Stories about Citizen Media from July, 2017
Crisis in Maldives Parliament: Rejection of the ‘No-Confidence Motion’ Sparks Lockdown
The country is tilting toward authoritarianism as growing accusations mount against President Yameen for silencing dissent and imprisoning political opponents including former President Nasheed, under allegedly made up charges.
A Request to ‘Imagine the World Differently’ One Year After Mass Murder at Japanese Care Home
The video features how residents in a care home for people with intellectual disabilities responded to the largest mass murder in Japan after World War II.
The African Community Reacts to Emmanuel Macron's Comments on Birth Rates in Africa
"Here is the question that we must ask: is it up to a non-African president to tell our women how many children they should have?"
Philippines: On Facebook's Free Version, Fake News is Even Harder to Spot

Free Basics' limitations leave poorer users at a loss, giving them less access to useful information -- and little capacity to determine whether news is reliable or not.
Is Free Basics Really Bringing More Africans Online? A Case Study From Ghana

A group of Global Voices contributors tested the Free Basics app in six countries across the globe this spring. Here's what we found in Ghana.
Menstrual Hygiene Products Are Not Luxury Goods: Indian Rural Women Speak Out
Are menstrual hygiene products luxury goods? Women in India are voicing their doubts.
Hell on Earth in Chittagong: Floods Wreak Havoc in the City
"The waterlogging in Chittagong has worsened today. It seems nobody cares. God save everyone."
The Case of Fabiola Antiqueo and Police Violence in Chile
"The current system and the impunity that it protects, is one of the most visible legacies of the dictatorship in Chile"
This Jamaican Scientist's Marijuana-Based Anti-Cancer Drug Has Been Approved by the FDA
Should Dr. Lowe try to launch the drug himself if he can raise the funding? And what of the Jamaican government's role in taking the lead regarding ganja?
Puerto Rican Newspaper Cans Popular Comic Strip, Raising Concerns Over Censorship

Pepito is known for its sharp critique of the government and of elected officials in both the governments of Puerto Rico and of the United States.
Jamaica's First Woman Prime Minister Retires Amidst Praise, Criticism — and a Contentious Battle to Succeed Her
"Portia Simpson came to representational politics at the parliamentary level in 1976 when political tribalism and its ugly pickney, political violence, were on the upswing."
French Bank BNP Paribas Accused of Complicity in the Genocide of the Tutsis in Rwanda
"France contributed to training and the international recognition of the government which organized the massacres (in Rwanda)".
Arrest Over a Facebook Rant Brings Trinidad & Tobago's Cybercrime Legislation Into Sharp Focus

"Overbroad content offences are always illegitimate, but are particularly dangerous online, where many people are still in the process of discovering their voice."
Luxury Lifestyle of the Congolese President's Entourage Attracts Attention of French Investigators
"Between 2008 and 2011, several tens of millions of euros from the Congolese public purse are thought to have passed through offshore companies."
Dhaka Citizens Show Mayors Red Card for Failure to Control Mosquito-Born Diseases
"No, Mr. Mayor, nobody has called you to fix mosquito nets inside their homes. You were given the responsibility to kill mosquitoes so we don't require mosquito nets..."
A Water Weed Is Damaging Ethiopia's Largest Lake and Putting Livelihoods at Risk
The lake has become a symbol of the dire state of Ethiopia’s natural resources at a time when Ethiopia’s fast-growing population needs more of everything.
Is the Legalisation of Marijuana in Trinidad & Tobago an ‘Idea Whose Time Has Come'?
"The only ones benefiting from keeping marijuana illegal are the drug gangs and they will be forced out of business by legitimate dealers..."
Poles Rally to Defend the Independent Judiciary From Ruling Party's Reforms
"Warsaw rally for #democracy and #ruleoflaw in #Poland continues... Candles symbolise hope for freedom and a better future."
In Bangladesh, Fear Drives Headline-Making Spate of Snake Killings
"The mainstream media is spreading the news with enthusiasm. This is leading to more people being interested in killing these animals."
The Venezuelan People's Vote of Rebellion
"Wherever we may be, Venezuelans just want to vote. Even when we have to organize the elections ourselves. To vote and vote, even if the government denies us the right."