Features and Multimedia from the Caucasus - Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty

Monday, May 20, 2013

News and Features from the Caucasus

Several Dead In Daghestan Bombings

Two car bombs have exploded with deadly effect in front of the Court Bailiffs' Directorate in Makhachkala, the capital of Russia's North Caucasus republic of Daghestan.

New legislation regarding marijuana use is expected to be introduced in Georgia

Georgia Considers Taking Softer Approach To Marijuana

Georgia’s strict laws on marijuana have become the subject of a hot debate in the former Soviet republic as the government considers decriminalizing the use of cannabis.

Iran Frees Azerbaijani Scholar

Azerbaijani scholar Khalida Khalid and her driver have been released following weeks in Iranian custody after their detention at the home of an ethnic Azeri activist.

Azeri Activist Charged With Hooliganism Over Internet Video

A court in Baku has charged a young Facebook activist with hooliganism over a controversial "Harlem Shake" video.

Dzokhar (left) and Tamerlan Tsarnaev, suspected of carrying out the Boston Marathon bombings, in a handout photo released through the FBI website days after the April 15 attack.

FBI Probes Exiled Chechen Rebel For Link To Bombing Suspect

The FBI has been investigating a former Chechen rebel fighter over his association with one of the Boston Marathon bombing suspects, Tamerlan Tsarnaev.

Georgian Gay-Rights Rally Disrupted

At least 17 people have been injured by violence that broke out in Georgia's capital before the start of a rally to mark the International Day Against Homophobia.

A combo photo shows Tamerlan (left) and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev

Report: Boston Bombings Suspect Wrote Message On Boat

A CBS News report says Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev wrote a handwritten message describing the attacks as retribution for U.S. wars in Muslim countries.

Playing with fire? The stage for the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest is unveiled during a news conference at the Malmo Arena in Malmo, Sweden on May 2.

Sweden Plays Eurovision Host, With Main Sponsor Mired In Scandal

The multinational musical glitzfest known as Eurovision holds its final in Sweden. But the main sponsor of this year's contest raises eyebrows for its ties to human rights abuses in the former Soviet Union.