By Matt SarneckiIn Russia (and the U.S.), the Magnitsky saga continues.

 On Thursday, the ,” despite threats of retaliation from Russian authorities.

But the Russians are not the only ones concerned. ,” citing fears that its passage will threaten business deals with Russia. The White House has also expressed anxiety over the bill’s passage due to its potential consequences on the Obama Administration’s “reset policy.” Back in March, US Ambassador to Russia Mike McFaul said he

05 June 2012

By Matt SarneckiTainted Soccer

As the world gears up for the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship, pressure builds on Ukraine over embattled former premier Yulia Tymoshenko. On Wednesday, , the Ukrainian parliament member who was shot and killed in 1996. Authorities are preparing to bring charges against Tymoshenko for the murder, which could extend her sentence to 2023.

Tymoshenko’s imprisonment, along with in Ukraine, have provoked calls by some European officials and to consider boycotting the games, which will be co-hosted by Ukraine and Poland starting next week.

By Valerie Hopkins

This may not be the year of “sexy” for Eurovision between the , Ireland’s Siamese duo Jedward, and Montenegro’s .  Off-screen, the chances of sex appeal won’t be any higher due to allegations that Azerbaijan’s hotels have installed hidden cameras to the sexual activity of guests.

A local human rights group, Azad Genclik Teskilati (Free Youth), says that “hidden cameras are installed on the premises of all...hotels without exception,” warning that incriminating footage could be “later be used against tourists for blackmail.”  It remains to be seen if these allegations are substantiated, but .