Stories about Breaking News from April, 2017
The Last Time This Many People Went on Strike in Brazil It Was 1996
Protesters are taking a stand against a series of austerity reforms hastily pushed by Brazilian President Temer, who enjoys a substantial legislative majority and support from businesses, despite sinking popularity.
High-Profile Chinese Blogger Arrested for Online Comments, After Years of Police Harassment
Under China's "stability control" measures, it is increasingly common for netizens who are critical of the government to be summoned or detained by police.
Indian Government Bans 22 Social Media Platforms in Kashmir including Facebook, WhatsApp
"By presenting the other side to the Kashmir storyline, the locals once again were able to own....the highly complex and conflicted Kashmir narrative."
Russian Protest Movement Says It Will Press On, Despite Federal Ban
Despite being outlawed today by the Attorney General, opposition movement “Open Russia” says it’s continuing all operations, including plans for nationwide anti-Putin protests this Saturday.
Russian Authorities Want Easy Access to Online Dating Logs
Do you hope to find love in Russia? If so, and you’re planning to use the Internet to meet people, the pursuit could be less private than you maybe hoped.
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.
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.
Can Russia Protect Its Journalists From the ‘Homegrown ISIS’ in Chechnya?
Alexey Venediktov, one of Russia's most prominent journalists, says the Russian government appears to have allowed a “homegrown ISIS” to emerge under its nose in Chechnya.
Iran's Election Race Sees a Popular President Up Against Ahmadinejad and the Supreme Leader's Favourite Cleric
"In the name of God, I have got election stress. Conditions for moderates have now deteriorated."
Russia Blocks Walkie-Talkie App Zello As Truckers Strike
Russia's media regulator has announced plans to block Zello, a mobile push-to-talk app that Russia's long-haul truckers are using to organize protests—including to coordinate an ongoing three-week strike.
As Protests Escalate, Web TV and News Sites Are Censored in Venezuela
Multiple web TV channels that had been broadcasting protests in Caracas have been inaccessible since the morning of April 7.
In Venezuela, Activists Document Protests and Share Protection Tactics
"Human rights violations don't have a time limit...Record for the future, when there will be democracy."
Hungary Fast Tracks Legislation to Boot Out Central European University
On April 4, the Hungarian government adopted an amendment to new legislation on higher education that might bring an end to the Central European University.
After Moving Servers to Russia, LiveJournal Bans ‘Political Solicitation’
LiveJournal releases a new user agreement, revealing what steps it's taking to adjust to its new existence as a blogging platform in full compliance with Russia’s stifling Internet laws
Taxi Drivers, Ordinary Citizens Offer Free Rides in Wake of St. Petersburg Attack
After an attack forced authorities to close down the St. Petersburg metro, the city's residents came through for each other in a big way.
International Fact-Checking Day Celebrated Worldwide: #FactCheckIt!
Fact-checkers around the world have declared April 2 as a day dedicated to verification and truth. Are you with them?