Russian prisons boss fired amid evidence of torture PRO Members Public
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday fired Alexander Kalashnikov from his position as head of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN). In the absence of any official explanation, experts linked the dismissal to recent, high-profile allegations of torture in Russian prisons, and infighting within the security services. Kalashnikov’s replacement was
State-owned tech firm Rusnano faces possible default PRO Members Public
Set-up to nurture innovation and help diversify the Russian economy, state-owned Rusnano was this week facing the possibility of a default. Rusnano managers were reportedly locked in debt restructure negotiations with investors after trading of the company’s bonds was suspended. The saga has led to questions about whether state-driven
State social media PRO Members Public
Hello! This week our top story is about the sale of one of Russia’s biggest internet holdings — that includes popular social network Vkontakte — to two state-owned companies. We also look at a jailed YouTube blogger who alleges he was threatened by investigators, and the scams that plagued Black Friday
Market woes PRO Members Public
Hello! This week our top story is about why November is the worst month this year for Russian markets. We also look at the dismissal of the head of Russia’s penitentiary service following revelations about prison torture, and the possibility of a default for state-owned Rusnano — a company supposed
Online streaming platforms face regulation, censorship PRO Members Public
Online movie streaming in Russia has become so popular it’s beginning to attract government attention — in the form of fines, restrictions, even bans. There were several examples of this last week. Online streaming looks like it will end up being as heavily censored as Russian television. * Media watchdog Roskomnadzor
Special investment funds tap officials as clients PRO Members Public
State-owned banks VTB and Sber launched specialized mutual investment funds last week aimed at government officials who are restricted by law when it comes to the ownership of foreign securities. * Russian legislation prevents officials from holding accounts with banks based outside of Russia, or to own — or use — foreign financial
Geopolitical tensions rise ahead of Putin-Biden talks PRO Members Public
From Ukraine to Belarus, tension between Russia and the West rose rapidly last week. Is this really the prelude to a military conflict, or is it all just saber-rattling ahead of an end-of-year encounter between Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden? * White House spokesperson Jen Psaki did not rule
Censorship & streaming PRO Members Public
Hello! This week our top story is about how the rise of online streaming platforms has attracted regulation and censorship. We also look at why some top state-owned banks are creating special investment funds for officials, and whether tension between Russia and the West could be a result of an
Russia to impose mandatory QR-codes in coronavirus fight PRO Members Public
The Russian government submitted legislation to parliament Friday that, if passed, would make QR-codes obligatory to access mass public events, eateries, retailers, and cultural institutions, as well as trains and planes. * The new regulations are contained in two laws that are now before the State Duma, and could be passed
Russia’s IPO boom turns to bust PRO Members Public
An expected initial public offering (IPO) bonanza for Russian companies is in jeopardy after two major listings were abruptly cancelled. The owner of Russia’s largest alcohol retailer, Red & White, announced Tuesday that it was canceling its placement just a few days after the Delimobil carsharing service postponed a
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The Bell was founded in 2017 by journalists Elizaveta Osetinskaya, Irina Malkova and Peter Mironenko as a news outlet independent from the Russian authorities, after its founders have been sacked as top editors at the largest Russian news website RBC because of pressure from the Kremlin.
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