Markus Vaher
@markusvaher.bsky.social
Estonian at Harvard. Researching East European and Russian politics.
Reposted by Markus Vaher
For 388 days in a row, Georgians have been protesting in 8+ cities against the pro-Russian, illegitimate Georgian Dream regime.
This is Tbilisi tonight, on our weekly march. My phone camera can't capture where the crowd ends.
This is Tbilisi tonight, on our weekly march. My phone camera can't capture where the crowd ends.
December 20, 2025 at 4:24 PM
For 388 days in a row, Georgians have been protesting in 8+ cities against the pro-Russian, illegitimate Georgian Dream regime.
This is Tbilisi tonight, on our weekly march. My phone camera can't capture where the crowd ends.
This is Tbilisi tonight, on our weekly march. My phone camera can't capture where the crowd ends.
Reposted by Markus Vaher
#Belarus: RSF reveals the existence of a previously unknown spyware tool, used since at least 2021 by the KGB against journalists. Installed after the physical confiscation of phones, #ResidentBat constitutes a grave violation of press freedom. RSF calls for a ban on these surveillance technologies.
Exclusive: RSF uncovers new spyware from Belarus
Reporters Without Borders (RSF)’s Digital Security Lab (DSL), working with the Eastern European organisation RESIDENT.NGO, has uncovered a previously unknown spyware tool used by the State Security Co...
rsf.org
December 17, 2025 at 8:33 AM
#Belarus: RSF reveals the existence of a previously unknown spyware tool, used since at least 2021 by the KGB against journalists. Installed after the physical confiscation of phones, #ResidentBat constitutes a grave violation of press freedom. RSF calls for a ban on these surveillance technologies.
Reposted by Markus Vaher
Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy former Hong Kong media mogul and outspoken critic of Beijing, was convicted in a landmark national security trial in the city’s court on Monday, which could send him to prison for the rest of his life.
Former Hong Kong pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai convicted in landmark national security trial
Jimmy Lai, the former Hong Kong media mogul and outspoken critic of Beijing, has been convicted in a landmark national security trial in the city’s court.
apnews.com
December 15, 2025 at 7:34 AM
Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy former Hong Kong media mogul and outspoken critic of Beijing, was convicted in a landmark national security trial in the city’s court on Monday, which could send him to prison for the rest of his life.
Reposted by Markus Vaher
This is what is going to happen. There will be a thin top layer of non-digital universities — and all the tech billionaires will send their kids to those places.
Total success to the first college/university that pledges to be AI-free and brand it as an opportunity to receive a real education.
My employer, Dartmouth College, today boasts it's 1st Ivy "to launch AI at an institutional scale." It is doing this by partnering--"more than a collaboration"--with Anthropic, a company that stole the books of many faculty, me included, which many of us are suing.
December 11, 2025 at 1:39 PM
This is what is going to happen. There will be a thin top layer of non-digital universities — and all the tech billionaires will send their kids to those places.
Reposted by Markus Vaher
“Georgia's authorities used a World War One-era chemical weapon to quell anti-government protesters last year, evidence gathered by the BBC suggests.” www.bbc.com/news/article...
WW1 toxic compound sprayed on Georgian protesters, BBC evidence suggests
Anti-government demonstrators are likely to have been targeted with camite, our investigation finds.
www.bbc.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:40 AM
“Georgia's authorities used a World War One-era chemical weapon to quell anti-government protesters last year, evidence gathered by the BBC suggests.” www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Markus Vaher
False Gambia flagged KAIROS (9236004), former KATIUSKA, now on fire in the Black Sea, was a regular guest in the Baltics in 2024 and first half of 2025.
maritime-executive.com/article/turk...
maritime-executive.com/article/turk...
November 28, 2025 at 10:29 PM
False Gambia flagged KAIROS (9236004), former KATIUSKA, now on fire in the Black Sea, was a regular guest in the Baltics in 2024 and first half of 2025.
maritime-executive.com/article/turk...
maritime-executive.com/article/turk...
Reposted by Markus Vaher
Police said up to 20 protesters were detained on Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue, near Parliament, after they blocked traffic during a daily rally. Activists say as many as 30 were held, many dragged from sidewalks. The arrests come amid tighter protest rules.
Police Arrest Dozens on Rustaveli Avenue - Civil Georgia
Police said up to 20 people were arrested on the evening of October 22 as tensions flared after prot
civil.ge
October 22, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Police said up to 20 protesters were detained on Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue, near Parliament, after they blocked traffic during a daily rally. Activists say as many as 30 were held, many dragged from sidewalks. The arrests come amid tighter protest rules.
Reposted by Markus Vaher
BREAKING: The Ivanishvili regime is moving to further tighten repressive laws against protesters. Under the proposed amendments, individuals could face criminal charges and up to one year in prison for repeated offenses such as:
1. Covering their face with a mask or any other means;
1. Covering their face with a mask or any other means;
October 13, 2025 at 6:35 PM
BREAKING: The Ivanishvili regime is moving to further tighten repressive laws against protesters. Under the proposed amendments, individuals could face criminal charges and up to one year in prison for repeated offenses such as:
1. Covering their face with a mask or any other means;
1. Covering their face with a mask or any other means;
Reposted by Markus Vaher
As several pointed out (and yes, you can always quibble with details) the per Capita number of political prisoners in #Georgia now is higher than in #Russia.
(As in Russia, some of detentions are rooted in legal cases/ causes that ultimately are a result of oppression.)
(As in Russia, some of detentions are rooted in legal cases/ causes that ultimately are a result of oppression.)
Number of those arrested in connection with October 4 election-day unrest has reached 44, with 9 more detained on October 9. Authorities say they are working to identify additional individuals.
Number of Detainees Over October 4 Unrest Up to 44 - Civil Georgia
The number of those arrested in connection with the October 4 election-day unrest has reached 44, af
civil.ge
October 9, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Reposted by Markus Vaher
At the UN, GD FM Maka Botchorishvili, sidelined by the entire civilized world, met with the Belarusian FM.
I can guess she: 1. Asked how to get President Trump to communicate with the GD; 2. Noted regretfully that all the Belarusian protest suppression tactics didn't work.
I can guess she: 1. Asked how to get President Trump to communicate with the GD; 2. Noted regretfully that all the Belarusian protest suppression tactics didn't work.
September 25, 2025 at 3:23 PM
At the UN, GD FM Maka Botchorishvili, sidelined by the entire civilized world, met with the Belarusian FM.
I can guess she: 1. Asked how to get President Trump to communicate with the GD; 2. Noted regretfully that all the Belarusian protest suppression tactics didn't work.
I can guess she: 1. Asked how to get President Trump to communicate with the GD; 2. Noted regretfully that all the Belarusian protest suppression tactics didn't work.
Reposted by Markus Vaher
Today is the 300th day of protest in Georgia.
September 23, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Today is the 300th day of protest in Georgia.
Reposted by Markus Vaher
#Belarus One of the released is reportedly Mikalai Statkevich, who was sentenced to 14 years. He is a prominent opposition politician. The regime kept him incommunicado since February 2023.
September 11, 2025 at 12:28 PM
#Belarus One of the released is reportedly Mikalai Statkevich, who was sentenced to 14 years. He is a prominent opposition politician. The regime kept him incommunicado since February 2023.
Reposted by Markus Vaher
⚡️Death toll of Aug. 28 attack on Kyiv rises to 25, 2-year old girl and mother among killed.
Russia launched a large-scale aerial strike on Ukrainian cities overnight on Aug. 28, attacking Kyiv with missiles and drones.
Russia launched a large-scale aerial strike on Ukrainian cities overnight on Aug. 28, attacking Kyiv with missiles and drones.
Death toll of Aug. 28 attack on Kyiv rises to 25, 2-year old girl and mother among killed
24-year-old Nadiya Yakymenko and her 2-year-old daughter Angelina were among the 25 people killed in the attack on the capital, the Russia Kills project reported on Aug. 29.
kyivindependent.com
August 29, 2025 at 7:33 PM
⚡️Death toll of Aug. 28 attack on Kyiv rises to 25, 2-year old girl and mother among killed.
Russia launched a large-scale aerial strike on Ukrainian cities overnight on Aug. 28, attacking Kyiv with missiles and drones.
Russia launched a large-scale aerial strike on Ukrainian cities overnight on Aug. 28, attacking Kyiv with missiles and drones.
Reposted by Markus Vaher
Happy Independence Day, dear Ukraine, from day 270 of daily protests on Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi, Georgia! 🇬🇪🇺🇦
August 24, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Happy Independence Day, dear Ukraine, from day 270 of daily protests on Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi, Georgia! 🇬🇪🇺🇦
Reposted by Markus Vaher
🤯 Russians and Belarusians with military ties can now compete at July’s world fencing championships after the FIE—still heavily influenced by sanctioned Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov—scrapped independent vetting. Olympic medalist Sofya Velikaya, a Russian army major, will also be there.
Russian army major to compete at fencing world championships – DW – 07/11/2025
Sofya Velikaya is one of the world's most successful fencers, having won multiple Olympic medals. Now, after a long absence, she is allowed to return to competition — despite her military rank.
www.dw.com
July 12, 2025 at 6:19 AM
🤯 Russians and Belarusians with military ties can now compete at July’s world fencing championships after the FIE—still heavily influenced by sanctioned Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov—scrapped independent vetting. Olympic medalist Sofya Velikaya, a Russian army major, will also be there.
Reposted by Markus Vaher
#Belarus Since the start of 2025, the Lukashenka regime have made at least 1,700 political arrests. That’s the latest stark figure from the human rights center Viasna, which warns this is just the tip of the iceberg.
July 7, 2025 at 9:07 AM
#Belarus Since the start of 2025, the Lukashenka regime have made at least 1,700 political arrests. That’s the latest stark figure from the human rights center Viasna, which warns this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Reposted by Markus Vaher
Sergei Tikhanovsky, jailed in May 2020 after announcing presidential run versus Belarus’ Alyaksandr Lukashenka and sentenced to 18 years, was set free and left the country. Nasha Niva claims this resulted from Trump envoy Keith Kellogg’ Minsk visit
June 21, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Sergei Tikhanovsky, jailed in May 2020 after announcing presidential run versus Belarus’ Alyaksandr Lukashenka and sentenced to 18 years, was set free and left the country. Nasha Niva claims this resulted from Trump envoy Keith Kellogg’ Minsk visit
Reposted by Markus Vaher
June 5, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Reposted by Markus Vaher
Today is the Day for Protection of Children.
In Europe, the biggest threat to their safety is Putin’s war. Russia has killed hundreds of Ukrainian children and forcibly deported dozens of thousands.
We cannot give up our support. Children in Ukraine deserve a better tomorrow.
In Europe, the biggest threat to their safety is Putin’s war. Russia has killed hundreds of Ukrainian children and forcibly deported dozens of thousands.
We cannot give up our support. Children in Ukraine deserve a better tomorrow.
June 1, 2025 at 6:17 AM
Today is the Day for Protection of Children.
In Europe, the biggest threat to their safety is Putin’s war. Russia has killed hundreds of Ukrainian children and forcibly deported dozens of thousands.
We cannot give up our support. Children in Ukraine deserve a better tomorrow.
In Europe, the biggest threat to their safety is Putin’s war. Russia has killed hundreds of Ukrainian children and forcibly deported dozens of thousands.
We cannot give up our support. Children in Ukraine deserve a better tomorrow.
Reposted by Markus Vaher
The results of our latest Eurobarometer are in.
Europe remains engaged, optimistic, and united! ⬇️
Europe remains engaged, optimistic, and united! ⬇️
May 28, 2025 at 8:11 AM
The results of our latest Eurobarometer are in.
Europe remains engaged, optimistic, and united! ⬇️
Europe remains engaged, optimistic, and united! ⬇️
Reposted by Markus Vaher
This could likely be the primary cause for the stop, the ship was broadcasting a false identity on AIS (both flag state and name).
Pursuit of JAGUAR (registered at ARGENT) through the Estonian EEZ by government vessels. Starboard.nz shows differences between the AIS identity and the information on the S&P Global database. Note this only shows vessels on AIS. @tankertrackers.com, @claudialanz.bsky.social
May 14, 2025 at 8:39 PM
This could likely be the primary cause for the stop, the ship was broadcasting a false identity on AIS (both flag state and name).
Reposted by Markus Vaher
Au revoir, shadow fleet? All vessels passing through EU waters must now provide insurance information.
transport.ec.europa.eu/news-events/...
transport.ec.europa.eu/news-events/...
Commission strengthens the EU Mandatory Ship Reporting Systems
The Commission has adopted a crucial measure to enhance maritime safety and environmental protection around the EU’s coasts.
transport.ec.europa.eu
April 27, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Au revoir, shadow fleet? All vessels passing through EU waters must now provide insurance information.
transport.ec.europa.eu/news-events/...
transport.ec.europa.eu/news-events/...
Reposted by Markus Vaher
Estonia seizes unregistered Russian “shadow fleet” oil tanker operating under fake Djibouti flag
The vessel, named Kiwala and flying the flag of Djibouti despite lacking authentic registration, was transporting crude and heading to the port of Ust-Luga.
The vessel, named Kiwala and flying the flag of Djibouti despite lacking authentic registration, was transporting crude and heading to the port of Ust-Luga.
Estonia seizes unregistered Russian “shadow fleet” oil tanker operating under fake Djibouti flag
Estonian forces have detained a tanker linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” near the island of Aegna. The vessel, named Kiwala and flying the flag of Djibouti despite lacking authentic registra...
theins.press
April 11, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Estonia seizes unregistered Russian “shadow fleet” oil tanker operating under fake Djibouti flag
The vessel, named Kiwala and flying the flag of Djibouti despite lacking authentic registration, was transporting crude and heading to the port of Ust-Luga.
The vessel, named Kiwala and flying the flag of Djibouti despite lacking authentic registration, was transporting crude and heading to the port of Ust-Luga.