Bulgaria’s extradition to Turkey of a supporter of cleric Fethullah Gulen, is sparking outrage for a perceived capitulation to the increasingly authoritarian Erdogan regime. Hristev noted that if the escalation of tension between Turkey and the EU continues, there would be no way for Bulgaria to avoid a potential refugee influx. Source BalkanInsight
Banning social media trolls from voting could help reduce the amount of abuse faced by politicians, the election watchdog has said. The Electoral Commission says legislation around elections should be reviewed and new offences could be introduced. Source The Guardian
The Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government’s (KRG) economic power, propelled by oil exports via Turkey, is potentially at risk if the autonomous administration in northern Iraq insists on independence considering Ankara’s objection to the referendum, an energy expert has said. Source Hurriyet Daily News
Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov has called on the US-led international coalition and the opposition supported by it not to hamper the actions of the Syrian government forces against terrorists. Source Tass
