themoscowtimes--2020-10-29--Stalin Victims Commemoration Moves Online Due to Coronavirus

An annual commemoration held in honor of victims of Stalinist repressions has moved online Thursday due to the coronavirus pandemic , its organizers said .
Participants of the “ Returning the Names ” ceremony traditionally gather outside the former KGB headquarters in central Moscow every Oct. 29 to read the names , ages and professions of those who died in Stalin ’ s purges .
As many as 30 million are believed to have been killed during the Soviet-era repressions .
“ We can ’ t gather with you today at the square by the Solovetsky Stone , but each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can remember these people , ” Memorial ’ s co-founder Yelena Zhemkova said at the launch of the event .
The Memorial human rights group said on the event ’ s website that Russians wishing to commemorate the date could bring flowers to the monuments for victims of repression in their cities .
Other cities where mass gatherings are not banned could file for permission to hold in-person commemorations , said Memorial , which has organized “ Returning the Names ” on the same date for the past 14 years .
Cities including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to commemorate the victims in-person on either Thursday or Friday , the Kommersant business daily reported .
Authorities in Russia ’ s fourth-largest city of Yekaterinburg cited the coronavirus pandemic when banning the in-person gathering , the publication said .
Authorities in the city of Kirov 800 kilometers east of Moscow reportedly banned “ Returning the Names , ” saying it could disrupt a nearby drama theater which had canceled its performances due to Covid-19 .
Memorial , which has been labeled a `` foreign agent '' in Russia for receiving money from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian government and pro-Kremlin vigilantes over its work .
In 2018 , Amnesty International called on the Russian authorities to put an end to what it called a coordinated assault on the NGO .

An annual commemoration held in honor of victims of Stalinist repressions has moved online Thursday due to the coronavirus pandemic, its organizers said. Participants of the “Returning the Names” ceremony traditionally gather outside the former KGB headquarters in central Moscow every Oct. 29 to read the names, ages and professions of those who died in Stalin’s purges. As many as 30 million are believed to have been killed during the Soviet-era repressions.
“We can’t gather with you today at the square by the Solovetsky Stone, but each of us, wherever we are, can remember these people,” Memorial’s co-founder Yelena Zhemkova said at the launch of the event. The Memorial human rights group said on the event’s website that Russians wishing to commemorate the date could bring flowers to the monuments for victims of repression in their cities. Other cities where mass gatherings are not banned could file for permission to hold in-person commemorations, said Memorial, which has organized “Returning the Names” on the same date for the past 14 years. Cities including St. Petersburg, Ufa and Rostov plan to commemorate the victims in-person on either Thursday or Friday, the Kommersant business daily reported.
news On This Day Victims of Political Repressions Are Honored Read more


themoscowtimes--2020-10-29--As Russia Eases Its Border Restrictions, Who Is Able to Enter?

On Aug. 1 , Russia resumed direct flights to Tanzania , Turkey , and the U.K. Nearly four months later , regular international flights now connect Russia with more than 10 countries and additional air links with Cuba , Serbia and Japan are expected to resume from Nov. 1 .
Russia has gradually moved to re-open its borders after grounding nearly all international flights this spring due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Countries whose citizens are currently allowed to enter Russia — and vice versa .
Though Russia ’ s daily coronavirus case numbers continue to rise , the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to close its borders again like it did in the spring .
Last week , President Vladimir Putin also assured the public that the government has no plans for reintroducing strict lockdown measures during the second wave .
Despite this , most foreigners are still not able to enter Russia , while foreign travel options for Russians also remain scarce .
Here ’ s a closer look at Russia ’ s entry and exit rules : Nationals and residency holders of countries with which Russia has resumed direct air traffic are allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ valid visa or other required travel documents and arrive in Russia directly from the respective country of their citizenship or residency .
Currently , this rule includes the following countries : Belarus , Egypt , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , the Maldives , South Korea , Switzerland , Tanzania , Turkey , the UAE and Britain .
Starting Nov. 1 , nationals and residents of Cuba , Serbia and Japan will be able to enter Russia if arriving on authorized direct flights .
The following categories of foreign citizens can also travel to Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • None Immediate family members , spouses and legal guardians of Russian nationals , provided that they have documents confirming their relations , • None Relatives of a critically ill or deceased person , provided that they have documents confirming their relations , • None Foreigners working in professions that fall under the “ highly qualified specialists ” category , • None Diplomats , members of intergovernmental commissions , committees or special delegations , as well as their family members , • None Holders of private visas issued by the Foreign Ministry .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ None Foreign travelers must present English or Russian-language proof that they have tested negative for the coronavirus less than 72 hours before arriving in Russia .
• None Russian nationals are required to complete an entry form on the gosuslugi.ru portal and then upload their PCR test results within 72 hours of arrival in Russia .
Travelers are required to self-isolate until a negative test result is received .
• None All incoming passengers must present a completed health declaration form , which is most commonly provided by flight attendants onboard an aircraft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Most countries that have agreed to resume direct air travel with Russia have done so on a reciprocal basis , meaning most Russians are also allowed to travel there , given they comply with existing quarantine and visa regulations .
The rule does not apply to Japan and Switzerland , which permit entry only to certain types of visa holders and residents .
Those who don ’ t mind layovers or are simply eager to embark on a multi-country trip after months in Russia have a much more comprehensive selection .
Countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Albania , Bahrain , Croatia , the Dominican Republic , Morocco and Mexico .
Quarantine and test requirements vary by destination .
Some governments even require tourists to spend a certain amount of time in a designated low-risk country before arrival , while others allow them to enter only as part of a pre-arranged tour .

On Aug. 1, Russia resumed direct flights to Tanzania, Turkey, and the U.K. Nearly four months later, regular international flights connect Russia with more than 15 countries, including recently re-instated air links with Ethiopia and Seychelles.
Russia has gradually moved to re-open its borders after grounding nearly all international flights this spring due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Countries whose citizens are currently allowed to enter Russia — and vice versa.
Though Russia’s daily coronavirus case numbers continue to rise, the government has given no indication that it plans to close its borders again like it did in the spring. President Vladimir Putin also assured the public that the government has no plans for reverting to strict nationwide lockdown during the second wave.
Despite this, most foreigners are still not able to enter Russia, while foreign travel options for Russians also remain scarce.
Here’s a closer look at Russia’s entry and exit rules:
Who can visit Russia?
Nationals and residency holders of countries with which Russia has resumed direct air traffic are allowed to enter Russia, given they have a valid visa or other required travel documents and arrive in Russia directly from the respective country of their citizenship or residency.
Currently, this rule includes the following countries: Belarus, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Maldives, Serbia, Seychelles, South Korea, Switzerland, Tanzania, Turkey, the UAE, Britain and Japan.
The following categories of foreign citizens can also travel to Russia, according to the Foreign Ministry:
Russian permanent residency holders,
Immediate family members, spouses and legal guardians of Russian nationals, provided that they have documents confirming their relations,
Relatives of a critically ill or deceased person, provided that they have documents confirming their relations,
Foreigners seeking medical treatment,
Foreigners working in professions that fall under the “highly qualified specialists” category,
Diplomats, members of intergovernmental commissions, committees or special delegations, as well as their family members,
Holders of private visas issued by the Foreign Ministry.
What documents do I need?
Foreign travelers must present English or Russian-language proof that they have tested negative for the coronavirus less than 72 hours before arriving in Russia.
Russian nationals are required to complete an entry form on the gosuslugi.ru portal and then upload their PCR test results within 72 hours of arrival in Russia. Travelers are required to self-isolate until a negative test result is received.
All incoming passengers must present a completed health declaration form, which is most commonly provided by flight attendants onboard an aircraft.
Which countries can Russians travel to?
Most countries that have agreed to resume direct air travel with Russia have done so on a reciprocal basis, meaning most Russians are also allowed to travel there, given they comply with existing quarantine and visa regulations. The rule does not apply to Japan and Switzerland, which permit entry only to certain types of visa holders and residents.
Despite the reopening of some direct flights to Cyprus, Greece and Iran, Russian tourists are not yet permitted to enter these countries.
Those who don’t mind layovers or are simply eager to embark on a multi-country trip after months in Russia have a much more comprehensive selection.
Countries that currently allow Russians to enter include Albania, Bahrain, Croatia, the Dominican Republic, Morocco and Mexico. Quarantine and test requirements vary by destination. Some governments even require tourists to spend a certain amount of time in a designated low-risk country before arrival, while others allow them to enter only as part of a pre-arranged tour.


themoscowtimes--2020-10-29--Binational Couples Separated by Russia's Coronavirus Travel Bans Push for Change

While 12 European countries and Canada have allowed entry for binational couples who can show proof that they are in long-term relationships , Russia remains closed to non-married foreign partners .
Many of them call the country ’ s entry rules opaque , confusing and restrictive .
With no end to the pandemic in sight , these couples are calling on Russia to allow them to reunite .
“ We were very optimistic and thought the situation would change soon .
I think we only realized in May how serious it was , ” Anna said .
But soon after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic halted almost all international travel , throwing their future together into uncertainty .
“ It was all very romantic and beautiful and I knew from the beginning that she was very special to me , ” Alexander said .
“ She later told me she had the same feeling about me.
” She had offered to show him around her home city during his two-week course after they connected on the Couchsurfing platform .
As they ate dinner at a Soviet-style restaurant with rugs decorating the walls and went ice skating on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their different cultures and dreams for the future — and found themselves falling in love .
Alexander , a German citizen , first met Anna on Valentine 's Day during a break from his studies in Russia 's grand imperial capital St. Petersburg .
In addition to calling and emailing the Russian authorities , they have organized an online petition — affiliated with the global Love Is Not Tourism movement — urging the government to open the borders for binational couples and families .
So far it has gathered more than 16,500 signatures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mental health impacts of the pandemic : growing depression rates , new phobias , newly acquired obsessive-compulsive and anxiety disorders , ” said Yana Kataeva , a family counselor and founder of the Grown Up Relationship School .
“ While I have not come across studies about couples deprived of opportunities to see each other , I believe them to be at a higher risk than couples living together , ” she added .
Complications for couples split between Russia and other countries are compounded by the various types of visas available .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ visas have been allowed to enter Russia , but their non-Russian spouses and family members have not , said Timur Beslangurov from the Moscow-based Vista Immigration agency .
For Seth Bernstein , the situation has been especially difficult .
A U.S. citizen who was based in Russia with his Russian wife and young son before moving to Florida for work in January , he has been unable to visit his family in Russia because he holds a scientific-technical visa , not a family visa .
Meanwhile , his wife ’ s final U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow ’ s suspension of non-emergency visa operations .
Bernstein ’ s appeals to the embassy and to his elected representatives have been fruitless .
So far , the simplest workaround for these couples and families has been to meet in a third country that is open to foreign tourists , such as Turkey .
Bernstein was able to meet his family there , as were Alexander and Anna .
Otherwise , text messaging and video calls are the only substitute for in-person contact for the foreseeable future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... when my son saw me in Turkey after six months of video chatting every day , he didn ’ t recognize me , ” Bernstein said .
“ He was quite scared of me for about 15 or 20 minutes .
Not scared , just very shy .
Part of it was that he ’ d been on an overnight plane , but it was still kind of disconcerting.
” It ’ s unlikely that Russia will open for non-married couples before it reopens its borders to all countries , said Beslangurov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country .
Russia needs to see the documents .
Otherwise , pretty much everyone would say they ’ re in a relationship [ with a Russian ] to enter , ” he said , pointing to instances in which people have falsely claimed they were seeking medical treatment in Russia to get through the closed border .
For the most up-to-date information on coronavirus-related travel restrictions for Russia , Beslangurov recommends consulting the International Air Transport Association ’ s travel regulations map and the Russian federal border service ’ s coronavirus information page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities will open the borders to all countries right now ; it 's not possible because of the Covid situation , ” he said .
“ I believe that we 'll continue to see borders opening to particular countries , like we ’ re seeing with Japan , Serbia [ and Cuba ] now .
They claim that they will not close the borders for everyone again like before , but who knows.
” The Russian Foreign Ministry did not respond to The Moscow Times ’ request for comment on whether entry requirements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Alexander, a German citizen, first met Anna on Valentine's Day during a break from his studies in Russia's grand imperial capital St. Petersburg. She had offered to show him around her home city during his two-week course after they connected on the Couchsurfing platform. As they ate dinner at a Soviet-style restaurant with rugs decorating the walls and went ice skating on an outdoor rink, they talked about their different cultures and dreams for the future — and found themselves falling in love. “It was all very romantic and beautiful and I knew from the beginning that she was very special to me,” Alexander said. “She later told me she had the same feeling about me.” But soon after Alexander returned to Germany, the coronavirus pandemic halted almost all international travel, throwing their future together into uncertainty. “We were very optimistic and thought the situation would change soon. I think we only realized in May how serious it was,” Anna said. While 12 European countries and Canada have allowed entry for binational couples who can show proof that they are in long-term relationships, Russia remains closed to non-married foreign partners. Many of them call the country’s entry rules opaque, confusing and restrictive. With no end to the pandemic in sight, these couples are calling on Russia to allow them to reunite.
In addition to calling and emailing the Russian authorities, they have organized an online petition — affiliated with the global Love Is Not Tourism movement — urging the government to open the borders for binational couples and families. So far it has gathered more than 16,500 signatures. “We already see the detrimental mental health impacts of the pandemic: growing depression rates, new phobias, newly acquired obsessive-compulsive and anxiety disorders,” said Yana Kataeva, a family counselor and founder of the Grown Up Relationship School. “While I have not come across studies about couples deprived of opportunities to see each other, I believe them to be at a higher risk than couples living together,” she added. Complications for couples split between Russia and other countries are compounded by the various types of visas available. Since July, foreigners holding highly-qualified specialist visas have been allowed to enter Russia, but their non-Russian spouses and family members have not, said Timur Beslangurov from the Moscow-based Vista Immigration agency. For Seth Bernstein, the situation has been especially difficult. A U.S. citizen who was based in Russia with his Russian wife and young son before moving to Florida for work in January, he has been unable to visit his family in Russia because he holds a scientific-technical visa, not a family visa. Meanwhile, his wife’s final U.S. green card interview was indefinitely postponed due to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow’s suspension of non-emergency visa operations. Bernstein’s appeals to the embassy and to his elected representatives have been fruitless. So far, the simplest workaround for these couples and families has been to meet in a third country that is open to foreign tourists, such as Turkey. Bernstein was able to meet his family there, as were Alexander and Anna. Otherwise, text messaging and video calls are the only substitute for in-person contact for the foreseeable future. “The funniest thing is that ... when my son saw me in Turkey after six months of video chatting every day, he didn’t recognize me,” Bernstein said. “He was quite scared of me for about 15 or 20 minutes. Not scared, just very shy. Part of it was that he’d been on an overnight plane, but it was still kind of disconcerting.” It’s unlikely that Russia will open for non-married couples before it reopens its borders to all countries, said Beslangurov. “Russia is a very formal country. Russia needs to see the documents. Otherwise, pretty much everyone would say they’re in a relationship [with a Russian] to enter,” he said, pointing to instances in which people have falsely claimed they were seeking medical treatment in Russia to get through the closed border. For the most up-to-date information on coronavirus-related travel restrictions for Russia, Beslangurov recommends consulting the International Air Transport Association’s travel regulations map and the Russian federal border service’s coronavirus information page. “I doubt that the Russian authorities will open the borders to all countries right now; it's not possible because of the Covid situation,” he said. “I believe that we'll continue to see borders opening to particular countries, like we’re seeing with Japan, Serbia [and Cuba] now. They claim that they will not close the borders for everyone again like before, but who knows.” The Russian Foreign Ministry did not respond to The Moscow Times’ request for comment on whether entry requirements will be changed to accommodate binational couples.
Countries whose citizens are currently allowed to enter Russia — and vice versa. MT


themoscowtimes--2020-10-29--Russia Sets Single-Day Records for Coronavirus Deaths and Infections

The latest record increase in infections smashes the previous single-day highs set last Friday and this Monday by at least 370 cases .
Russia confirmed a new record of 17,717 coronavirus cases and 366 deaths Thursday as the second wave of the disease overwhelms the country 's regions outside Moscow .
Russia ’ s overall Covid-19 caseload now stands at 1,581,693 , the fourth-highest in the world , according to the national coronavirus information center .
The information center also reported 366 deaths from Covid-19 Thursday , breaking the previous records of 320 deaths on Tuesday and 346 deaths on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brings Russia ’ s overall Covid-19 death toll to 27,301 .
Monthly state statistics and experts suggest the real Covid-19 death toll is at least double that figure , which is currently the 13th-highest in the world .
The record-setting figures come amid widespread reports of overwhelmed regional hospitals , with bodies filling up morgues , critical patients dying of oxygen shortages and others relegated to stairwells or forced to bring their own folding cots due to hospital bed shortages .
Russia imposed a nationwide mask mandate starting Wednesday and advised restaurants and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ p.m. Moscow , which last week adopted a contact-tracing system requiring restaurant and nightclub visitors to register their phone numbers and scan QR codes , said it will not force its establishments to close early .
The latest measures are a departure from the spring , when authorities introduced unpopular lockdown measures including bans on non-essential walks outside while Russia was seeing fewer than 10,000 daily Covid-19 cases on average .
This time , they are opting for targeted measures and urging Russians to follow health guidelines while raising hopes of mass vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The latest record increase in infections smashes the previous single-day highs set last Friday and this Monday by at least 370 cases.
Russia confirmed a new record of 17,717 coronavirus cases and 366 deaths Thursday as the second wave of the disease overwhelms the country's regions outside Moscow.
Russia’s overall Covid-19 caseload now stands at 1,581,693, the fourth-highest in the world, according to the national coronavirus information center.
The information center also reported 366 deaths from Covid-19 Thursday, breaking the previous records of 320 deaths on Tuesday and 346 deaths on Wednesday.
Thursday's increase in deaths brings Russia’s overall Covid-19 death toll to 27,301. Monthly state statistics and experts suggest the real Covid-19 death toll is at least double that figure, which is currently the 13th-highest in the world.
The record-setting figures come amid widespread reports of overwhelmed regional hospitals, with bodies filling up morgues, critical patients dying of oxygen shortages and others relegated to stairwells or forced to bring their own folding cots due to hospital bed shortages.
Russia imposed a nationwide mask mandate starting Wednesday and advised restaurants and other night spots to close after 11 p.m. Moscow, which last week adopted a contact-tracing system requiring restaurant and nightclub visitors to register their phone numbers and scan QR codes, said it will not force its establishments to close early.
The latest measures are a departure from the spring, when authorities introduced unpopular lockdown measures including bans on non-essential walks outside while Russia was seeing fewer than 10,000 daily Covid-19 cases on average. This time, they are opting for targeted measures and urging Russians to follow health guidelines while raising hopes of mass vaccine production in the next few months.


themoscowtimes--2020-10-29--Disgruntled Russian PR Exec Behind Key Steele Dossier Claims – WSJ

British counterintelligence specialist Christopher Steele ’ s report that leaked in 2017 alleged , among other things , that Russian security services had recruited a Russian-born tech entrepreneur and his firm to hack into Democratic Party servers to collect damaging material on then-candidate Hillary Clinton .
A disgruntled Russian PR executive had provided some of the key unverified allegations for a controversial report at the heart of 2016 U.S. election meddling claims known as the Steele dossier , The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday .
WSJ ’ s investigation revealed that the source of these claims was Olga Galkina , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ locked in a messy dispute with her employer during the Steele dossier 's collection period .
Galkina implicated the firm , Cyprus-registered Webzilla , in the hacking weeks after being fired in November 2016 .
Webzilla and its owner , Russian-born Cyprus resident Aleksej Gubarev , have denied involvement in the DNC hacking .
Gubarev has since sued Steele for defamation in Britain .
Galkina , 40 , also reportedly claimed that then-candidate Donald Trump ’ s former lawyer Michael Cohen secretly met with Russian intelligence officials in Prague to discuss payments for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Cohen denied traveling there .
Galkina “ stood as the dossier ’ s most important contributor , ” WSJ reported , citing an FBI interview with her school friend and Steele ’ s employee , Igor Danchenko .
Danchenko has threatened to sue Trump and top congressional Republicans for endangering his life by outing him as a subsource of the Steele dossier .
Russia ’ s The Bell business news website identified Galkina as having worked as a state news agency journalist , a regional governor 's spokesperson and a spokesperson for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as a deputy mayor .
WSJ noted that Galkina ’ s past jobs in government and the private sector helped her build a “ vast network of people ” for the dossier .
The Steele dossier triggered a special counsel investigation that found evidence of Russian interference but no collusion with Trump ’ s campaign .
Russia and Trump have denied the claims .

British counterintelligence specialist Christopher Steele’s report that leaked in 2017 alleged, among other things, that Russian security services had recruited a Russian-born tech entrepreneur and his firm to hack into Democratic Party servers to collect damaging material on then-candidate Hillary Clinton.
A disgruntled Russian PR executive had provided some of the key unverified allegations for a controversial report at the heart of 2016 U.S. election meddling claims known as the Steele dossier, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.
WSJ’s investigation revealed that the source of these claims was Olga Galkina, the tech firm’s PR executive locked in a messy dispute with her employer during the Steele dossier's collection period. Galkina implicated the firm, Cyprus-registered Webzilla, in the hacking weeks after being fired in November 2016.
Webzilla and its owner, Russian-born Cyprus resident Aleksej Gubarev, have denied involvement in the DNC hacking. Gubarev has since sued Steele for defamation in Britain.
Galkina, 40, also reportedly claimed that then-candidate Donald Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen secretly met with Russian intelligence officials in Prague to discuss payments for the hackers in the summer of 2016. Cohen denied traveling there.
Galkina “stood as the dossier’s most important contributor,” WSJ reported, citing an FBI interview with her school friend and Steele’s employee, Igor Danchenko. Danchenko has threatened to sue Trump and top congressional Republicans for endangering his life by outing him as a subsource of the Steele dossier.
Russia’s The Bell business news website identified Galkina as having worked as a state news agency journalist, a regional governor's spokesperson and a spokesperson for Russia’s nuclear watchdog, as well as a deputy mayor.
WSJ noted that Galkina’s past jobs in government and the private sector helped her build a “vast network of people” for the dossier.
The Steele dossier triggered a special counsel investigation that found evidence of Russian interference but no collusion with Trump’s campaign. Russia and Trump have denied the claims.


themoscowtimes--2020-10-29--Experts Fear Calvey Settlement Rewards Strong-Arm Tactics

The multimillion dollar settlement reached in the Baring Vostok civil case shows strong-arm tactics and criminalization of business disputes are still an effective ways to settle corporate conflicts in Russia , analysts told The Moscow Times .
Warring parties in the most high-profile business dispute of recent years — between U.S. investor Michael Calvey ’ s Baring Vostok investment outfit , and Artem Avetisyan ’ s Finvision — struck a $ 32 million “ peace agreement ” Wednesday to end a series of civil claims currently ongoing in various Russian and international arbitration courts .
Meanwhile , Calvey and several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Moscow , awaiting a trial on separate criminal charges of embezzlement .
Many in the Russian business community see the charges as baseless , alleging they were instigated at the behest of Avetisyan in an attempt to pressure Calvey and Baring Vostok to settle the ongoing corporate dispute .
That is a victory they have now seemingly won through the agreement struck Wednesday , analysts said .
“ It looks like trumped-up criminal charges were used to force a settlement which is unbalanced , ” said Christopher Granville , managing director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diplomat in Moscow .
“ In the big picture , it looks very depressing , ” he added .
“ Because judging by the public information , the settlement is one-sided .
And in the meantime , the side which was attacked — Baring Vostok — has had almost two years of pre-trial detention or house arrest.
” Asked whether the nature of the settlement suggests the strong-arm tactics have proven effective , Chris Tooke , an associate director at GPW political risk firm said : “ Absolutely.
” Under the parts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Baring Vostok will drop arbitration claims — in which it had already won some early procedural rulings — and a subsidiary will hand over 2.5 billion rubles ( $ 32 million ) .
Baring Vostok is thus giving up on its original arbitration dispute , the heart of which was a 17 billion-ruble ( $ 220 million ) claim against Avetisyan for asset-stripping a lender he owned before merging it with Vostochny Bank in a deal with Baring Vostok .
Exact details of the agreement have not been revealed and none of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was able to reach were willing to comment .
Even independent analysts and outsiders who have previously spoken out in Calvey ’ s support were reluctant to comment , citing fear of rocking the ongoing criminal case .
There is a widespread assumption the criminal charges too will now be dropped , and that Calvey and his colleagues will be released .
But it is not a done deal and some fear it will be difficult for Russian prosecutors to simply back down this far into the proceedings .
“ Now that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certainly expect the criminal case to be resolved , fade away or somehow come to an end , ” Macro Advisory ’ s Chris Weafer told The Moscow Times .
“ If that does n't happen , it would be even more damaging.
” “ We hope the prosecutors won ’ t get stubborn and try to make a point .
But they are not just going to say ‘ we were waiting for the civil case ’ — because that would imply they were in some way part of the civil process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there to add pressure , ” Weafer said .
“ You have to go through the motions.
” Calvey ’ s lawyer Timofey Gridnev told the RBC news site he hoped the fact a deal had been made would prompt the Russian authorities “ to reconsider their attitude towards the criminal case against Calvey and his colleagues , and decide to terminate it.
” Arvetisyan ’ s Finvision has denied any link between the two cases — a point which was reiterated in the official statements agreed between the conflicting sides Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a criminal case to be automatically dropped because of a resolution in civil proceedings , Valery Zinchenko , senior partner at law firm Pen & Paper told The Moscow Times .
Sometimes a settlement in a civil case can be taken into account by the court or prosecution team in criminal proceedings , but there is no guarantee or even expectation that this should occur .
“ In some instances the compensation of damages may indirectly facilitate the amendment of final charges [ in a criminal case ] , but it never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue uninterrupted.
” he said .
Beyond the immediate implications for Calvey , French investor Philippe Delpal and their three Russian colleagues who were arrested in 2019 , the terms of the deal and nature of the conflict are expected to leave a deep scar on Russia ’ s investment climate .
“ I ’ m relieved that one of the most egregious episodes in the recent investment story looks like it ’ s now coming to an end , ” Weafer added .
“ But it will leave a very bad legacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been resolved does not wipe away the fact that it happened in the first place.
” “ The case has been a continuous talking point among investors .
Every time I talk to companies about investing in Russia , the Baring Vostok case comes up .
And it comes up all the time.
” He said the Calvey case has “ certainly been more damaging ” to Russia ’ s image as an investment case than the 2003 Yukos affair — a landmark event in President Vladimir Putin ’ s early reign when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oil company absorbed by the state .
“ That was within the family .
But when you attack a successful foreign company that ’ s investing in your country , then that ’ s a different level of concern , ” Weafer said .
But separating the impact of the case from the other myriad problems Russia faces in attracting investors — like sanctions , bureaucracy , ruble volatility , weak property rights , geopolitical instability , protectionist policies — is in many ways a moot point .
“ There are so many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into Russia , ” said Tooke .
“ Especially around rule of law , which doesn ’ t seem set to get any better.
” Granville says the Calvey case shows how sorting out Russia ’ s corrupt courts should be the most pressing priority for anybody set on reform or improving the business climate .
“ A very important point about the Calvey case is that it made a gigantic problem in Russia visible to the outside world , ” he said .
“ Business people being banged up in pre-trial detention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a business rival ... has long been a huge problem in Russia .
There have been dozens and dozens of entrepreneurs , business owners and managers who have been victims .
It took poor old Michael Calvey to be a victim for it to be widely visible.
” Many have drawn parallels between the Calvey case and the arrest of Sistema owner Vladimir Yevtushenkov in 2014 in a dispute over oil company Bashneft .
Zinchenko also told The Moscow Times the use of “ criminal proceedings as an instrument to resolve corporate disputes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Businesses frequently face criminal charges aimed at making an opponent more cooperative .
Despite Russian authorities ’ demands to stop ... there are still criminal cases ongoing , which upon closer view don ’ t have anything criminal [ about them ] .
There is no doubt such a background undermines the investment environment in Russia.
” Given the prevailing political mood in Moscow and deteriorating economic conditions across the country , Tooke does not predict change anytime soon .
“ Putin will have to keep the security wing happy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re well-fed .
Under Russia ’ s rent-based system , this means that in these kinds of disputes the power is ultimately going to stay with the siloviki and their associates.
” Perhaps the most damaging aspect of the Calvey case is the kind of investors who are going to be put off coming to Russia , Weafer says .
“ If you ’ re a big multinational company going to co invest with a big Russian state company like Rosneft or even a big corporate like Nornickel , that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not affected at all by the Baring Vostok case.
” “ But unfortunately it does affect the sort of investments that Russia needs , like in entrepreneurs , the technology sector and fast-growing industries — the sort of things that Baring Vostok are involved with .
”

The multimillion dollar settlement reached in the Baring Vostok civil case shows strong-arm tactics and criminalization of business disputes are still an effective ways to settle corporate conflicts in Russia, analysts told The Moscow Times. Warring parties in the most high-profile business dispute of recent years — between U.S. investor Michael Calvey’s Baring Vostok investment outfit, and Artem Avetisyan’s Finvision — struck a $32 million “peace agreement” Wednesday to end a series of civil claims currently ongoing in various Russian and international arbitration courts. Meanwhile, Calvey and several of his associates remain under house arrest in Moscow, awaiting a trial on separate criminal charges of embezzlement. Many in the Russian business community see the charges as baseless, alleging they were instigated at the behest of Avetisyan in an attempt to pressure Calvey and Baring Vostok to settle the ongoing corporate dispute.
That is a victory they have now seemingly won through the agreement struck Wednesday, analysts said. “It looks like trumped-up criminal charges were used to force a settlement which is unbalanced,” said Christopher Granville, managing director of consultancy TS Lombard and a former British diplomat in Moscow. “In the big picture, it looks very depressing,” he added. “Because judging by the public information, the settlement is one-sided. And in the meantime, the side which was attacked — Baring Vostok — has had almost two years of pre-trial detention or house arrest.” Asked whether the nature of the settlement suggests the strong-arm tactics have proven effective, Chris Tooke, an associate director at GPW political risk firm said: “Absolutely.” Under the parts of the deal which have been made public, Baring Vostok will drop arbitration claims — in which it had already won some early procedural rulings — and a subsidiary will hand over 2.5 billion rubles ($32 million). Baring Vostok is thus giving up on its original arbitration dispute, the heart of which was a 17 billion-ruble ($220 million) claim against Avetisyan for asset-stripping a lender he owned before merging it with Vostochny Bank in a deal with Baring Vostok. Exact details of the agreement have not been revealed and none of the parties involved who The Moscow Times was able to reach were willing to comment. Even independent analysts and outsiders who have previously spoken out in Calvey’s support were reluctant to comment, citing fear of rocking the ongoing criminal case. Hope, but no guarantee There is a widespread assumption the criminal charges too will now be dropped, and that Calvey and his colleagues will be released. But it is not a done deal and some fear it will be difficult for Russian prosecutors to simply back down this far into the proceedings. “Now that the civil case has been resolved you would certainly expect the criminal case to be resolved, fade away or somehow come to an end,” Macro Advisory’s Chris Weafer told The Moscow Times. “If that doesn't happen, it would be even more damaging.” “We hope the prosecutors won’t get stubborn and try to make a point. But they are not just going to say ‘we were waiting for the civil case’ — because that would imply they were in some way part of the civil process and that the criminal process was just there to add pressure,” Weafer said. “You have to go through the motions.”
Calvey’s lawyer Timofey Gridnev told the RBC news site he hoped the fact a deal had been made would prompt the Russian authorities “to reconsider their attitude towards the criminal case against Calvey and his colleagues, and decide to terminate it.” Arvetisyan’s Finvision has denied any link between the two cases — a point which was reiterated in the official statements agreed between the conflicting sides Wednesday. Legally, there is no direct mechanism for a criminal case to be automatically dropped because of a resolution in civil proceedings, Valery Zinchenko, senior partner at law firm Pen & Paper told The Moscow Times. Sometimes a settlement in a civil case can be taken into account by the court or prosecution team in criminal proceedings, but there is no guarantee or even expectation that this should occur. “In some instances the compensation of damages may indirectly facilitate the amendment of final charges [in a criminal case], but it never happens straightforwardly. Usually the criminal proceedings continue uninterrupted.” he said. Lasting damage Beyond the immediate implications for Calvey, French investor Philippe Delpal and their three Russian colleagues who were arrested in 2019, the terms of the deal and nature of the conflict are expected to leave a deep scar on Russia’s investment climate. “I’m relieved that one of the most egregious episodes in the recent investment story looks like it’s now coming to an end,” Weafer added. “But it will leave a very bad legacy. The fact that it’s been resolved does not wipe away the fact that it happened in the first place.” “The case has been a continuous talking point among investors. Every time I talk to companies about investing in Russia, the Baring Vostok case comes up. And it comes up all the time.” He said the Calvey case has “certainly been more damaging” to Russia’s image as an investment case than the 2003 Yukos affair — a landmark event in President Vladimir Putin’s early reign when oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky was imprisoned and his oil company absorbed by the state. “That was within the family. But when you attack a successful foreign company that’s investing in your country, then that’s a different level of concern,” Weafer said. But separating the impact of the case from the other myriad problems Russia faces in attracting investors — like sanctions, bureaucracy, ruble volatility, weak property rights, geopolitical instability, protectionist policies — is in many ways a moot point.
“There are so many risks for any new investors to go into Russia,” said Tooke. “Especially around rule of law, which doesn’t seem set to get any better.” Granville says the Calvey case shows how sorting out Russia’s corrupt courts should be the most pressing priority for anybody set on reform or improving the business climate. “A very important point about the Calvey case is that it made a gigantic problem in Russia visible to the outside world,” he said. “Business people being banged up in pre-trial detention on trumped-up criminal charges, instigated by a business rival ... has long been a huge problem in Russia. There have been dozens and dozens of entrepreneurs, business owners and managers who have been victims. It took poor old Michael Calvey to be a victim for it to be widely visible.” Many have drawn parallels between the Calvey case and the arrest of Sistema owner Vladimir Yevtushenkov in 2014 in a dispute over oil company Bashneft. Zinchenko also told The Moscow Times the use of “criminal proceedings as an instrument to resolve corporate disputes” was “common” in Russia. “Businesses frequently face criminal charges aimed at making an opponent more cooperative. Despite Russian authorities’ demands to stop ... there are still criminal cases ongoing, which upon closer view don’t have anything criminal [about them]. There is no doubt such a background undermines the investment environment in Russia.”


themoscowtimes--2020-10-29--Grand Orthodox Cathedral Planned for Moscow State University Campus

The new Saints Cyril and Methodius cathedral , designed by architect Dmitry Pshenichnikov , will be crowned by a 46-meter ( 150 feet ) bell tower surrounded by more than a dozen domes .
The structure will be able to accommodate up to 1,000 worshippers , and its two underground floors will house the parish and the university ’ s spiritual center .
A multi-domed Russian Orthodox cathedral will be constructed at Moscow State University for students and staff , the Moscow Patriarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church announced Tuesday .
According to the cathedral 's website , university staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ church to be built next to the university 's main building since 2000 .
The project was greenlit in 2015 , and the new cathedral will replace a temporary wooden cathedral that was built on Vernadsky Prospekt in 2018 .
“ I am certain that the Saints Cyril and Methodius Church will be in the hearts of the people of the Moscow university .
Our graduate and undergraduate students in need [ of spiritual guidance ] will have a place here , alongside our staff and other people of the Moscow university , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as saying on the church website .
Though the project is yet to be approved by the Moscow Architecture and Urban Planning Authority , donations toward the construction are already being accepted online .
MSU is one of Russia ’ s oldest educational institutions , home to approximately 47,000 students and 5,000 academic staff hailing from across Russia and the world .

The new Saints Cyril and Methodius cathedral, designed by architect Dmitry Pshenichnikov, will be crowned by a 46-meter (150 feet) bell tower surrounded by more than a dozen domes. The structure will be able to accommodate up to 1,000 worshippers, and its two underground floors will house the parish and the university’s spiritual center.
A multi-domed Russian Orthodox cathedral will be constructed at Moscow State University for students and staff, the Moscow Patriarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church announced Tuesday.
According to the cathedral's website, university staff and students had been asking for a church to be built next to the university's main building since 2000. The project was greenlit in 2015, and the new cathedral will replace a temporary wooden cathedral that was built on Vernadsky Prospekt in 2018.
“I am certain that the Saints Cyril and Methodius Church will be in the hearts of the people of the Moscow university. Our graduate and undergraduate students in need [of spiritual guidance] will have a place here, alongside our staff and other people of the Moscow university,” MSU rector Viktor Sadovnichiy was quoted as saying on the church website.
Though the project is yet to be approved by the Moscow Architecture and Urban Planning Authority, donations toward the construction are already being accepted online.
MSU is one of Russia’s oldest educational institutions, home to approximately 47,000 students and 5,000 academic staff hailing from across Russia and the world.


themoscowtimes--2020-10-29--Belarus Briefing | Oct. 29

Belarus Briefing | Oct. 29

Belarus has seen weekly mass protests against the disputed presidential re-election of Alexander Lukashenko for nearly three months .
On Monday , exiled Belarusian opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya called for a national strike after the deadline she set for Lukashenko to resign and free all political prisoners expired the previous day .
Here 's more of the latest news from Russia 's ex-Soviet neighbor : Oct. 29 : What you need to know today • None Lukashenko dismissed controversial Belarusian interior minister Yury Karayeu , who oversaw a brutal crackdown on protesters in the days after the Aug. 9 presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported that Karayeu was replaced by Ivan Kubrakou , who previously headed the Minsk city police department .
• None Prominent American political strategist and former Bernie Sanders campaign adviser Vitali Shkliarov on Wednesday returned to the United States from Belarus where he was detained in late July on charges of mobilizing protesters .
Shkliarov was among several prominent figures seized in Belarus amid a crackdown on Lukashenko 's opponents .
• Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has called Monday ’ s general strike aimed at putting pressure on President Alexander Lukashenko a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue calling for his resignation .
• None Lukashenko has called on universities to expel students who joined the anti-government rallies across Belarus .
With reporting from AFP and TASS .

Belarus has seen weekly mass protests against the disputed presidential re-election of Alexander Lukashenko for nearly three months.
Here's more of the latest news from Russia's ex-Soviet neighbor:
Nov. 17: What you need to know today
The Belarusian Association of Journalists has won the Media Freedom Award, a prize awarded by the governments of Britain and Canada
At least 1,000 people were detained across Belarus on November 15, according to local human rights watchdog Viasna, amid mass demonstrations against longstanding leader Alexander Lukashenko
Police brutality against demonstrators in Belarus, unprovoked by protesters, is impermissible, but the very instances of provocations must not be ruled out, Russian presidential spokesman, Dmitry Peskov told the media on Tuesday.
Nov. 13
Roman Bondarenko , 31, died on Thursday after being beaten to death by unknown security agents . Witnesses say Bondarenko was detained in Minsk after scuffling with people in plain clothes who came to a playground to remove red-and-white ribbons.
. Witnesses say Bondarenko was detained in Minsk after scuffling with people in plain clothes who came to a playground to remove red-and-white ribbons. Thousands of people carrying candles and flowers gathered in Minsk on Thursday to mourn the death of Bondarenko.
The EU has added Lukashenko and his son Viktor to its sanctions blacklist of Belarus officials, bringing the total to 59.
Nov. 9
Hundreds of people were detained in Minsk as protests continued for the 14th Sunday in a row.
Opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who fled to Lithuania under pressure from officials after the nationwide ballot, has seemed out the help of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden, to heap pressure on Lukashenko. "Joe Biden has spoken out more than once and taken a firm position of support for the Belarusian people," she said.
Nov. 6
A report from the OSCE election-monitoring organization published on Thursday condemned "massive" rights abuses and torture in Belarus and called for a re-run of the country's August presidential polls in which President Alexander Lukashenko claimed victory.
Nov. 4
Belarus on Tuesday launched its controversial Russia-built nuclear power station despite safety concerns from neighboring Baltic states three decades after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
The OSCE says there is “overwhelming evidence” that Belarus's August presidential election results were falsified and that “systematic" human rights violations have been committed by the country's security forces.
More than 1,000 demonstrators, including many pensioners, took part in a march in Minsk on Nov. 2 to demand the resignation of Lukashenko, a day after hundreds of people were detained by police during a similar protest.
Oct. 30
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko held a meeting with his new security chiefs on Friday following a reshuffle as he seeks to tighten his grip on power after months of unprecedented protests.
Belarus has partly closed its land borders with all neighbors except Russia for most travelers, citing the coronavirus, while critics say it was a political move against the opposition.
Oct. 29
Lukashenko dismissed controversial Belarusian interior minister Yury Karayeu, who oversaw a brutal crackdown on protesters in the days after the Aug. 9 presidential election, on Thursday. State media reported that Karayeu was replaced by Ivan Kubrakou, who previously headed the Minsk city police department.
Prominent American political strategist and former Bernie Sanders campaign adviser Vitali Shkliarov on Wednesday returned to the United States from Belarus where he was detained in late July on charges of mobilizing protesters. Shkliarov was among several prominent figures seized in Belarus amid a crackdown on Lukashenko's opponents.
Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has called Monday’s general strike aimed at putting pressure on President Alexander Lukashenko a “collective success” and vowed to continue calling for his resignation.
Lukashenko has called on universities to expel students who joined the anti-government rallies across Belarus.
With reporting from AFP, TASS and RFE.


themoscowtimes--2020-10-29--Charlie Hebdo ‘Could Not Exist’ in Russia – Kremlin

A satirical magazine that mocks religion , politics and culture like France ’ s Charlie Hebdo would not be able to exist in Russia , the Kremlin said Thursday after France saw its second deadly terror attack in two weeks .
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called Thursday 's killing of three people in a Nice church — which came after a Chechen refugee beheaded a French teacher Oct. 16 for showing Charlie Hebdo 's cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad to pupils — a “ horrifying tragedy.
” His comments to reporters came as footage showed dozens gathered outside the French @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” in opposition to the display of Prophet Muhammad cartoons .
When asked whether Russia could publish a magazine similar to Charlie Hebdo , Peskov told Kommersant FM radio : “ No , it couldn ’ t. ” “ Every faith lives in full respect of each other .
That ’ s why the existence of such a publication is impossible here , including when taking into account our existing laws , ” Peskov said , pointing out that Russia is home to around 20 million Muslims .
Peskov declined to answer whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Muhammad .
Many Muslims take offense at depictions of the Prophet Muhammad , while France has a proud secular tradition dating back to the Revolution .
Peskov also refused to comment on Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov ’ s rare rebuke of his earlier remarks that President Vladimir Putin and not regional governors shape Russia ’ s foreign policy .
Kadyrov on Wednesday had joined other Muslim figures in condemning French President Emmanuel Macron for upholding France ’ s commitment to the right to mock religion , telling Peskov that he was speaking as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politician .
“ I ’ m ready to leave my post , suffer or give up my life for this stance , ” the 44-year-old leader of Russia ’ s Muslim-majority region wrote on his social media page .
Famous French-born Russian television journalist Vladimir Pozner told the Podyom news site that Paris should deport “ tens of thousands ” of radical Islamists following the string of attacks .
Putin has sent his condolences to Macron over the `` tragic consequences '' of the attacks .

A satirical magazine that mocks religion, politics and culture like France’s Charlie Hebdo would not be able to exist in Russia, the Kremlin said Thursday after France saw its second deadly terror attack in two weeks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called Thursday's killing of three people in a Nice church — which came after a Chechen refugee beheaded a French teacher Oct. 16 for showing Charlie Hebdo's cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad to pupils — a “horrifying tragedy.” His comments to reporters came as footage showed dozens gathered outside the French Embassy in Moscow chanting “Allahu Akbar” in opposition to the display of Prophet Muhammad cartoons.
When asked whether Russia could publish a magazine similar to Charlie Hebdo, Peskov told Kommersant FM radio: “No, it couldn’t.” “Every faith lives in full respect of each other. That’s why the existence of such a publication is impossible here, including when taking into account our existing laws,” Peskov said, pointing out that Russia is home to around 20 million Muslims. Peskov declined to answer whether it is acceptable to caricaturize the Prophet Muhammad. Many Muslims take offense at depictions of the Prophet Muhammad, while France has a proud secular tradition dating back to the Revolution. Peskov also refused to comment on Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov’s rare rebuke of his earlier remarks that President Vladimir Putin and not regional governors shape Russia’s foreign policy.


themoscowtimes--2020-10-30--Belarus Briefing | Oct. 30

Belarus Briefing | Oct. 30

Belarus has seen weekly mass protests against the disputed presidential re-election of Alexander Lukashenko for nearly three months .
On Monday , exiled Belarusian opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya called for a national strike after the deadline she set for Lukashenko to resign and free all political prisoners expired the previous day .
Here 's more of the latest news from Russia 's ex-Soviet neighbor : Oct. 30 : What you need to know today • Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko held a meeting with his new security chiefs on Friday following a reshuffle as he seeks to tighten his grip on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • None with all neighbors except Russia for most travelers , citing the coronavirus , while critics say it was a political move against the opposition .
• None Lukashenko dismissed controversial Belarusian interior minister Yury Karayeu , who oversaw a brutal crackdown on protesters in the days after the Aug. 9 presidential election , on Thursday .
State media reported that Karayeu was replaced by Ivan Kubrakou , who previously headed the Minsk city police department .
• None Prominent American political strategist and former Bernie Sanders campaign adviser Vitali Shkliarov on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarus where he was detained in late July on charges of mobilizing protesters .
Shkliarov was among several prominent figures seized in Belarus amid a crackdown on Lukashenko 's opponents .
• Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has called Monday ’ s general strike aimed at putting pressure on President Alexander Lukashenko a “ collective success ” and vowed to continue calling for his resignation .
• None Lukashenko has called on universities to expel students who joined the anti-government rallies across Belarus .
With reporting from AFP and TASS .


themoscowtimes--2020-10-30--'May God Disfigure the Face of This Creature': Russian MMA Star Nurmagomedov Joins Anti-Macron Choru

'May God Disfigure the Face of This Creature': Russian MMA Star Nurmagomedov Joins Anti-Macron Chorus

Russian MMA fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov has joined a growing chorus of protests by prominent Muslims against French President Emmanuel Macron ’ s defense of secular values in the wake of two deadly terrorist attacks with a withering Instagram post .
Macron became the target of widespread anger in the Islamic world for defending the display of cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad which led to a Chechen refugee beheading a French teacher this month .
A 21-year-old Tunisian who had arrived in France earlier in October killed three inside a church in the city of Nice on Thursday in what authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God disfigure the face of this creature and all followers who offend the feelings of over 1.5 billion Muslim believers under the slogan of free speech , ” Nurmagomedov wrote to his 25 million Instagram followers .
“ May God humiliate them in this life and the next , ” added Nurmagdomedov , who stunned fans when he announced his retirement after defending his UFC lightweight title last weekend .
The caption accompanied a photo of Macron with a shoe print across his face , a common image shared by Muslim protesters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a rally outside the French Embassy in Moscow on Thursday afternoon as the Nice attack unfolded .
Over 900,000 users liked the post in the hour since Nurmagomedov posted it .
Nurmagomedov , 32 , is at least the third MMA fighter from Russia ’ s Muslim-majority republics in the North Caucasus to take to social media and publicly express their feelings about the events unfolding in France .
Previously , two Chechen fighters praised the 18-year-old refugee who beheaded teacher Samuel Paty after he showed his pupils Prophet Muhammad cartoons in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kremlin called Thursday ’ s knife attack in Nice a “ horrific tragedy ” but stressed that it is also wrong to insult religious beliefs .
“ Believe me , their provocations will go sideways , the end is always with the godfearing , ” Nurmagomedov wrote in the Instagram post .

Russian MMA fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov has joined a growing chorus of protests by prominent Muslims against French President Emmanuel Macron’s defense of secular values in the wake of two deadly terrorist attacks with a withering Instagram post. Macron became the target of widespread anger in the Islamic world for defending the display of cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad which led to a Chechen refugee beheading a French teacher this month. A 21-year-old Tunisian who had arrived in France earlier in October killed three inside a church in the city of Nice on Thursday in what authorities called a terrorist attack.
“May God disfigure the face of this creature and all followers who offend the feelings of over 1.5 billion Muslim believers under the slogan of free speech,” Nurmagomedov wrote to his 25 million Instagram followers. “May God humiliate them in this life and the next,” added Nurmagdomedov, who stunned fans when he announced his retirement after defending his UFC lightweight title last weekend. The caption accompanied a photo of Macron with a shoe print across his face, a common image shared by Muslim protesters. Some protesters held the same printed image in a rally outside the French Embassy in Moscow on Thursday afternoon as the Nice attack unfolded. Over 900,000 users liked the post in the hour since Nurmagomedov posted it.