Stories about English from January, 2021
A social media blackout persists in Uganda, weeks after the election
Uganda's longtime leader Yoweri Museveni was reelected for a sixth term, as rival Bobi Wine alleges massive irregularities, state inspired violence, intimidation and harassment.
WATCH: ‘The Milk Tea Alliance'—Thailand, Taiwan and Hong Kong's unified fight for democracy’
Missed the live-stream of the Global Voices Insights webinar on the "Milk Tea Alliance"? Here's a replay.
Famed Serbian film director arrested after former students accuse him of rape
The scandal has captured the Balkans' social media conversation in recent weeks.
Pandemic soca: How COVID-19 is shaping the sound of Trinidad & Tobago's cancelled Carnival
There may be no physical Carnival celebrations this year, but Trinbagonian soca artists are still churning out songs, many of them around the theme of COVID-19.
Critics warn Malaysia’s state of emergency could undermine democracy
"Members of the public should not be treated as enemies and be dealt with by military personnel."
Landmark ruling opens the way for environmental transparency in Trinidad and Tobago
Communities celebrate judgement that supports full access to the findings of Environmental Impact Assessments.
Thai woman receives 43-year sentence for sharing audio clips ‘defaming’ the monarchy
"Although her sentence was reduced to 43 years, it’s still too harsh & unnecessary cruel. Should a defamation case land someone several decades in jail?"
Hypocrisy vs history debate follows death of former Yugoslav actress Mira Furlan
The legendary Babylon 5 actress was hounded from her home in Zagreb in 1991 because she opposed chauvinistic nationalism; she rebuilt her life and career from scratch in the USA.
A Zimbabwean journalist, two opposition politicians jailed for tweets about police brutality
Hopewell Chin’ono, Job Sikhala and Fadzai Mahere were arrested for tweeting about a police officer who allegedly beat a baby to death while enforcing COVID-19 regulations.
Why can't women be marriage registrars in Bangladesh?
A recent court rule in Bangladesh denying women to be marriage registrars has sparked heated debates as women and human rights activists question the basis of the judgement.
A hip-hop band plays exclusively on traditional instruments to forge a new Kazakhstani identity
An experimental musical project is trying to reverse the widespread disregard for rural traditions by taking contemporary music and performing it on traditional instruments.
Hong Kong protesters’ ‘Brick Arches’ wins Beazley Designs’ People’s Choice Award
Made from ordinary bricks, these small structures were used by Hong Kong protestors as roadblocks to slow down police vehicles.
Hong Kong’s Kim Jong-un impersonator reveals he was arrested in October
Hong Kong’s Kim Jong-un impersonator has revealed he was arrested in October for possessing a firearm without a licence, which he denies; he says his political performances are to blame.
UK strain of COVID-19 arrives in Trinidad & Tobago
The variant was detected via genome sequencing testing being done by the University of the West Indies.
Unmarried women and sexual health: Battling stigma in India
"If you are not married, and having sexual relationships, you are considered impure and the doctor will not treat you."
Caribbean denounces Trump’s decision to put Cuba back on terrorism list; hopes for a reversal with Biden
Some expect the Biden/Harris administration to re-establish a working relationship with the island; other Cuban commentators find that unlikely. Either way, CARICOM wants Cuba taken off the US' terrorism list.
Nepali Times, a leading English-language weekly, starts 2021 by reviving its print edition
Publisher Kunda Dixit says the print edition has brought in revenue and positive feedback from readers.
What awaits Hong Kong in 2021?
Mass arrests, blocking of websites, end of judicial independence, among other issues, seem to be in store for Hong Kong this year.
In Mozambique, a tug of war between public health and digital rights during the pandemic
Under an extended state of emergency in Mozambique, several new digital platforms emerged to disseminate COVID-19 information. But these initiatives lack clarity in terms of data privacy and personal security.
Guyanese-American author celebrates Caribbean identity in new alphabet book
'I noticed how scarce and inaccessible Black children's literature was, compared to other fictional children's books.'
Caribbean calls for global summit to address fair COVID-19 vaccine roll-out
CARICOM is 'deeply concerned at the current prospect of inequitable access to vaccines,' noting that smaller countries would inevitably find it difficult to compete.