We know you're busy and probably don't have the time to read all of our coverage each and every day. That's why we've put together The Week's Best. Here are some of the highlights produced in English by RFE/RL's vast team of correspondents, multimedia editors, and visual journalists over the past seven days.
What It's Like For Ihar Losik, Jailed In Belarus For 4 Years And Not Heard From In 16 Months
It has been 16 months since anyone has heard from RFE/RL journalist Ihar Losik, serving a 15-year term in Belarus on charges he denies stemming from his coverage of the 2020 pro-democracy protests. From interviews with former prisoners, RFE/RL sketches out the conditions of Losik's custody. By RFE/RL's Belarus Service
How Russia Exports Ukrainian Grain As Its Own: An Investigation
An investigation by Schemes and partner organizations traced the shipment of 34,000 tons of wheat, barley, corn, and peas from Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine to clients in Spain, Azerbaijan, Iran, Syria, and Turkey. By Maksym Savchuk and Maksym Dudchenko
'Love Is Love': Hundreds Rally In Sarajevo For LGBT Rights
Hundreds marched on June 22 through the center of Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina, in the fifth Pride parade in the country's history. Bosnian public personalities and LGBT rights supporters from other countries also joined. No political or national symbols were allowed at the rally, except Palestinian flags. Bosnia is a multicultural country, but conservative views prevail on gay rights. "Love is innate. Hate is acquired. People learn it in the family and society," said one march participant. By RFE/RL's Balkan Service, Sejla Ibrahimovic, and Miran Jelenek
Who Are The Americans Behind Bars In Russia?
More than 10 U.S. citizens are currently being held in Russian jails and prisons, accused or convicted on charges ranging from drug possession and theft to treason and espionage. Some may be subjects of behind-the-scenes negotiations for a prisoner swap. By Mike Eckel
Hero Or Terrorist? Bosnian Kids Learn Different Lessons About Gavrilo Princip
The assassination of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire on June 28, 1914 in Sarajevo is widely regarded as the spark that ignited World War I. It is still a cause of division in Bosnia-Herzegovina 110 years later, with schools in the country taking different approaches to teaching about the man who pulled the trigger. By Sejla Ibrahimovic, RFE/RL's Balkan Service, and Ray Furlong
Chinese Megaprojects Back In Fashion In Central Asia's Poorest States
Billion-dollar plus investments from China are back on the horizon in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia's two weakest economies. But will these countries be able to realize their investment dreams without falling into a "debt trap" with Beijing? By Chris Rickleton
Frontline Ukrainian Troops Cheer National Soccer Team At Euros
A Ukrainian artillery crew cheers for the national soccer team competing in the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship. The soldiers take advantage of small breaks in the fighting to watch games on a smartphone. But as soon as Ukrainian reconnaissance units find new targets, the soldiers return to battle to push back against Russian forces. By Borys Sachalko, Current Time, and Austin Malloy
A Convicted British Pedophile Is Facing Charges In Bulgaria. But Judges Won't Take The Case.
A convicted British pedophile who fled years ago to Bulgaria has been charged there with abusing more boys in an impoverished Romany community. After evading justice, Daniel Erickson-Hull seemed set to face the charges in court -- until judges suddenly began recusing themselves from the case. By Genka Shikerova
New Azerbaijani Law Tailored To Boost Former Aliyev Son-In-Law's Luxury 'Dream Liner'
An RFE/RL Azerbaijani Service investigation finds a recent law to "legalize" a whole new category of luxury developments in the Caspian Sea is full of surprises that benefit Emin Agalarov, President Ilham Aliyev's former son-in-law and the scion of a Russian oligarch, and his megaproject. By RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service
Why Iran's Presidential Election Matters More Than Past Votes
Iranians will choose a new president on June 28, more than a month after the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. Six candidates, including one lone reformist, have been handpicked by the Islamic republic's political establishment. The winner could play a major role in choosing the successor to aging Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. But some Iranians told RFE/RL's Radio Farda that they will boycott an election they see as being engineered. By Kian Sharifi, RFE/RL's Radio Farda, and Reuters
With Elections Clouding Future Of Aid, West Extends Ukraine's Fighting Capability Deep Into 2025
A $50 billion loan, missiles, security pacts: In the past two weeks, the United States and allies have taken steps to shore up Ukraine’s defenses deep into 2025. Analysts say the measures will insulate Ukraine for the time being, should Western leaders less inclined to support Kyiv come to power. By Todd Prince
'Our Only Joy': Afghan Cricket Fans Celebrate T20 Glory
Celebrations of Afghanistan's historic progress to the T20 cricket World Cup semifinals took place across the country, although residents in Taliban-stronghold Kandahar said they were prevented from joining in. One happy fan in Badakhshan Province told RFE/RL that amid the economic and social problems of Taliban rule, the cricket victory over Bangladesh was "our only joy." By Ray Furlong and RFE/RL's Radio Farda
