Stories about LANGUAGES from December, 2022
What is Hong Kong role in Russia's sanction evasion?
The latest reports out of Hong Kong indicate that Russian-affiliated corporations in Hong Kong had evaded western sanctions by exporting chips and even military drones to Russia.
Australia explores ways to combat widespread greenwashing of carbon emissions
"As consumers become increasingly interested in purchasing sustainable products, there are growing concerns that some businesses are falsely promoting their environmental or green credentials."
Hong Kong launches a national security legal battle against media tycoon Jimmy Lai
"Jimmy Lai, a 75-year-old media tycoon, is PRC's no.1 national enemy in Hong Kong...He may not be able to get out of prison alive."
The climate crisis is a water crisis in the Himalayas
Climate change is heating up the Himalayas faster than the global average, disrupting this water cycle. The rains are becoming more erratic, groundwater is depleting, and glaciers have shrunk.
Addressing the changing nature of Twitter and emerging social media landscape
With Twitter's downfall, there is an absence of safe and ethical social platforms, which has created a vacuum and an opportunity for emerging platforms such as the open-source Mastodon.
Did 2022 see the Caribbean become more ‘gay-friendly'?
While Barbados is the latest regional territory to deem its "buggery" laws unconstitutional, there has been some confusion — and even legal reversals — over LGBTQ+ rights in other Caribbean nations.
Twitter Space: What’s next for the Aragalaya movement in Sri Lanka?
Read excerpts from our Twitter space on Sri Lanka's notable Aragalaya movement. Find the full audio here.
In the midst of Trinidad & Tobago's parang season, calypsonian Singing Francine passes on
Her music had a melodious quality, with strong hooks that encouraged listeners to sing along, no matter how serious the topic — a mellifluence that helped her seamlessly transition to parang.
What did the outside world in the 1930s know about the Soviet famine and the ‘Holodomor’ in Ukraine?
Many Ukrainians used social networks to raise awareness of the 1932-1933 Soviet famine as they see the ongoing Russian aggression against their country as a continuation of the same imperial repression.
Data privacy rights advance in Tanzania under new law, but obstacles remain
While the Data Protection Act offers in safeguarding the privacy of personal data, it raises serious concerns in key areas, such as security breaches and the independence of the Data Protection Commission.
The journey of Trinidad's parang music, in one informative podcast
"Parang is not just a music of joy at the birth of Christ, but also tells part of the story of conquest and conversion."
The climate crisis and the environment in Central Asia — Is there hope?
The states of Central Asia are facing severe environmental challenges, which are being further exacerbated by climate change. Can the regional governments come together to address the problem?
Indonesia's new penal code revisions don't just threaten sexual freedoms
Indonesia's recent penal code revisions threaten journalists, free speech, bodily autonomy and more — severely undermining democracy in the region.
Former president of Georgia facing health problems
Despite treatments at the medical facility since May, Imprisoned former president's health continued to deteriorate medical reports say.
In Turkey, local court hands popular mayor a jail sentence
The court's decision is largely viewed as the ruling party's attempt to sideline any potential competition ahead of the general election in June 2023.
Hong Kong national anthem mixup causes chaos at international sporting events
The Hong Kong government vows to ensure the search results of Hong Kong's national anthem point to China's anthem, “March of the Volunteers,” rather than the protest song, "Glory to Hong Kong."
The effects of internet shutdowns on public mobilization
Internet shutdowns are not a surprising new phenomenon within authoritarian regimes. In fact, there is a considerable tendency for authoritarian regimes to restrict internet access, though at different levels.
Rasha Azab and her friends: Seven days off-script for three Egyptian journalists
Three women journalists staged a sit-in to remind the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate of its role in relation to political discourse and freedom of expression under President Abdel Fattah
‘How the fuck is it possible?': Russian rapper releases anti-war album
Vladi, a lead singer of popular rap music group, now prohibited in Russia, released a new album, “February Lasts and Lasts.” It describes how incomprehensible and horrifying the Russian invasion of Ukraine is.
Azerbaijan arrests prominent political activist ahead of International Human Rights Day
Prominent activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev is facing a possible three-year jail sentence if found guilty on two separate charges — hooliganism and contempt of court. Activists say the arrest is politically motivated.
Australian PM Anthony Albanese adds to growing political pressure to #FreeJulianAssange
The Australian PM has finally talked about Julian Assange ... and while distancing himself from Assange’s well-motivated actions, has said he has raised it with representatives of the US administration.
