Author: Marshall Black

Dushanbe 25/2 (35.71) The social networking activity of “influencer” Ismoil Mahmadzoir is causing a stir within the country’s political and security corridors. His grandfather President Emomali Rahmon is planning his succession, which has triggered quiet maneuvering within elite factions, including Mahmadzoir’s relatives. Nobody is clear about how becomes the next president of Tajikistan. The daughters jockeying for the top job besides the grandson.Video of a bland speech by Tajikistan’s long-time President Emomali Rahmon was posted late last month on Instagram by Buzkashi_1111, a handle created by Ismoil Mahmadzoir, the 25-year-old son of Firuza Emomali, one of the president’s daughters, who…

Brussels (12/03 – 55.56) Mary Lawlor, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, said that the dissolution of human rights NGOs signals a deteriorating environment for civil society and human rights defence in Tajikistan. She reiterated that Tajikistan must reconsider its attitudes towards civil society and view human rights defenders as allies instead of enemies. Earlier in November 2023, Tajikistan Minister of Justice announced that 700 NGOs in the country had been liquidated over an 18-month period. “Human rights defenders working on so-called sensitive issues, including freedom from torture, the right to housing and compensation for requisitioned land, minority rights, freedom of belief and good governance, political rights, and…

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stressed that the allies must continue to support Ukraine in the war unleashed by the Russian Federation. He made the corresponding statement in an interview with ARD, which was quoted by DW , reports European Pravda. Stoltenberg stressed that further support for Ukraine is in the interests of NATO itself. “You need to understand that if President Putin wins, a tragedy awaits Ukraine. But it will also be dangerous for us. Therefore, it is in our own interests that Ukraine survives,” noted the NATO Secretary General. He also added that one must “be prepared for bad news”…

Police in Canada learned this week that one of the easiest ways to catch a kangaroo is to grab it by the tail. That is what Durham Regional Police officers did after spotting a female kangaroo that was on the run for several days near Toronto, Canada. The animal had been on the loose since Thursday after it escaped from its handlers. At one point, it was seen running alongside a street on a video that has since made the rounds on social media. Durham Regional Police shared the news of its capture in a post on X early on…

Longtime Alaska pioneer Vic Fischer’s celebration of life took place on Sunday as hundreds gathered to remember and honor him at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage. “His goal for this event was to have a party, he said, no crying, no sad eyes, it’s time to bring Alaskan’s together and joyfully reflect on what kinds of great things we’ve done over the past 99 years,” Jane Angvik, who was Vic Fischer’s wife, said. Vic Fischer made it clear to his loved ones that he wanted his memorial to be a celebration. Those who spoke Sunday shared stories of Fischer, many…

Brussels (25/11 – 33.3) Tajikistan Supreme Court has sentenced a widely respected 65-year-old female journalist, Ulfathonim Mamadshoeva, to 21 years in prison on charges of incitement to overthrowing the government. Mamadshoeva was accused by the authorities of being a leading figure behind the political turbulence that rocked her native Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) earlier this year. State propaganda has previously alleged that the veteran reporter and activist hatched the purported plot, for which no credible evidence has been produced, at the behest of an unnamed foreign government. Mamadshoeva’s brother, Khursand, was last week sentenced to 18 years in prison on…

As the latest war between Israel and Hamas intensified half a world away, demonstrators in cities across Canada chanted, marched and called for justice in rallies supporting opposing sides of the conflict on Sunday Pro-Palestinian protesters in dozens of cities demanded a halt to hostilities, while a rally in Toronto drew thousands calling for the release of Israeli hostages seized by Hamas during the attack that sparked the war. The shows of solidarity came amid growing calls for a ceasefire as the death toll rises in the Gaza Strip, where power outages, fuel shortages and shelling wreaked havoc on hospitals…

Alaska Airlines has recently revealed its latest expansion plans, aiming to enhance connectivity between the Pacific Northwest and popular destinations across the United States. The airline is set to introduce a new nonstop route from Portland, Oregon to Nashville, Tennessee, catering to the increasing demand for seamless travel options. The launch of this new route is a testament to Alaska Airlines’ commitment to providing convenient and efficient travel experiences for its passengers. With daily year-round flights scheduled to commence on March 14, 2024, travelers can now easily explore the vibrant culture, thriving music scene, and delectable cuisine of both Portland…

An ongoing Southcentral Alaska snowstorm has so far left snowfall totals ranging from 12 to 22 inches in Anchorage, National Weather Service meteorologist Michael Kutz said Thursday morning. The storm was initially forecast to transition overnight to rain but remained mostly snow. There was 12.2 inches of fresh snow near Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, 18 inches in the Rabbit Creek area and 22 inches on the Hillside, Kutz said. A report from Eagle River showed 14 inches of snow. And the snow was expected to keep coming. Another 1 to 2 inches was forecast to fall in much of…

Canadians will thank and honour those who have served and are serving in the military on Saturday. Remembrance Day, the federal holiday every Nov. 11, falls on a weekend meaning some services are affected on Monday, Nov. 13. Ontario and Quebec have decided not to make it a provincial holiday, the same approach they take for days such as August’s Civic Holiday and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Here’s some of what’s changing in Ottawa. ChangesThe city is closing its client service centres, employment and social services offices, municipal child-care centres, Site program, parenting drop-ins, dental clinics and…