Stories about English from September, 2017
Human Rights Group Prevented by Police and Anti-Communist Mob From Commemorating 1965 Massacre in Indonesia
"The complete inaction of the police to stop this violence, contributes to the erosion of democracy and violations of the rights to freedom of expression and assembly in Indonesia."
The Perils of Military Engagement Against North Korea
"Any country that considers an attack on North Korea must confront the question of who turned the DPRK into such a defiant rogue nation."
Sentenced to One Year in Prison for ‘Inciting Protest,’ a Moroccan Journalist Goes on Hunger Strike
Several journalists have been arrested by Moroccan authorities over their coverage of the unrest in the Rif region.
Native Stereotypes, Beware: Indigenous Comic Con in the US Is Nearly Here
"We got superheroes, we got soldiers, we got everybody...It is showing across the spectrum, rather than just a historicized view, of essentially, what boils down to cowboys and Indians."
‘We Dare Not Look Out': Dominica Is Brutalised by Hurricane Maria
'Initial reports are of widespread devastation. So far we have lost all what money can buy and replace. [The] physical damage at this time [...] is devastating…indeed, mind boggling.'
Speaking of Independence Is Getting Harder for Hong Kongers
"The universities can say they don’t support Hong Kong independence, but students and teachers should have the freedom of speech to discuss Hong Kong independence."
German Anti-Immigrant Party Targets Russian-German Voters With a Xenophobic Ad
The ad was highly criticized. One German woman wrote, "...because I'm all for fighting for our country, I’m considering suing you and your 'party' for incitement of ethnic hatred..."
In Ukraine, Fears of ‘Technological Terrorism’ Cause Free Expression to Decline
State of Internet freedom in Ukraine is a reflection of challenges brought to free speech and independent reporting under the conflict settings, explains legal expert Olga Kyryliuk.
Indigenous Rappers from Brazil Are Using the Internet to Bring Their Message to the Masses
“I speak the truth, I don't want to be like you/I sing about various issues and with that I am showing/That indigenous voices are the voices of today.”
Estonian President Warns of ‘Self-Occupation,’ Prompting Praise and Political Spin
Estonian president's remarks against close-minded nationalism received different political interpretations abroad, obscuring her focus on the real challenges -- technological change, including the globalization of workforce.
Thousands of Indians Take to Streets Seeking Justice for Murdered Journalist Gauri Lankesh
"There has rarely been a period of such constructed, deliberate terror and hatred. We are up against the largest machine of hate."
What's the Value of Human Rights? According to the Philippines House of Representatives, $20.
The lower house voted to slash the Commission on Human Rights' budget to just 1,000 pesos, accusing the body of protecting "criminals" over victims in the country's war on drugs.
Among a Rising Tide of Extremism in Syria, Women's Freedoms Hang in the Balance
Extremist groups like ISIS, Hezbollah and al-Nusra are undermining the freedoms that Syria’s women and girls enjoyed, which were a longtime strength of Syrian society.
Teen Killings Show How Vulnerable Communities Suffer the Brunt of the Philippine Government's ‘War on Drugs’
"This could happen to anyone as Duterte continually encourages the police to kill without due process, plant evidence, and cover up in the course of his bloody 'war on drugs'."
The Indigenous Tharu People of Nepal Risk Losing Their Once-Mandatory Art of Tattooing
We don't take anything with us when we die, but I will take these tattoos. It is a gift of this life and this nature to take to my afterlife.
Twitter Tells Kashmiri Journalists and Activists That They Will Be Censored at Indian Government's Request
"It is an attempt at intimidating those who post the truth that will never be shown by Indian media."
Keeping His Story Alive: The Creative Legacy of Bassel Khartabil
One month after his execution was confirmed, friends honour Bassel Khartabil through art, song and new opportunities for open technology innovators.
Taiwanese Activist Was Forced to Confess on Camera to ‘Smearing the Chinese Government,’ Allies Say
"...if you see Lee Mingche confess against his will in court....please forgive him. This is just another drama staged by the Chinese government."
Journalist Faces Defamation Probe for Comparing Indonesia’s Treatment of West Papua with Myanmar's Rohingya
Dandhy posted his comments on Facebook following a rally condemning the Myanmar government for its treatment of Rohingya refugees.
China Makes Chat Group Administrators — i.e. Regular Users — Criminally Liable for Unlawful Messages
Chat group administrators are becoming a key human resource in China's internet control infrastructure.
Singaporeans Face Police Investigation After Holding Candlelight Vigil for Executed Migrant Worker
When a nonviolent vigil for a man about to be hanged is deemed 'illegal assembly' worthy of a police investigation, it's time to rethink public order and freedom of assembly.