The Russian President has signed off on legislation to absorb Crimea into Russia. He says he will holding off on any return punitive measures, following the announcement of US sanctions.
Obama said Russia had violated Ukraine’s “territorial integrity”. Meanwhile, Russia’s parliament has indicated it will back plans for a referendum in Crimea.
The abuse of minorities and their defenders in Russia affects gay people but also Roma, immigrant workers and other ethnic communities. Let’s not forget about them, writes Stefania Kulaeva.
Nadezhda Tolokonnikova was today freed hours after Maria Alyokhina was released. The third band member, Yekaterina Samutsevich, was freed months into her sentence.
For 20 years, my organisation has focused on the promotion of human rights and peace through non-violent means. So it came as a shock to us when in March this year our offices were raided by a host of authorities, writes Valentina Cherevatenko.
International support is necessary, but ultimately the change to Russia’s attitudes to LGBT people can’t come from a foreign country – it has to come from a grass-roots movement within Russia itself, writes Igor Yassin.
He also criticises Putin for siding with the Syrian government in an article which hits back at the Russian President following his own New York Times opinion piece.
HEALTH EXPERTS HAVE called for mandatory quarantine to be introduced for people who arrive in Ireland from abroad, in a bid to help stop the spread of Covid-19.
The government has considered such a move but, to date, ruled it out.
Speaking in the Dáil yesterday, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said a mandatory quarantine period would be “disproportionate” and unworkable because of the open border with Northern Ireland.
A number of other countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, have brought in mandatory quarantines where people have to stay in hotels for two weeks or more.
People arriving in Ireland must have evidence of a negative PCR test 72 hours before arrival. They are then advised to restrict their movements, while those arriving from Britain, South Africa or South America are told to self-isolate for 14 days.
Poll: Should there be mandatory quarantine for people who arrive in Ireland from abroad?
Clouds and sun, chilly; a p.m. shower
Max: 4 °C
Min: -2 °C
Chilly with times of clouds and sun
Max: 3 °C
Min: -2 °C
Partly sunny and chilly
Max: 3 °C
Min: -1 °C
