Balkans:
SE Times: Radical Islamist threatens Balkans with terror attacks. ‘Religious leaders and analysts are discounting the recent statements of Omar Bakri Muhammad, a radical Islamist based in Lebanon, who claims that the Western Balkans are Islamic lands and a target for future terrorist attacks.’ A Serbian Mufti Muhammed Jusufspahic made a statement, exclaiming “I do not know who is Omar Bakri, but I see that he is restless man who lost his British visa and citizenship. His antics are just duds that are not worthy of comment”.
Greece:
The Guardian: Greek anti-fascist protesters ‘tortured by police’ after Golden Dawn clash. ‘Fifteen anti-fascist protesters arrested in Athens during a clash with supporters of the neo-Nazi party Golden Dawn have said they were tortured in the Attica General Police Directorate (GADA) – the Athens equivalent of Scotland Yard – and subjected to what their lawyer describes as an Abu Ghraib-style humiliation.’
Ekathimerini: Golden Dawn office in southern Athens suburb attacked. ‘The office of the far right party Golden Dawn in Alimos, southern Athens, was vandalized early on Sunday. Police said that assailants broke into the office at about 4 a.m. and caused widespread damage. No arrests were made and no injuries were reported as the office was empty at the time of the raid.’
Mail Online: Nude demonstrator is one of 50,000 protesters in Athens as Angela Merkel is met with burning swastikas and Greek riot police battle crowds with teargas. ‘At least 50 protesters were rounded up and roads were closed amid angry scenes, which police described as one of the biggest anti-austerity demonstrations they had seen in months. Two protesters dressed in German military uniforms waved a red, black and white swastika flag and held out their arms in the Nazi salute.’
Russia:
Financial Times: Russian aircraft bomb Caucasus targets. ‘Aircraft bombed targets in Russia’s restive Dagestan region on Tuesday in the first use of air power against Islamist rebels in more than a year, after fighting killed four Russian soldiers earlier this month.’
Russia: Beyond the Headlines: Caucasus seeks peace in Moscow. ‘The Chechen diaspora in Moscow is preparing to discuss methods for reducing interethnic tension and preventing future conflicts in Russia’s capital. According to the Union of Chechen Youth, the aim is to explain to young Chechens how they should behave in Moscow so that their actions do not adversely impact the overall reputation of the Chechen people. Leaders of the diaspora have intervened in the wake of a number of high-profile incidents involving migrants from the Caucasus.’
Polls via Electionista:
- Hungary (polls average): Fidesz 30.2%, MSZP 20.2%, Jobbik 13.6%, LMP 6.5%, DK 3.1%
- Ukraine (DIF poll): Party of Regions 28.1% Batkivshchyna 25.6 UDAR 11.5 Communists 8.2 Forward-Ukraine! 4 Svoboda 3.8
