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Damien Sharkov
Staff Writer
I am a Staff Writer for Newsweek's international desk. I report on current events in Russia, the former Soviet Union and the former Eastern Bloc. Email me in English, Russian, Spanish or French.
Articles by Damien Sharkov
World
International Blasphemy Day Marked as Persecution of Critics of Religion Continues Worldwide
Stemming from mass riots in 2005, the holiday takes aim at punishments still doled out around the world for mocking religious figures and practices.
3 min read
World
Germany’s Merkel Denies Power Struggle, Saying She Is ‘Alive and Kicking’ Despite Ally’s Shock Exit
German media is hotly debating the chancellor’s slide in the polls as her party voted out her ally of 13 years.
3 min read
World
Millionaire Couple’s Murder in Thailand Blamed on Family Row
The brother-in-law of a British millionaire in Thailand is a key suspect in a murder investigation, as a family member says tensions had been building for years.
3 min read
World
Brexit: Emmanuel Macron Would Welcome U.K. Back to EU ‘for Sure’
“In fact when you look at the figures, at the reality, it costs a lot, it is much more complicated than initially they thought,” Macron said of pro-Brexit officials.
3 min read
World
Steven Seagal Wants to Be a Governor in Russia
Seagal threw his hat in the ring to take the reins at Primorye, after a bungled run-off election.
3 min read
World
Distracted Boyfriend Meme Is Sexist and Objectifies Women, National Watchdog Rules
A Swedish internet provider opted to use the image to attract job applicants and sparked a backlash.
3 min read
World
Woman Attacks Manspreaders’ Crotches With Bleach in Viral Video
Former pageant queen has decried manspreading as an act of “gender aggression” and taken matters into her own hands.
2 min read
World
Catholic Church Abuse Scandal: Over 3,600 Victims Revealed in New Report
The new report details allegations dating back from 1946 and implicates 4.4 percent of the German Catholic Church’s clerics over that period.
3 min read
World
Three Arrested After Murder of Millionaire Couple in Thailand
Police believe that a family member helped the suspects dispose of the bodies.
3 min read
World
In France, Macron’s Popularity Hits Record Low
Macron’s dwindling approval rating follows the trend of his predecessors François Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy.
3 min read
World
Russia to Send New Anti-Aircraft Defense to Syria After Deadly Jet Downing
Russia has blamed Israel for the downing of a Russian jet in Syria.
3 min read
World
Pirates Storm Cargo Ship and Kidnap 12 Crew As Authorities Race to Rescue Them
The European shipowner announced that the pirates kidnapped 12 of the 19 crew onboard as hostage in the Gulf of Guinea.
2 min read
World
Ganesh Chaturthi 2018: India Marks End of Birthday Festival for Elephant God
Ganesha is one of Hinduism’s most beloved deities and the story of his birthday reveals the reason for his unique appearance and demeanour.
3 min read
World
Priest Kills Himself in Church After Facing Sexual Assault Accusations
A day after the archbishop of Rouen called on a priest to confess his “inappropriate conduct” towards a young woman, the clergyman was found dead in church.
3 min read
World
Hundreds Dead and Missing in Lake Victoria Ferry Disaster as Frantic Search for Survivors Continues
The vessel capsized in Africa’s largest lake on Thursday, with an estimated 400 to 500 people on board.
2 min read
World
Tourists Could Face $500 Fines for Sitting Down Under Venice Mayor’s Proposed Ban
The proposed ban on sitting on monument steps is one of many ideas from mayor Luigi Brugnaro, and it is not going down well with locals.
3 min read
Entertainment
Who is Cary Fukunaga? James Bond’s First American Director Announced, New Release Date Set
Producers of the spy franchise parted ways with director Danny Boyle before sequel to Spectre began production.
3 min read
World
$60 Million Hacked From Zaif Cryptocurrency Exchange in Japan
The hack followed several heists of the country’s virtual currency markets, and was another blow to Japan’s efforts to become a global leader in the exchanges.
2 min read
World
India Bans Instant Divorce for Men, Claiming It Violates Muslim Women’s Rights
The so-called triple “talaq” is an utterance a husband can make to annul his marriage, so long as he makes it three times.
3 min read
World
Romania Same-Sex Marriage Ban Referendum Date Set
The country’s constitution currently refers to marriage as a union between “spouses,” a gender-neutral term.
2 min read
World
Viral Video of Clash With Macron Over Jobs Spikes Demand for Unemployed Gardener
President was compared to Marie-Antoinette after telling man finding a job was easy.
3 min read
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