Russian authorities have launched a criminal investigation against prominent opposition activist Alexei Navalny over suspected fraud and money laundering. Officials say Navalny is being investigated over the alleged theft of $1.8 million from one of his companies. Russian authorities already have another financial case open against Navalny. Investigators said earlier this year they suspect Navalny […]
London Police: Nurse in Royal Prank Found Hanged
A London police officer has testified the nurse at a hospital treating Prince William’s pregnant wife earlier this month was found hanged in her room three days after being duped by a hoax from an Australian radio station. The officer told the Westminster Coroner’s Court Thursday that nurse Jacintha Saldanha also left three notes before […]
Putin Slams US Rights Bill, Vows Measured Response
Russian President Vladimir Putin has criticized U.S. legislation that imposes sanctions on Russian officials suspected of human rights violations. Mr. Putin on Thursday described as “unfriendly and politicized” a U.S. bill known as the “Magnitsky Act,” saying it will hurt U.S.-Russian relations. He promised an “appropriate response.” His comments come a day before Russian lawmakers […]
Ukraine Parliament Reappoints PM, Elects Speaker After Brawls
Ukraine’s newly elected parliament has approved the president’s re-nomination of Mykola Azarov as prime minister and selected a new speaker, despite violent brawls between ruling party and opposition supporters. Azarov was voted in for a second term Thursday by 252 deputies in the 450-seat chamber. Azarov, a close ally of President Viktor Yanukovych, has served […]
Eurozone Approves Greek Aid, New Bank Regulation
Eurozone finance ministers have approved the release of more bailout money for Greece, ending weeks of fears that the debt-ridden country might default on its financial obligations. The finance chiefs approved the $44 billion payment to Athens Thursday after the Greek government this week bought back $41 billion in government bonds from private investors at […]
EU Reaches Eurozone Bank Supervision Deal
European Union finance ministers have reached a deal to create a single supervisor for eurozone banks, in a bid to address a key component of the continent’s financial struggles. The agreement reached early Thursday gives the European Central Bank broad powers to oversee banks in the 17 nations that use the euro currency, as well […]
Former Russian Policeman Goes On Trial In Journalist’s Murder
A former Russian police officer went on trial Wednesday on charges of involvement in the 2006 murder of investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya, who was critical of the government. Dmitry Pavlyuchenkov has been charged with being a part of the criminal group that gunned down Politkovskaya in her apartment building. Prosecutors demanded a 12-year prison sentence […]
Russia Extends Prison For Dissident Accused of Plotting Riots
A court in Russia has extended the detention of a Russian opposition activist who claims he was kidnapped and tortured in jail. Moscow’s Basmanny District Court ruled Wednesday that Leonid Razvozzhayev should remain in jail until April for investigation on charges of plotting mass riots. Prosecutors have charged Razvozzhayev and two other dissidents ((Sergey Udaltsov […]
New Ukraine Parliament Opens Amid Protests
Ukraine’s new parliament convened Wednesday in a session marred by protests and fist fights. The session was the first since President Viktor Yanukovych’s Party of Regions secured a slim majority in October elections that observers say were marred by fraud. During the session, a fight broke out when several opposition lawmakers attacked two legislators suspected […]
Pope Benedict Sends First Tweet
Pope Benedict has blessed his more than 1 million Twitter followers in his first tweet from his new account on the social network. The pontiff touched a computerized screen to send the message during his weekly general audience at the Vatican. It said “Dear friends, I am pleased to get in touch with you through […]