Eurotopics.net

Calm has apparently returned to Kazakhstan's biggest city Almaty after protests there were quelled with the support of so-called peacekeepers from the Russian-led military alliance CSTO. Thousands of people were arrested; it remains unclear how many people died. What is in store for the country, and how should Russia's intervention be assessed?

A court in Melbourne has upheld an appeal by world number one male tennis player Novak Djokovic after he was prevented from entering Australia. Djokovic was on his way to compete in the Australian Open and had an exemption to Covid vaccination requirements, but was detained by border guards for not having had the jab. Australia's government is nonetheless considering the option of cancelling Djokovic's visa. Europe's press is still riveted by the affair.

Unidentified persons have attacked the website of the influential Portuguese weekly Expresso. The site temporarily displayed fake news and a ransom note and part of its archive content was apparently deleted. The motives for the attack are unclear. Commentators see press freedom at risk and call for preventive action.

Security forces in Kazakhstan's largest city Almaty have brutally cracked down on demonstrators - apparently with the support of Russian soldiers. Dozens of people have been killed or injured and thousands more arrested. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has announced that the situation is now under control. The European press discusses what lies ahead for the country.