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.
'A Symbol Of Murder Gone': Families Of Victims Of Mass Executions Express Relief After Iranian President's Death
The families of the victims of the mass executions of political prisoners in the 1980s have expressed relief after the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who allegedly played a role in one of the darkest chapters of the Islamic republic. By Fereshteh Ghazi
See Also:
Will Raisi's Death Bring Major Changes To Iran's Policies? The Short Answer Is 'No.'
As Raisi Funeral Ceremonies Begin, Mother Of Executed Iranians Celebrates
As three days of funeral ceremonies began for Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and others killed in a helicopter crash, a woman who lost 11 relatives in executions in 1988 told RFE/RL that she was celebrating his death. Raisi was accused of being on a "death committee," which ordered mass executions at the time. Later, his period in office was marked by a brutal crackdown on nationwide protests sparked by the death of a young woman, Mahsa Amini, in custody. By RFE/RL's Radio Farda
Pakistani Student Exodus Damages Kyrgyzstan's Reputation, Causes Economic Fallout
Kyrgyz officials and experts fear that recent violence targeting South Asian students has damaged the country's image as a safe place for foreigners and will deprive Bishkek of a large source of revenue, with tens of thousands of foreign students annually adding some $180 million to the economy. By Farangis Najibullah and RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service
See Also:
Why Mass Labor Exporter Kyrgyzstan Faces Migrant Worker Fear At Home
Georgian Dream Takes On The 'Global War Party'
Georgian Dream politicians often blame the country's ills on a mysterious "global war party." It has been invoked again amid the turmoil over the "foreign agent" law, seemingly to shore up support with the promotion of populist rhetoric. By Lela Kunchulia
Relics Of A Lost Brother Join Memorial For Victims Of Srebrenica Genocide
Adil Suljic was one of thousands of Muslim men and boys massacred in Srebrenica during the Bosnian war. His sister, Nura Begovic, later donated the remains of his clothing to the memorial center in Potocari, where tributes to the victims are on display. As the United Nations prepares to vote on declaring an annual day to commemorate the genocide, Nura Begovic described the significance of honoring her brother with a lasting memorial. By RFE/RL's Balkan Service and Margot Buff
In Occupied Areas, Russia Pushes Ukrainian Youth To Sign Contracts To Fight Ukraine
Seeking soldiers to replace those killed and wounded in its war against Ukraine, Russia is targeting young men in occupied regions of Ukraine, using incentives and pressure to entice university students and others to sign contracts. By Olha Modina and Donbas.Realities
Open Wounds: Kosovo's Stone Quarries Scar Lives And Landscape
In the village of Shala in central Kosovo, a stone quarry has turned the once-serene landscapes into a dust-filled wasteland, endangering the health and safety of its residents. By Doruntina Baliu and Ibrahim Berisha
'We Cried, The Dog Cried': Rescuing Animals From Occupied Ukraine
In addition to helping evacuate locals, Russian volunteers rescue animals caught in the war zone in Ukraine. Abandoned pets often have to be evacuated under fire, treated, and given a home. But the volunteers say their greatest success comes when they manage to return a rescued animal to its owner. By RFE/RL's North.Realities
Bulgarian Choir Brings Traditional Songs To Global Audiences
The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices is a Bulgarian female vocal choir that received global recognition and a Grammy award for best traditional folk album in 1990. Decades later, it continues to bring traditional Bulgarian folk songs to a global audience. By RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service, Damyana Veleva, and Ilian Ruzhin
Mysteries Of The Lipovans, Romania's Ethnic Russian 'Old Believers'
In a region of Romania where the Kremlin's drones have fallen amid the war on neighboring Ukraine, a population of ethnic Russians who fled the tsar centuries ago are keeping their dissident traditions alive. By Amos Chapple