Stories about LANGUAGES from November, 2015
Bangladesh Keeps Blocking Social Media, Threatens New Surveillance Tactics
With the lack of accountability shown by the government, a move towards more stringent controls of the Internet is worrying for the state of free expression in the country.
Armed Police Provide Intimidating Backdrop for Serbian Interior Minister's Press Conference
"This is a way of openly calling for persecution and lynching of individual journalists and directly puts their safety at risk"
Death in Diyarbakır: Shooting of Human Rights Lawyer Deepens Turkey's Political Strife
"We have lost a very important lawyer who gave all his life to peace and the human rights struggle. Please get to know him better and do not forget him."
Russia Considers Tougher Restrictions on Mobile SIM-Card Sales
You already need a passport to buy a prepaid SIM-card in Russia, but regulators want to further restrict SIM-card sales, citing security reasons and the increasing "terrorist threat."
How Many People Win the Nobel Peace Summit Award and a Latin Grammy in the Same Week?
Hip hop artist René Pérez has lent his voice to numerous causes over the years, such as the release of Puerto Rican political prisoner Oscar López Rivera.
Will Indonesia’s Police Circular on Hate Speech Suppress Freedom of Expression?
"This hands the police a powerful weapon, allowing it to decide what can and cannot be categorized as hate speech, and is absolutely problematic and dangerous."
Kyrgyzstan Torn Between Russia and Turkey Over Plane Spat
As the Moscow-Ankara standoff continues, the small countries in the pair's respective spheres of influence have tough choices to make.
When in Doubt, Ask Yourself ‘What Would the Tanzanian President Do?’
Tanzania's President John Magufuli's radical measures to save money have led to a humorous trending hashtag, #WhatWouldMagufuliDo.
Life for Bolivian Children in Prison Is Rough, But It Might Soon Improve
Bolivia is possibly the only country in the world that sometimes imprisons children and teenagers with their parents, while the latter serve out sentences for criminal convictions.
The Big Laughs of Mexico's ISIS Threat
Far from showing fear, Mexicans have flooded the Internet with sarcastic jokes and dark comedy about the apparent threat from ISIS.
Are Russian News Media Getting a Boost from Retweet Bots on Twitter?
Analysis indicates the retweet and favorite counts of some of Russia's top news agencies are seemingly being artificially inflated by hundreds of Twitter bots.
Australians Unite to Tackle Family Violence on White Ribbon Day 2015
"More than needing sympathy, those experiencing family violence need well funded services, decent housing, strong social welfare"
President Duda's Controversial Pardon Has Not Put Poles in a Forgiving Mood
Earlier this month, just a day after the new Polish government was sworn in, President Duda made the controversial decision to pardon Mariusz Kamiński, a member of Duda's former party.
Gambia's President Bans Female Genital Mutilation, but There's Still Much Work to Be Done
"Lost in all the celebrations...is the fact that FGM is not banned in The Gambia, at least not yet. There is no enforceable law on the books"
Stranded Migrants, Syrian Refugees and Street Sexual Harassment Hit Costa Rican Headlines
Three events have caused Costa Rica to hit the headlines in Central America in mid November. Let's see what it was about.
Two Russian Lawmakers Want to Ban Homosexuality in Public. This Is How They'd Do It.
Many expected officials to strike down a 2013 law banning "gay propaganda," but they didn't. A new proposal, meanwhile, is an even more glaring affront to Russians' fundamental rights.
Singaporeans Can Now Legally Own and Read ‘Fanny Hill’, but Playboy Is Still Banned
The government lifted the ban for 240 publications but 17 titles remain prohibited for being obscene or contrary to public interest.
Commonwealth Youth Demand That Leaders Stop Talking and Act
The Commonwealth youth leaders meeting in Malta want their governments to walk the talk.
Ahmadi Muslims Once Again Become a Target for Violence in Pakistan
"We bleat about the West callously turning back refugees while we sit in abject silence at continued Ahmadi persecution in Pakistan."
‘If There Is One Thing the Angolan Government Is Scared of, It Is People’
Read part two of an interview with Laurinda Gouveia, who is accused of inciting rebellion against the Angolan government for participating in a book group.
Chinese Netizens Have Their Own Version of Thanksgiving: Fried Rice With Egg Day
"Sixty-five years ago, a plate of fried rice with egg changed the fate of China. We would have become North Korea without this dish (although the two are becoming alike)."
