Global Voices Online

Zhanna Zhukova reports on the decision, announced yesterday by the court in Almaty, Kazakhstan, sentencing Rakhat Aliyev, former presidential son-in-law, to 20 years in jail for organizing of a mafia-type gang and abduction of two men thatare still missing. Aliyev himself is currently in Vienna, Austria.

Posted by Adil Nurmakov

Recent Links also in Central Asia & Caucasus »

Farida’s Azerbaijani Cookbook says that dolma — vegetables stuffed with meat — is one of the most popular dishes in Azerbaijan during the summer months. The cookery blog provides a detailed recipe for anyone interested in trying out the regional dish.

Steady State comments on the return of Nino Burjanadze to active politics in Georgia. The blog notes that although Burjanadze was one of the three main figures responsible for the 2003 Rose Revolution, she is now seeking to become a viable opposition in Georgia. However, the blog notes, as a former Saakashvili ally, Burjanadze is partly responsible for the situation in the country.

Social Science in the Caucasus comments on a report issued by Policy Forum Armenia (PFA) on the 19 February presidential election in the country. The blog notes that while the report does not provide definite proof of electoral fraud, its data and statistical analysis indicates the high likelihood of falsification and irregularities, especially outside the capital.