Stories about English from August, 2022
Trinidad & Tobago at 60: Celebration and contemplation
"On an anniversary of independence, we mark transition from being a colony. [...] We breathe into a vision for who we want to be and what we still must achieve."
In Azerbaijan, international absence on a visit to formerly disputed territory draws government ire
The absence of US and French representatives at the event dedicated to the "restoration and reconstruction" of territories Azerbaijan regained after the war, seemed to have irritated the authorities.
‘Good morning, Jamaica!’ The voice of a beloved broadcaster falls silent
"Many Jamaicans [...] were deeply saddened [...] following news of the passing of the much loved and admired radio and media personality, Francois St. Juste [who] brightened every space he occupied."
Towards digital authoritarianism in Nepal: Surveillance, data collection, and online repression
Nepal government’s COVID-19 response opened the door to various threats to human and digital rights. Nepal must decide on its own path if it envisions a democratic digital ecosystem.
Reviewing three Nollywood movies that broke the mold
A review of Nigeria’s top movies: “Wedding Party,” “King of Boys,” and “Chief Daddy.” Nollywood films are now recognized around the world, paving the way for the new Nigerian cinema.
China’s COVID tests carry on despite heatwaves, droughts, power cuts and wildfires
China has been hit with the most severe heatwave and drought in its history. However, the natural disasters have not deterred the country from conducting widespread COVID-19 tests.
In Turkey, the arrest of a popular singer prompts debate on the justice system and more
Gülşen's arrest prompted her fans and rights activists to accuse the state of a disproportionate justice system, as well as steering the country in a more conservative direction.
Families speak out after Myanmar executes four anti-coup activists
"My son was not a thief or a thug. I am proud of him for giving his life for the country. I’m really proud of my son."
Forty-three years after a masterpiece of Trinbagonian art was destroyed, a loving replica offers some redress
Pre-independence, “the father of Trinidadian art,” Carlisle Chang, created what has been called “possibly the most important work of art in the Caribbean” — and then, it was demolished.
Peruvian trans activist and Harvard student dies in police custody in Indonesia
"I just want to remind you that violating the law doesn't mean that that person deserves to die in detention: extorted, isolated from loved ones, getting transphobic treatments..."
‘He was the best of us': Trinidad & Tobago mourns the loss of veteran radio personality David Elcock
Elcock, the self-proclaimed “morning man with the morning plan, the rooster with the booster," dominated drive time with his unique mix of inspiration, information and musical vibrations.
Trinidad & Tobago's ‘Great Race’ is one of the oldest powerboat events in the world
On August 2, 1969, the first ever Great Race was held. A field of 62 boats sped off from the Trinidad and Tobago Yacht Club to conquer what was then a 72-mile course.
Iranian women’s rights activists face new online threats
Flooding social media accounts with fake followers and then mass reporting the accounts is a regular tactic used by state forces to silence rights defenders in Iran.
Unable to emigrate and not welcome at home: The Azerbaijani political refugees in limbo
For many Azerbaijanis fleeing the country, among them regular migrants as well as political activists, Germany has become a popular destination. But it has not been a smooth ride.
YouTube is temporarily blocked during former PM's political rally in Pakistan
After blocking Khan's speeches from satellite TV, the government seems to be trying to stop his campaigning from being heard online as well.
Unfreedom Monitor Report: Russia
Advox research into digital authoritarianism in Russia is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
A mother confesses to killing her child in Trinidad & Tobago, prompting discussion on violence, depression, poverty and mental health
"There is a lot of speculation [with] blame on state agencies [but] no one, unless familiar with the situation should be making any judgement."
How to solve nonprofit organisations’ ‘work-for-free’ dilemma?
"As college costs rise, students have more need than ever for money-earning jobs to help finance their education. Yet, nonprofits in the US allow these debt-ridden students to work for free."
A crowdsourced map in Turkey targeting stray dogs leads to public outcry
Havrita was launched in May 2022, but a spike in the number of poisoned stray dogs has brought the website under scrutiny in recent days.
Are Carnival revellers in Trinidad & Tobago getting their money's worth?
Some say, "They cannot be serious." Others maintain, "You can't put a price on memories."
Chinese police detains a woman wearing Japanese Kimono, sparking outrage on social media
A police officer from Suzhou city in Jiangsu province, China, arrested a woman for wearing a traditional Japanese Kimono while taking photos on Huaihai street, a Japanese cuisine district.