, activists and rights advocates accuse the Taliban of implementing "gender apartheid" by denying women education, work, freedom of movement, and deciding how they can appear in public.
Most Muslims agree that Islam allows women to get an education. Yet the Taliban publicly says that it will allow girls access to education only after ensuring complete gender segregation and other unspecified conditions.
Almost all Afghan secondary schools were gender segregated and universities imposed a strict separation between men and women after the Taliban takeover.
Yousafzai says in conservative and traditional Muslim societies around the world, some clerics also favor restrictions on women's education, work, and their role in public life. But the governments in those countries usually oppose or limit such ideas.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia -- one of the most conservative Sunni Muslim nations -- has allowed women to drive and granted them freedom of movement without a male guardian. These steps are part of a reform and modernity drive by Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman.
The Taliban ban on education has invited universal condemnation from Muslims globally.
“The Taliban's ban on women's education is not rooted in [the Islamic] Shari’a law but rather reflects cultural biases that contradict the teachings of Islam,” said Salam al-Marayati, president of the Muslim Public Affairs Council in the United States.
He said that contrary to Taliban practices, “Islam emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and encourages all individuals, regardless of gender, to acquire an education.”
Historical Conflict
But Islamic scholars and those who have attempted to convince the Taliban about reopening girls schools offer a different explanation.
John Mohammad Butt, an Islamic scholar and former BBC broadcaster who is the only Westerner to graduate from India’s Darul Uloom Deoband, argues that the Taliban's policy on girls' education is not tribal but shaped by the century-old conflict over modern education.
“The problem is that girls' education in Afghanistan -- indeed, contemporary education in general -- has generally been introduced in Afghanistan in line with a secular agenda,” he said.
In the 1920s, a coalition of conservative clerics and tribal and community leaders deposed reformist King Amanullah Khan. He wanted to modernize Afghanistan along Turkish leader Kamal Ataturk's secular lines and championed modern education and rights for women.
This opposition to modernity and secularism continued, and conservative clerics opposed women's education and work. It became a key part of the Islamist opposition to the pro-Soviet Afghan communist governments after the April 1978 military coup that ended the Afghan monarchy. The mujahedin accused the communists of spreading immorality by promoting women’s education and empowerment.
“This has led to particular wariness on the part of conservative circles in Afghanistan with regard to girls' education,” Butt said.
'Deep Ideological Conviction'
Obaidullah Baheer, a political science lecturer at the American University of Afghanistan, became part of an effort to rescind the ban by talking to the Taliban last year.
But he says the effort failed because “the ban is a matter of deep ideological conviction” for the current supreme leader of the Taliban, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada.
Baheer says that the most prominent Taliban leaders have studied in Pakistani madrasahs and were thus disconnected from village and tribal life.
“They have been indoctrinated by the Deobandi school of thought so that they now enforce the strictest version of Islam on the Afghan population,” he said.
He argues that the ban on girls’ schools is a deliberate policy championed by Akhundzada, who he says has endorsed Taliban Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani's Arabic language book The Islamic Emirate And Its System. In this book, Haqqani supports a fringe Islamic opinion of preferring the choice of one of the Prophet Muhammad's wives, Sawdah Bint Zam'ah, who chose to stay at home until her death.
Baheer says Haqqani ignores his other wives and other female companions that played an active role in many sectors of society and how they served as students and teachers for men.
“This fringe opinion is not held by all Taliban leaders but is one that the current absolute sovereign, the Taliban emir, seems to be convinced of,” he said.
Butt says that even Haqqani has acknowledged the principle that if there is something that women need to act upon, then that is also something that women need to learn about.
“I hope the Taliban authorities will come to realize in the not-too-distant future that education for women will make Afghan women into better Muslims,” he says. “It will enable them to make a stronger contribution to the well-being of their country.”
Two years after grappling with the issue, Western diplomats appear to be encouraging Afghan conservative and clerical circles to find ways to end the ban.
Tom West, the U.S. special representative for Afghanistan, recently tweeted that Afghan women must be educated and contribute to the economy to help their country stand on its own two feet.
“If change to policies is made, it will be because Afghans have asked for it, not a result of foreign requests,” he wrote.


rferl--2020-08-19--Trump Denies Collusion After Senate Report Finds Evidence Of Russia's 2016 Election Interference

U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee ’ s final report on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election showed he had not colluded with Russia or Ukraine .
“ I do n't know anything about it .
I did n't read it , '' Trump told reporters on August 18 in Yuma , Arizona , where he was holding a campaign event .
`` It 's all a hoax . ''
Trump , who has repeatedly called the Russia investigations a “ hoax , '' added , “ All I know is that I have nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] and that came out loud and clear in the report . ''
Trump 's 2020 campaign responded to the report by saying it was evidence that there was no collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign .
The `` Russia Collusion Hoax is the greatest political scandal in the history of this country , '' it added in a statement .
The report details an aggressive effort by Russia to interfere in the 2016 election on Trump 's behalf .
It says the Trump campaign chairman had regular contact with a Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were eager to exploit the Kremlin 's aid .
The fifth and final report by the Republican-led committee also found that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the hack into the Democratic Party and the leak of information to damage Hillary Clinton and her presidential campaign against Trump .
The Senate panel called the 1,300-page report “ the most comprehensive description to date of Russia 's activities and the threat they posed , ” describing Russia as engaged in an “ aggressive , multifaceted effort to influence , or attempt to influence , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Moscow 's intent was to harm the Clinton campaign , tarnish an expected Clinton presidential administration , help the Trump campaign after Trump became the presumptive Republican nominee , and undermine the U.S. democratic process , ” the report stated .
It also found that WikiLeaks played a key role in Russia 's effort to influence the election to help Trump , and that the website “ very likely knew ” it was assisting a Russian influence effort , the committee ’ s report said .
While Russia ’ s GRU military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ documents , the report found the Trump campaign sought to use the WikiLeaks hacks to aid the campaign .
The panel does not reach a conclusion about whether there is enough evidence that Trump ’ s campaign coordinated or colluded with Russia , leaving that open to interpretation by Republicans and Democrats .
A group of Republicans on the panel submitted “ additional views , ” saying that it should state more explicitly that Trump ’ s campaign did not coordinate with Russia .
But Democrats on the panel submitted their own views @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such cooperation .
The Senate investigation also examined issues of interest to Trump that were not explored by Special Counsel Robert Mueller , who concluded in a report issued in 2019 that Russia interfered in the election .
Those include the FBI 's reliance on a dossier of opposition research compiled by former British spy Christopher Steele , whose work was financed by Democrats .
Senator Marco Rubio ( Republican-Florida ) , the committee 's acting chairman , said in a statement that the committee was troubled that the FBI had been willing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its methodology or sourcing ” as it applied for secret surveillance warrants .
The Senate panel lays out close contacts between Trump associates and the Russians , describing in particular Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort ’ s connections to Russia and Russia-aligned oligarchs in Ukraine .
The report notes how for years Manafort worked closely with Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska and Konstantin Kilimnik , a Russian whom the FBI suspects has ties to Russian intelligence .
The panel unequivocally states Kilimnik was a Russian intelligence officer and that Deripaska coordinated with the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Taken as a whole , Manafort 's high-level access and willingness to share information with individuals closely affiliated with the Russian intelligence services , particularly Kilimnik and associates of Oleg Deripaska , represented a grave counterintelligence threat , ” the panel said .
Manafort was sentenced in March 2019 to more than seven years in prison after being convicted on bank- and tax-fraud charges and charges stemming from his work for Ukrainian politicians .
The convictions did not deal directly with questions of possible Russian interference in the election .
With reporting @ @ @ @

U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee’s final report on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election showed he had not colluded with Russia or Ukraine.
“I don't know anything about it. I didn't read it," Trump told reporters on August 18 in Yuma, Arizona, where he was holding a campaign event. "It's all a hoax."
Trump, who has repeatedly called the Russia investigations a “hoax," added, “All I know is that I have nothing to do with [Russia or Ukraine] and that came out loud and clear in the report."
Trump's 2020 campaign responded to the report by saying it was evidence that there was no collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign. The "Russia Collusion Hoax is the greatest political scandal in the history of this country," it added in a statement.
The report details an aggressive effort by Russia to interfere in the 2016 election on Trump's behalf. It says the Trump campaign chairman had regular contact with a Russian intelligence officer and says other Trump associates were eager to exploit the Kremlin's aid.
The fifth and final report by the Republican-led committee also found that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the hack into the Democratic Party and the leak of information to damage Hillary Clinton and her presidential campaign against Trump.
The Senate panel called the 1,300-page report “the most comprehensive description to date of Russia's activities and the threat they posed,” describing Russia as engaged in an “aggressive, multifaceted effort to influence, or attempt to influence, the outcome of the 2016 presidential election.”
Moscow's intent was to harm the Clinton campaign, tarnish an expected Clinton presidential administration, help the Trump campaign after Trump became the presumptive Republican nominee, and undermine the U.S. democratic process.”
The bipartisan investigation lasted almost 3 1/2 years.
“Moscow's intent was to harm the Clinton campaign, tarnish an expected Clinton presidential administration, help the Trump campaign after Trump became the presumptive Republican nominee, and undermine the U.S. democratic process,” the report stated.
It also found that WikiLeaks played a key role in Russia's effort to influence the election to help Trump, and that the website “very likely knew” it was assisting a Russian influence effort, the committee’s report said.
While Russia’s GRU military intelligence and WikiLeaks released hacked Democratic Party documents, the report found the Trump campaign sought to use the WikiLeaks hacks to aid the campaign.
The panel does not reach a conclusion about whether there is enough evidence that Trump’s campaign coordinated or colluded with Russia, leaving that open to interpretation by Republicans and Democrats.
A group of Republicans on the panel submitted “additional views,” saying that it should state more explicitly that Trump’s campaign did not coordinate with Russia. But Democrats on the panel submitted their own views, arguing that the report clearly shows such cooperation.
The Senate investigation also examined issues of interest to Trump that were not explored by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who concluded in a report issued in 2019 that Russia interfered in the election. Those include the FBI's reliance on a dossier of opposition research compiled by former British spy Christopher Steele, whose work was financed by Democrats.
Senator Marco Rubio (Republican-Florida), the committee's acting chairman, said in a statement that the committee was troubled that the FBI had been willing to use the dossier “without verifying its methodology or sourcing” as it applied for secret surveillance warrants.
The Senate panel lays out close contacts between Trump associates and the Russians, describing in particular Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort’s connections to Russia and Russia-aligned oligarchs in Ukraine.
The report notes how for years Manafort worked closely with Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska and Konstantin Kilimnik, a Russian whom the FBI suspects has ties to Russian intelligence. The panel unequivocally states Kilimnik was a Russian intelligence officer and that Deripaska coordinated with the Russian government to conduct influence operations abroad.
“Taken as a whole, Manafort's high-level access and willingness to share information with individuals closely affiliated with the Russian intelligence services, particularly Kilimnik and associates of Oleg Deripaska, represented a grave counterintelligence threat,” the panel said.
Manafort was sentenced in March 2019 to more than seven years in prison after being convicted on bank- and tax-fraud charges and charges stemming from his work for Ukrainian politicians. The convictions did not deal directly with questions of possible Russian interference in the election.
With reporting by AP and Reuters


rferl--2020-08-19--Lukashenka Orders Ministry To Stem Unrest In Belarus, Tighten Border Controls

MINSK -- Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has instructed the Interior Ministry to prevent unrest in the country and tighten border controls to keep foreign influences from fomenting instability in the face of an 11th day of street protests and strikes over a controversial presidential election .
`` There should be no more riots in Minsk .
People are tired .
People demand peace and quiet , '' Lukashenka said on August 19 , according to the BelTA state news agency .
`` I instruct the State Border Committee , we see this from the discussion , to strengthen the protection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perimeter in order to prevent militants , weapons , ammunition , and money from other countries from entering Belarus to finance the riots .
We see that this money is coming . ''
Lukashenka 's comments came as opposition figure Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya called on European leaders to `` support the awakening '' of her country and respect the choice of the Belarusian people amid widespread anger over a controversial presidential election .
Tsikhanouskaya made the calls in a video address to the European Council as EU leaders began an emergency meeting on August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Our message is clear .
Violence has to stop and a peaceful and inclusive dialogue has to be launched .
The leadership of Belarus must reflect the will of the people , '' European Council President Charles Michel tweeted on August 19 as the gathering got under way via videoconference .
`` The people of Belarus have the right to a result that accurately reflects their vote .
The EU , including the Netherlands , ca n't accept the results of these elections , '' Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement , the presidents of the Czech Republic , Hungary , Poland and Slovakia -- known as the Visegrad Four -- called on Belarusian authorities to `` open the way for a political solution , and to abide by the fundamental human rights and freedoms while refraining from the use of violence against the peaceful demonstrators . ''
In a veiled reference to neighboring Russia , the four leaders urged `` foreign actors to refrain from actions that would undermine Belarus ' independence and sovereignty . ''
Official results from the August 9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1994 , just over 80 percent of the vote , a figure that prompted allegations of vote-rigging .
Tsikhanouskaya , who drew tens of thousands of people to her campaign rallies , claims to have actually received between 60 and 70 percent of the vote .
As opposition leaders on August 18 formed a coordinating council to organize a transfer of power , Lukashenka described the move as an attempt to stage a coup .
And during a meeting of Belarus 's Security Council , Lukashenka urged Western leaders to focus on problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agency BelTA reported .
`` The leaders of Western states offer us talks , negotiations .
And at the same time they keep pushing their own agenda , '' the 65-year-old leader said .
In her video address , Tsikhanouskaya , who left for neighboring Lithuania after the vote , called on EU leaders `` not to recognize these fraudulent elections , '' adding that Lukashenka `` has lost all legitimacy in the eyes of our nation and the world . ''
Speaking in English , she also denounced a postelection crackdown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to defend their votes on the streets of their cities all across Belarus were brutally beaten , imprisoned , and tortured by the regime desperately clinging on to power . ''
In Moscow , Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused foreign powers of using the crisis in Belarus to interfere in the country and push their geopolitical agendas , Russian news agencies reported on August 19 .
`` This is about geopolitics , the fight for the post-Soviet space , '' Lavrov said .
Michel of the European Council spoke by phone with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , expressing concern about election irregularities and a crackdown against protesters .
The two discussed the best way to encourage intra-Belarusian dialogue for a peaceful end to the crisis , a European diplomat told RFE/RL .
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron also spoke with Putin in separate calls on August 18 .
According to her press service , Merkel told Putin that the Belarusian authorities should refrain from violence against peaceful demonstrators and release political prisoners .
She also said Lukashenka should hold talks with opposition groups .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call that Russia hopes the situation will return to normal but warned about outside interference .
`` The Russian side emphasized that any outside attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of the country , which would lead to a further escalation of the crisis , was unacceptable , '' the Kremlin said .
Lukashenka spoke with Putin twice over the weekend , stating afterward that the Russian leader promised him security assistance if Belarus needs it .
Russia has close economic and military ties with Belarus .
Lukashenka described the coordinating council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to seize power .
He said he viewed it “ unambiguously ” as “ an attempt at a coup , with all ensuing consequences , '' speaking during his meeting with the Belarusian Security Council .
The scale of the domestic and international backlash appears to have caught Lukashenka off guard as he finds himself in the precarious position of facing international isolation and sustained street and industrial protests .
The coordinating council met for the first time on August 18 , saying it represents the people and seeks to negotiate a peaceful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or a program . ''
Olga Kovalkova , a representative for Tsikhanouskaya , said at a press conference establishing the coordinating council that she expected Tsikhanouskaya would soon return to Minsk to act as a guarantor in a negotiated transition of power .
`` We are operating solely through legal means , '' Kovalkova said .
`` The situation is critical .
The authorities have no choice but to come to dialogue .
The situation will only get worse . ''
Tsikhanouskaya , who claims to have won the August 9 election , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was prepared to temporarily take over the leadership .
`` I am ready to take responsibility and act as a national leader in order for the country to calm down and enter the normal rhythm , '' Tsikhanouskaya said in the video .
The 37-year-old political novice who ran after other potential candidates , including her husband , were jailed or exiled , left Belarus for Lithuania after the election amid reports that she and her family were threatened by authorities .
Nearly 7,000 people were detained , hundreds were injured , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a crackdown on protesters .
Some of those who have been released since have complained of beatings and terrible conditions while in detention .
The repression only emboldened the opposition as employees at several state-controlled companies have left their factories to join thousands in the streets demanding Lukashenka step down .
With reporting by TASS , Interfax , and BelTA

MINSK -- Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has instructed the Interior Ministry to prevent unrest in the country and tighten border controls to keep purported foreign influences from fomenting instability in the face of an 11th day of street protests and strikes over a controversial presidential election.
"There should be no more riots in Minsk. People are tired. People demand peace and quiet," Lukashenka said on August 19, according to the BelTA state news agency.
"I instruct the State Border Committee, we see this from the discussion, to strengthen the protection of the state border along the entire perimeter in order to prevent militants, weapons, ammunition, and money from other countries from entering Belarus to finance the riots. We see that this money is coming."
Lukashenka's comments came as opposition figure Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya called on European leaders to "support the awakening" of her country and respect the choice of the Belarusian people amid widespread anger over a controversial presidential election.
Tsikhanouskaya made the calls in a video address to the European Council as EU leaders began an emergency meeting on August 19 to discuss the situation in Belarus.
"Our message is clear. Violence has to stop and a peaceful and inclusive dialogue has to be launched. The leadership of Belarus must reflect the will of the people," European Council President Charles Michel tweeted on August 19 as the gathering got under way via videoconference.
"The people of Belarus have the right to a result that accurately reflects their vote. The EU, including the Netherlands, can't accept the results of these elections," Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte tweeted on August 19.
Crisis In Belarus Read our coverage as Belarusian strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka continues his brutal crackdown on NGOs, activists, and independent media following the August 2020 presidential election.
In a joint statement, the presidents of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia -- known as the Visegrad Four -- called on Belarusian authorities to "open the way for a political solution, and to abide by the fundamental human rights and freedoms while refraining from the use of violence against the peaceful demonstrators."
In a veiled reference to neighboring Russia, the four leaders urged "foreign actors to refrain from actions that would undermine Belarus' independence and sovereignty."
Official results from the August 9 election gave Lukashenka, in power since 1994, just over 80 percent of the vote, a figure that prompted allegations of vote-rigging.
Tsikhanouskaya, who drew tens of thousands of people to her campaign rallies, claims to have actually received between 60 and 70 percent of the vote.
As opposition leaders on August 18 formed a coordinating council to organize a transfer of power, Lukashenka described the move as an attempt to stage a coup.
And during a meeting of Belarus's Security Council, Lukashenka urged Western leaders to focus on problems in their own countries, state news agency BelTA reported.
"The leaders of Western states offer us talks, negotiations. And at the same time they keep pushing their own agenda," the 65-year-old leader said.
In her video address, Tsikhanouskaya, who left for neighboring Lithuania after the vote, called on EU leaders "not to recognize these fraudulent elections," adding that Lukashenka "has lost all legitimacy in the eyes of our nation and the world."
Speaking in English, she also denounced a postelection crackdown, saying: "People who came out to defend their votes on the streets of their cities all across Belarus were brutally beaten, imprisoned, and tortured by the regime desperately clinging on to power."
In Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused foreign powers of using the crisis in Belarus to interfere in the country and push their geopolitical agendas, Russian news agencies reported on August 19.
"This is about geopolitics, the fight for the post-Soviet space," Lavrov said.
Michel of the European Council spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 18, expressing concern about election irregularities and a crackdown against protesters. The two discussed the best way to encourage intra-Belarusian dialogue for a peaceful end to the crisis, a European diplomat told RFE/RL.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron also spoke with Putin in separate calls on August 18.
According to her press service, Merkel told Putin that the Belarusian authorities should refrain from violence against peaceful demonstrators and release political prisoners. She also said Lukashenka should hold talks with opposition groups.
The Kremlin said in a readout of the call that Russia hopes the situation will return to normal but warned about outside interference.
"The Russian side emphasized that any outside attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of the country, which would lead to a further escalation of the crisis, was unacceptable," the Kremlin said.
Lukashenka spoke with Putin twice over the weekend, stating afterward that the Russian leader promised him security assistance if Belarus needs it. Russia has close economic and military ties with Belarus.
Lukashenka described the coordinating council announced on August 18 as an attempt to seize power. He said he viewed it “unambiguously” as “an attempt at a coup, with all ensuing consequences," speaking during his meeting with the Belarusian Security Council.
The scale of the domestic and international backlash appears to have caught Lukashenka off guard as he finds himself in the precarious position of facing international isolation and sustained street and industrial protests.
The coordinating council met for the first time on August 18, saying it represents the people and seeks to negotiate a peaceful transition of power "without political goals or a program."
Volha Kovalkova, a representative for Tsikhanouskaya, said at a press conference establishing the coordinating council that she expected Tsikhanouskaya would soon return to Minsk to act as a guarantor in a negotiated transition of power.
Timeline: Postelection Developments In Belarus Some of the key events that have followed the contested reelection of longtime Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka.
"We are operating solely through legal means," Kovalkova said. "The situation is critical. The authorities have no choice but to come to dialogue. The situation will only get worse."
Tsikhanouskaya, who claims to have won the August 9 election, said in an earlier online video that she was prepared to temporarily take over the leadership.
"I am ready to take responsibility and act as a national leader in order for the country to calm down and enter the normal rhythm," Tsikhanouskaya said in the video.
The 37-year-old political novice who ran after other potential candidates, including her husband, were jailed or exiled, left Belarus for Lithuania after the election amid reports that she and her family were threatened by authorities.
Nearly 7,000 people were detained, hundreds were injured, and at least two people died in a crackdown on protesters. Some of those who have been released since have complained of beatings and terrible conditions while in detention.
The repression only emboldened the opposition as employees at several state-controlled companies have left their factories to join thousands in the streets demanding Lukashenka step down.
With reporting by TASS, Interfax, and BelTA


rferl--2020-08-18--Pakistan Approves Phase III Human Trials Of Experimental Chinese Coronavirus Vaccine

Pakistani regulators have approved final-phase testing of a Chinese-developed potential vaccine against the coronavirus .
The state-run National Institute of Health ( NIH ) said on August 17 that the Phase III clinical trial would be the first of its kind in Pakistan .
It said the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan approved the advanced clinical trial of the vaccine produced by CanSinoBio , a China-based vaccine developer , and the Beijing Institute of Biotechnology .
`` This will be the first ever Phase III clinical trial for any vaccine in Pakistan , '' the NIH said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing on humans would help it secure `` preferential vaccine supply and pricing , ” it added .
The trial will be conducted at several medical facilities across Pakistan .
The experimental vaccine is already undergoing Phase III trials in China , Russia , Chile , and Argentina .
Mexico and Saudi Arabia are also planning to join the clinical trials .
COVID-19 has claimed more than 6,000 lives in Pakistan and infected some 290,000 , according to official numbers .
More than 150 vaccines are being developed and tested around the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 in human clinical trials , according to the World Health Organization .
The race for a vaccine has set off a global competition among countries trying to ensure they gain timely , secure , and affordable access to any vaccine or treatment .
With reporting by AFP , dpa , AP , and Reuters

Pakistani regulators have approved final-phase testing of a Chinese-developed potential vaccine against the coronavirus.
The state-run National Institute of Health (NIH) said on August 17 that the Phase III clinical trial would be the first of its kind in Pakistan.
It said the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan approved the advanced clinical trial of the vaccine produced by CanSinoBio, a China-based vaccine developer, and the Beijing Institute of Biotechnology.
"This will be the first ever Phase III clinical trial for any vaccine in Pakistan," the NIH said in a statement.
Pakistan's inclusion in the large-scale testing on humans would help it secure "preferential vaccine supply and pricing,” it added.
The trial will be conducted at several medical facilities across Pakistan.
The experimental vaccine is already undergoing Phase III trials in China, Russia, Chile, and Argentina. Mexico and Saudi Arabia are also planning to join the clinical trials.
COVID-19 has claimed more than 6,000 lives in Pakistan and infected some 290,000, according to official numbers.
More than 150 vaccines are being developed and tested around the world to stop the COVID-19 pandemic, with 25 in human clinical trials, according to the World Health Organization.
The race for a vaccine has set off a global competition among countries trying to ensure they gain timely, secure, and affordable access to any vaccine or treatment.
With reporting by AFP, dpa, AP, and Reuters


rferl--2020-08-19--Ex-FBI Lawyer Admits To Altering Document During Russia Probe

A former FBI lawyer pleaded guilty on August 19 to altering a document used to obtain a secret surveillance warrant as part of the bureau ’ s early probe into whether President Donald Trump 's 2016 campaign colluded with Russia .
The lawyer , Kevin Clinesmith , is the first current or former official to be charged in an investigation by John Durham , a federal prosecutor tapped to scrutinize decisions made by officials during that probe .
During a virtual hearing in the U.S. District Court in Washington , Clinesmith admitted to altering a CIA e-mail the FBI used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court to renew its application for a secret wiretap to monitor former Trump campaign aide Carter Page .
The FBI relied on Clinesmith 's altered e-mail to justify suspicions that he was a potential Russian agent .
In an August 2016 e-mail , the CIA advised that Page had been approved as an `` operational contact '' from 2008 to 2013 for unrelated matters .
But Clinesmith doctored an e-mail from the CIA to make it appear as though Page was not an agency source , according to the charging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believed that the information I was providing in the e-mail was accurate , but I am agreeing that the information I inserted into the e-mail was not originally there , and I inserted that information , '' Clinesmith said during the hearing .
Trump and his supporters have claimed that the Russia probe was a `` witch hunt '' against him and the guilty plea will likely be used to strengthen those arguments .
A Senate report released on August 19 also examined issues of interest to Trump that were not explored by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probe , including the FBI 's reliance on a dossier of opposition research compiled by former British spy Christopher Steele whose work was financed by Democrats .
Mueller concluded his 2019 report that Russia interfered in the election , but that investigation did not charge any Trump associates with conspiring with the Russians .
Page was never charged with a crime and has denied any wrongdoing .
Clinesmith faces up to six months in prison .
Based on reporting by AP , dpa , and Reuters

A former FBI lawyer pleaded guilty on August 19 to altering a document used to obtain a secret surveillance warrant as part of the bureau’s early probe into whether President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign colluded with Russia.
The lawyer, Kevin Clinesmith, is the first current or former official to be charged in an investigation by John Durham, a federal prosecutor tapped to scrutinize decisions made by officials during that probe.
During a virtual hearing in the U.S. District Court in Washington, Clinesmith admitted to altering a CIA e-mail the FBI used in 2017 when it applied to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court to renew its application for a secret wiretap to monitor former Trump campaign aide Carter Page.
The FBI relied on Clinesmith's altered e-mail to justify suspicions that he was a potential Russian agent.
In an August 2016 e-mail, the CIA advised that Page had been approved as an "operational contact" from 2008 to 2013 for unrelated matters.
But Clinesmith doctored an e-mail from the CIA to make it appear as though Page was not an agency source, according to the charging documents.
"At the time I believed that the information I was providing in the e-mail was accurate, but I am agreeing that the information I inserted into the e-mail was not originally there, and I inserted that information," Clinesmith said during the hearing.
Trump and his supporters have claimed that the Russia probe was a "witch hunt" against him and the guilty plea will likely be used to strengthen those arguments.
A Senate report released on August 19 also examined issues of interest to Trump that were not explored by special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia probe, including the FBI's reliance on a dossier of opposition research compiled by former British spy Christopher Steele whose work was financed by Democrats.
Mueller concluded his 2019 report that Russia interfered in the election, but that investigation did not charge any Trump associates with conspiring with the Russians.
Page was never charged with a crime and has denied any wrongdoing.
Clinesmith faces up to six months in prison.
Based on reporting by AP, dpa, and Reuters


rferl--2020-08-19--Pakistani Female Journalists Face 'Coordinated' Campaign Of Online Threats

Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders ( RSF ) is calling on Pakistani authorities to take immediate action to stop online harassment against female journalists that puts their professional duties and lives at risk .
The call from the Paris-based advocacy group on August 19 came in response to a joint statement signed by some 50 women journalists in Pakistan condemning a `` well-defined and coordinated campaign '' of harassment on social media , including abusive language and threats of violence .
`` We regard the highest levels of the Pakistani government as either responsible or complicit in these recent cyberharassment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t toe the official line , '' said Daniel Bastard , the head of RSF ’ s Asia-Pacific desk .
`` This tactic , which clearly aims to intimidate all government critics , is a flagrant violation of article 19A of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan ’ s constitution .
We call on Prime Minister Imran Khan to ensure that this unacceptable use of hate speech is brought to a stop , '' he said .
The joint statement , issued on August 12 , outlined online social media harassment of women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacks are `` instigated by government officials '' and then amplified by pro-government Twitter accounts and trolls .
`` The target of these attacks are women with differing viewpoints and those whose reports have been critical of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf ’ s government , and more specifically its handling of the coronavirus pandemic , '' the statement said .
Gender-Based Slurs Types of harassment include threats of rape and physical violence , releasing personal details of women journalists and analysts , and gender-based slurs .
The online-bullying also seeks to discredit and intimidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of `` fake news '' and an `` enemy of the people . ''
`` These have the potential to incite violence and lead to hate crimes , putting our physical safety at risk , '' the journalists wrote .
Women in the media , especially those on social-media platforms , are now reportedly finding it untenable to engage on social media , depriving them of their right to free speech and providing information to the public .
`` Many now self-censor , refrain from sharing information , giving their opinion or actively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Pakistan is ranked 145th out of 180 countries in RSF 's 2020 World Press Freedom Index .
In 2019 , four journalists and bloggers were killed in connection with their reporting .
Among them was Arooj Iqbal , who was shot dead in Lahore in November in a case that has gone unpunished .
Iqbal wanted to be the first woman journalist to launch her own newspaper in Pakistan , RSF said .

Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is calling on Pakistani authorities to take immediate action to stop online harassment against female journalists that puts their professional duties and lives at risk.
The call from the Paris-based advocacy group on August 19 came in response to a joint statement signed by some 50 women journalists in Pakistan condemning a "well-defined and coordinated campaign" of harassment on social media, including abusive language and threats of violence.
"We regard the highest levels of the Pakistani government as either responsible or complicit in these recent cyberharassment campaigns against certain women journalists who don’t toe the official line," said Daniel Bastard, the head of RSF’s Asia-Pacific desk.
"This tactic, which clearly aims to intimidate all government critics, is a flagrant violation of article 19A of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan’s constitution. We call on Prime Minister Imran Khan to ensure that this unacceptable use of hate speech is brought to a stop," he said.
The joint statement, issued on August 12, outlined online social media harassment of women journalists and commentators, alleging that the attacks are "instigated by government officials" and then amplified by pro-government Twitter accounts and trolls.
"The target of these attacks are women with differing viewpoints and those whose reports have been critical of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s government, and more specifically its handling of the coronavirus pandemic," the statement said.
Gender-Based Slurs
Types of harassment include threats of rape and physical violence, releasing personal details of women journalists and analysts, and gender-based slurs. The online-bullying also seeks to discredit and intimidate journalists, referring to them as peddlers of "fake news" and an "enemy of the people."
"These have the potential to incite violence and lead to hate crimes, putting our physical safety at risk," the journalists wrote.
Women in the media, especially those on social-media platforms, are now reportedly finding it untenable to engage on social media, depriving them of their right to free speech and providing information to the public.
"Many now self-censor, refrain from sharing information, giving their opinion or actively engaging online," the statement said.
Pakistan is ranked 145th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2020 World Press Freedom Index.
In 2019, four journalists and bloggers were killed in connection with their reporting.
Among them was Arooj Iqbal, who was shot dead in Lahore in November in a case that has gone unpunished.
Iqbal wanted to be the first woman journalist to launch her own newspaper in Pakistan, RSF said.


rferl--2020-08-19--U.S. Poised For Diplomatic Wrangle At UN Over 'Snapback' Of Iran Sanctions

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will formally notify the UN Security Council on August 20 that the United States intends to begin the process of restoring UN sanctions on Iran .
U.S. State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement on August 19 that 30 days after the notification “ a range of UN sanctions will be restored.
” This includes an extension of an arms embargo on Iran , Ortagus said .
An announcement of Pompeo ’ s trip to the UN headquarters had been anticipated since the failure of a U.S. resolution last week to extend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an interview with Fox News on August 19 , expressed confidence about invoking a so-called “ snapback ” of UN sanctions even as he appeared to lack support from key European allies and Russia and China .
`` We are going to get these UN sanctions put back in place and the world will be safer , '' Pompeo said .
He also said he would hold China and Russia accountable if they block the move .
The United States `` absolutely '' will target Russia and China with sanctions if they refuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said , adding that the United States already has done that whenever it has seen any country violate current U.S. sanctions .
Pompeo also slammed European countries for not backing U.S. opposition to the nuclear deal .
European leaders `` refuse to do the courageous thing , '' Pompeo said .
`` We have the same objectives , they are just wedded to this crazy nuclear deal , '' he said , referring to the 2015 agreement with Iran and six world powers intended to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arms embargo , which is set to expire in October under the nuclear deal , failed last week with only the Dominican Republic joining the United States , and Russia and China voting against , while 11 members including European allies abstained .
That same resistance at the UN Security Council is expected to intensify as the United States acts to restore sanctions .
Russia and China , as well as European signatories to the nuclear pact , have questioned the U.S. right to trigger the “ snapback ” mechanism because U.S. President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 and reimposed unilateral sanctions .
The United States claims it remains a `` participant '' in the accord because it was listed as such in the UN resolution that enshrined it .
Iran has threatened to completely exit the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) , as the nuclear deal is formally known , and hinted it will pull out of another key nonproliferation treaty if the arms embargo is extended or there is a `` snapback '' of sanctions .
But it also has said it will come fully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States abides by its commitments and lifts unilateral sanctions .
Diplomats and analysts say a restoration of sanctions on Iran would lead to a messy diplomatic battle that could undermine the UN Security Council and potentially collapse what is left of the nuclear deal .
Pompeo , in his interview with Fox News , acknowledged that restoring sanctions could spell the end of the deal .
Analysts say UN Security Council members will likely use bureaucratic and procedural moves to stall or block the U.S. bid to bring back sanctions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council members to respond to the U.S. claim sanctions have been reimposed “ with a collective shrug , making plain that they dispute the move ’ s legitimacy and that they will neither recognize new sanctions nor give them any effect , ” the International Crisis Group wrote in a briefing .
Critics of the U.S. bid to extend the arms embargo say it was a cynical effort to try to snap back sanctions on Tehran , with the goal of killing the deal or making it difficult for any future U.S. administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Germany -- all signatories to the JCPOA who have sought to keep it alive -- have expressed worries about the arms embargo ending but oppose U.S. action at the UN because they feared it would end the nuclear deal and damage the UN Security Council .
Experts say U.S. allies in Europe and Iran appear to be trying to wait out the Trump administration , calculating that former Vice President Joe Biden will win the November presidential election and de-escalate tensions with Iran .
With reporting by Reuters , dpa , @ @ @ @ @ @

A polytechnic school in Russia’s Tatarstan, a region some 900 kilometers east of Moscow, is using manufacturing facilities that are part of a nearby special economic zone to assemble Iranian attack drones and are increasingly turning to underage students as laborers, many of whom often work in exploitative conditions.
The revelations at Alabuga Polytechnic University raise troubling implications about the lengths that Russian authorities are going to in order to boost the war effort and how the advanced Iranian weaponry -- which is increasingly used to bombard Ukrainian cities and has only recently begun to be manufactured inside Russia -- could contribute to escalating tensions and rising civilian casualties.
The use of underage students as drone factory workers and the details of the manufacturing facilities were first reported by Russian independent media outlets Protokol and Razvorot, which published a series of investigations in July.
Since then, RFE/RL’s Idel.Realities has spoken with students who describe grueling working conditions and interviewed dozens of parents whose children have been enrolled at Alabuga Polytechnic University -- some as young at 15 -- who say that their children were forced to work exceedingly long hours, often without proper breaks or meals, and under hostile conditions that have deeply affected their mental health.
“My son enrolled and 2 1/2 months later he called for me to take him away,” Zhanna, who asked to be identified only by her first name to protect against reprisals for speaking about the operation, told RFE/RL. “He said to me on the phone, ‘Come and get me or I’ll die,’ so I picked him up immediately.”
Zhanna, who asked that her underage son’s name also not be used, says that she sent him from Nizhny Novgorod to study at Alabuga Polytechnic University in 2022 because of its reputation as a leading technical institution inside Russia.
The school offered students -- often between the ages of 15-18 -- an opportunity to get vocational training as part of a dual program that combines a classroom education with practical work experience. Students were also promised an opportunity to work and earn a locally competitive salary of up to 70,000 rubles ($700) a month as part of the work experience program that could further their career growth.
Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here.
But, instead, those enrolled were encouraged and in some cases pressured into working at the drone facility, where the salaries of the mostly underage laborers are contingent on meeting tough production quotas.
“This is a textbook definition of what constitutes exploitation,” Sergei Podsytnik, an investigative journalist at Protokol who worked on the series of reports, told RFE/RL. “[Students] assemble drones, with the work taking priority over their studies.”
The pressure to fulfill these quotas has allegedly led to strenuous back-to-back days -- with some shifts lasting up to 15 hours -- with little time for sleep or adequate sustenance. Overtime work is often unpaid, further highlighting potential labor violations. Exhausted students also reported not always meeting their quotas, which led to them not earning the salary initially promised by the school. Many students came from disadvantaged backgrounds and relied on their earnings to cover costs for tuition, room, and board and would send the remainder home.
Other parents, such as Marina, said she decided to take her daughter out of the program when she discovered that she was working in apparent unsafe conditions and that staff from the school had instructed students not to tell their parents about the drone assembly work.
“This was the last straw for me,” Marina, who also asked for her identity to be concealed, told RFE/RL. “This is a dangerous production process that involves dangerous chemicals. They also forbid the kids from telling everything to their parents.”
RFE/RL sent multiple requests for comment to various staff and administrators at Alabuga Polytechnic University but received no replies.
Making Iranian Drones In Russia
The complicated and concerning dynamic at Alabuga Polytechnic University stems from growing military cooperation between Iran and Russia that has accelerated since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Iran has said it provided drones to Russia before the start of the war, but not since. However, U.S. intelligence officials have warned for months of continued deliveries and deepening cooperation between Moscow and Tehran, saying the two sides were exploring how to set up a manufacturing plant for Iranian drones inside Russia.
According to The Wall Street Journal, an Iranian delegation visited Yelabuga in Tatarstan on January 5, touring a potential site for such a factory at the Alabuga special economic zone close to Alabuga Polytechnic University. U.S. officials released satellite images in April of the plant being built.
Russia already possesses an array of unarmed aerial vehicles, or UAVs, which are used mainly for surveillance and artillery spotting, but has turned increasingly to Tehran for attack drones.
After being forced to abandon Ukrainian territory that its troops captured in the early stretches of the war, Moscow shifted to a strategy of relentless air assaults on Ukrainian cities. These attacks often rely on a combination of cruise missiles and self-detonating drones packed with explosives to knock out electricity and running water for the civilian population in Ukraine.
So far, Iran has provided Russia mostly with so-called "suicide" drones, known as the Shahed-136, that contain a modest amount of explosives that can detonate when the drones crash into targets, military experts say.
In acquiring its own domestic assembly line, Russia could dramatically increase its stockpile of the relatively inexpensive but highly destructive weapons systems.
WATCH: Russia has resorted to using Shahed-136 drones from Iran in its war on Ukraine. Ukraine says it's already downed many of the drones, which work by slamming into their intended target, laden with explosives. Ordinary Ukrainians say they can already recognize the sound of the drones, which use two-stroke engines like lawnmowers or motorbikes. Iran has denied supplying the drones to Russia.
The arrangement also offers substantial economic and political benefits for Iran, which has sought to portray itself as neutral in the Ukraine war. The appearance of Iranian-made drones over Ukrainian cities, however, has triggered threats of new economic sanctions from the West. The United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom have also all issued rules in recent months designed to cut off the flow of drone components to Russia and Iran.
The Washington Post reported in November 2022, citing unnamed U.S. intelligence officials, that the agreement to deliver Iranian drone schematics and materials for manufacture in Russia resulted from Iranian leaders believing that the arrangement would allow Tehran to avert new sanctions.
Foreign Recruitment And Patriotic Education
Alabuga Polytechnic University is formally not a college. All of its students are officially enrolled at nearby Yelabuga Polytechnic College, with the Alabuga institution existing on paper as a specialized program for students looking to break into high-tech industries.
Currently, about 1,000 students are studying at Alabuga Polytechnic University, with several hundred of them -- most of whom are between the ages of 15 and 17 -- involved in assembling the Iranian drones.
In addition to the work on the drones, there are other signs that point to blurred lines in Russia between the education system and the country’s military amid the war in Ukraine.
According to current and former Alabuga Polytechnic University students, team-building and organized extracurricular activities through the school often take on a “patriotic” character that may be designed to expose students to official government narratives of international events or echo talking points from state television.
Organized paintball games have become a mainstay for students, especially first-year arrivals, in which they are encouraged to compete against one another and then play together against more experienced outside players. Teachers and administration officials regularly refer to paintball as being part of a “patriotic” education needed to complement the technical aspect of their studies.
In one instance, a group of new students competed in paintball as Soviet soldiers against outside players who were dressed as troops from Nazi Germany in a capture-the-flag competition meant to simulate the World War II battle of Stalingrad. According to one student, the Nazi flag contained the compass symbol used by the NATO military alliance instead of the swastika used by Nazi Germany.
Other instances of political teachings from staff are more direct. In a recording obtained by RFE/RL from June 16, a senior administrator can be heard telling the teenagers that NATO launched a hybrid war against Russia back in 2011 and that it has slowly become more overt. The man then goes on to tell students that their hard work and exceeding long days at the drone factory are part of a nationwide struggle against the West and that their patriotism will be rewarded.
Several students and parents identified the man in the recording as Timur Shagivaleev, the director-general of the special economic zone where Alabuga Polytechnic University and the drone factory operate.
Shagivaleev did not respond to RFE/RL’s request for comment.
The man in the recording then goes on to tell students not to take holidays and to continue working “even if it's mom's birthday,” before ending his speech with, “Long live our great country.”
WATCH: Amid a new wave of Russian drone attacks on Ukraine, analysts in Kyiv are gaining useful intelligence from a collection of downed Russian aerial weapons. They have been studying the remains of Iranian Shahed drones and Russian Kinzhal missiles, among others.
Multiple current and former students told RFE/RL that students who work in the drone factory are often praised by staff, while those who have refused or asked to be reassigned due to the high workload are often publicly shamed. In some instances -- according to recordings heard by RFE/RL -- staff even encourage students to bully others who are not deemed “patriotic” enough.
According to Protokol and Razvorot’s investigations, Alabuga Polytechnic University has also turned toward recruiting foreign students to enroll. The majority of them come from African countries, but also from Central Asia and Azerbaijan, where they are promised “world class” salaries as part of the dual-track world experience program.
However, these foreign students are then given low-skill and menial tasks around the campus and the special economic zone, such as janitorial work, and are also paid lower salaries than initially promised.
Written by Reid Standish based on reporting by RFE/RL’s Idel.Realities