Stories about English from April, 2017
One Small Town's Referendum on Gold Mining Is a Big Victory for Citizen Participation in Macedonia
It was the first successful referendum since Macedonia gained independence 26 years ago.
How Alexey Navalny Abandoned Russian Nationalism
Alexey Navalny had to reinvent himself to take charge of the Russian opposition, but he may have given up his populist edge over Vladimir Putin, along the way.
How the Symbols of Indonesia’s Hardline Muslim Groups Reached the Pages of Marvel Comics
"This artwork will be removed from subsequent printings, digital versions, and trade paperbacks and disciplinary action is being taken," according to a statement released by Marvel Comics.
Maldives Blogger and Activist Yameen Rasheed Stabbed to Death
“So-called 'Paradise on Earth' has no public safety for it's citizens. Tomorrow, it could be me, you, or any of us," wrote a Facebook user.
How a 1970s Polish TV Cartoon Can Help Promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education Today
A Polish TV cartoon series from the 1970s can help educators make Science, Technology, Engineering and Math or STEM subjects more entertaining and appealing to children.
This Is What ‘Racist Glasses’ Look Like in Russia
Russian animator Alexey Yurevich has produced his own version of Rudy Mancuso’s 2016 viral hit, “Racist Glasses,” using the same premise with a uniquely Russian spin.
Gazans Protest Against ‘Massacre of Salaries’ by the Palestinian Authority
Tens of thousands of Gazans are condemning the Palestinian Authority's salary cuts of public and security employees.
Students Protest in Kashmir Amidst School Closures and Mobile Internet Blocking
"Where in the world are student protests crushed with such force & brutality, pellets & tear gas shells rain today many got injured"
The Day Russia Outlawed Jehovah's Witnesses
It’s strange to see this in writing, let alone know that it’s true, but here it is: Russia has formally banned Jehovah's Witnesses.
Critics Say Albanian Parliament Is Trying to Amnesty Crooked Politicians, Under Pretext of Judicial Reform
Following protests, Albania's president has rejected legislation that could have spared the hides of many corrupt politicians. But it could still become law, regardless.
The Viral Video That Showed a Kashmiri Man Tied to an Indian Military Jeep
The video is from the recent by-poll election in India's northernmost state Jammu and Kashmir, where more than eight protesters were killed and dozens were wounded by Indian security forces.
Surveillance, Privacy and the Right to Know: A Delicate Imbalance in Hong Kong
Hong Kong has strong legal protections against telephone surveillance, but scant protections for Internet-based communication.
Thailand Tells Internet Users to Unfollow Junta Critics on Social Media — Or Face Consequences
"This is a ridiculous and oppressive order but I don't want any innocent people being targeted just because they follow my journalism," wrote former Reuters journalist Andrew MacGregor Marshall.
The Kremlin Is Reportedly Planning a Major Mudslinging Campaign Against Putin's Biggest Critic
The Kremlin has reportedly decided to unleash a major mudslinging campaign against opposition leader Alexey Navalny, after his anti-corruption efforts shaved 10 points of Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev’s approval rating.
Sri Lanka's Tragic and Totally Avoidable Disaster
Years ago, officials planned to decommission the Meethotamulla garbage dump and convert it into a “beautiful place.” But it never happened and now locals find themselves confronting their worst fears.
‘Children Were Dying Everywhere': A Syrian Videographer Recounts the Al Rashideen Explosion That Killed Over 100
Abd Alkader Habak appears in a photo that was widely shared on social media in which he is running with an injured child in his arms. Here is what happened.
Pick Your Poison? Russian Orthodoxy or Banishment From Social Media
Critics of Vitaly Milonov, perhaps the most reactionary social conservative in the Russian parliament, have vowed to get him banned from Vkontakte, where his “online status” features an “illegal expression.”
Ugandan Academic and Sanitary Pad Campaign Leader Faces Criminal Charges For ‘Computer Misuse’
Nyanzi's story has become a rallying opportunity for Ugandans who oppose the Musveni government.
#SaveDinaAli: Activists Call for Release of Saudi Woman Forcibly Sent Back to the Kingdom
"If I go back to Saudi Arabia, I will be dead. Please help me, I am recording this video to help me and know that I am real and here."
Who Removed Thailand’s 1932 Revolution Plaque?
"Removal of the 1932 plaque is an ironic reminder that Thais may have ended absolute monarchy in 1932 but absolute dictatorship exists today," wrote a Twitter user.
