Stories about English from October, 2021
Singapore's new law against ‘foreign interference’ threatens to undermine free speech
"The solution should never be to simply give the government more and more and more broad discretionary powers that can be used against citizens ..."
Song on Algerian radio show brings Christian minority's plight to the fore
"I’ve faced many obstacles...it is very hard to tell people in Algeria that I am a Christian."
Hong Kong stays firm on zero-COVID policy as its top strategy to reconnect with China
"So if Hong Kong were to loosen border controls for people arriving from overseas... then the chances to travel with the mainland will be reduced," says Hong Kong's Chief Executive.
‘Loss and Damage’ are critical issues for fragile Caribbean states at COP26
"It’s important for high emitting, major polluters to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. That is what is driving the extremes of climate change. Meanwhile, we have to adapt."
Sri Lanka sacks agricultural scientist for raising concerns over agro-chemical ban
The sudden move to total organic farming could be one of the multiple triggers for a Sri Lankan food crisis that has affected the availability of essential food in the market.
Brandy Rodriguez, ‘fearless’ advocate for Trinidad and Tobago's LGBTQ+ community, dies
'Her work has assisted with the reduction of exclusion, discrimination, and violence of marginalized groups – especially Trans-Women.'
Chaotic attempt to remove Trinidad & Tobago's president demonstrates how ‘the country was the real loser’
Trinidad and Tobago's landscape of tribal politics recently culminated in a motion—which ultimately failed—to remove the country’s sitting president from office.
Facebook’s ‘Dangerous Individuals and Organizations’ list concerns Oromo users in Ethiopia
Facebook's categorization of the OLA as a dangerous group has made many Ethiopian Oromo Facebook users feel marginalized.
Turkey finally ratifies the Paris Climate Agreement
All eyes are on the upcoming council meeting in January 2022, where the government will announce the new action plan to combat the climate crisis.
Hong Kong to ban films and punish unauthorized screenings on grounds of ‘national security’
An inspector authorized by the censorship agency may also enter and search premises without a warrant when they are trying to halt an unauthorized film screening or publication.
How children became the worst sufferers of COVID-19 induced lockdowns in India
VideoVolunteers Community Correspondents (CCs) report from the ground on the devastating consequences of COVID-19 lockdowns for primary education in rural schools in India.
Publishing house removes section on transgender individuals from Russian translation of teen health book
According to the publisher, Belaya Vorona, making the book available to Russian teenagers was more important that "preserving the deleted information".
Turkish President declares 10 diplomats persona non grata
President Erdogan's decision to expel the ambassadors comes following a statement issued on October 18, 2021 by the embassies of ten countries on the ongoing detention of philanthropist Osman Kavala.
Billboard satire blasts Australian government's tepid climate change stance for Glasgow COP26
"They are laughing at us in Times Square, as they should be: our response to climate change is the biggest joke on earth."
Controversial Jamaican pastor dies in car crash on the way to being charged for ‘cult’ deaths
Following the bizarre deaths of two congregants and a car crash that claimed the life of the sect's leader, Jamaicans are incredulous over how such "churches" are allowed to operate.
“Hong Kong, add oil” is censored as Pro-Beijingers associate the expression with sedition
"This paranoia says nothing but weakness. Changing shirts and covering up tattoos are easy things to do. Changing hears and minds? Forget about it."
In Georgia, there is still hope for rainbow colors
Global Voices spoke with Giorgi Tabagari, 35, founder of Tbilisi Pride on Georgia's recent anti-LGBTQ+ developments and the plight of the country's queer community.
Cats, crows and planet Earth: drawings by Belarusian political prisoners
Drawings sent to friends and family by Belarusian political prisoners, detained in a crackdown after the 2020 elections, provide an insight into their lives.
Bangladesh’s upcoming Data Protection Act may suppress, not protect, citizens rights
Analysts fear that a proposed data protection act in Bangladesh contains some loopholes including the indemnification of government agencies, which could be weaponized like the existing controversial Digital Security Act 2018.
Yasin Abu Bakr, leader of Trinidad & Tobago's attempted Islamist coup, dies 31 years after failed insurrection
"Have you lot praising this ‘community leader’ ever thought about not only the people killed but the people living on after being traumatized?"
The son of dictator Ferdinand Marcos wants to become the Philippines’ next president
The danger that Ferdinand (Bongbong) Marcos Jr., son of the hated Philippine dictator, being elected as president in the May 2022 elections is real and a grim possibility.