Stories about Citizen Media from December, 2018
Latin America's year of political struggle and unexpected displays of solidarity
Elections, migration, community support and social struggle. Another turn of the screw for Latin America and its people.
Censored in 2018: Protest videos, court verdicts, real news — and Peppa Pig

From blocked websites to revoked media licenses to account shutdowns, censorship comes in many forms. Here are a few we saw in 2018.
The Yellow Vest movement in France: What's at stake?
"Every time I read about the 'Yellow Vests' in the media, I feel like there is a lack of information, sources and perspectives on this complex topic."
To cast their votes on December 30, Bangladeshis will need to overcome many obstacles
Among the difficulties faced by voters are a ban on all unauthorized motorized public and private transportation and a complete shutdown of mobile Internet service.
A ‘no-confidence’ vote finds Guyana politics in uncharted territory
After a surprising "no-confidence" vote, Guyana's president and members of the cabinet must resign, according to the constitution — a first for the country's politics.
2018 across sub-Saharan Africa: Our favorite stories of epic change and transformation
From long-time leaders stepping down to citizens rising up, a cautious hope surges alongside the continuous struggle. Here are our favorite stories from across Africa in 2018.
How the comics of Marcelo D'Salete helps us understand Brazil's past and present
"It could help change mentalities regarding the treatment of the diverse groups that we have in Brazil, countering a hegemonic vision, which frames these groups in different and unequal positions."
Venezuelans shudder at news of biometric ID deal with Chinese tech giant

The Reuters report that revealed the role of Chinese company ZTE in Venezuela shook the networks but surprised just a few.
Indigenous video journalist and activist murdered in India
Community correspondent Amit reported fearlessly on issues affecting indigenous communities across Jharkhand, India. Two weeks since he was shot dead, his murderers are still at-large.
The untold tragedy of 28 Mauritanian soldiers executed on Independence Day
"Great nations ... never try to erase a dark episode out of their history, but instead, show it to the world for everyone to remember and say 'NEVER AGAIN'."
In Cardinal George Pell's sexual abuse trial, Australian court fails to suppress the ‘nation's worst kept secret’

"The alleged suppression order on #georgepell is allowing fake news and hearsay and speculation take the place of reputable news sources."
Hungarians stage nightly protests against new court system and so-called ‘slavery law’
This article is based on the story “Hungarians protest against the government in front of Parliament every night” written by Anita Kőműves, with photos by Márk Tremmel and Áron Halász...
Will the reinstatement of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe end Sri Lanka's political crisis?
" We will have to wait and see if the key players in the drama can rise above their personal and political agenda..."
Angola expels thousands of Congolese migrants in crackdown on illegal diamond mining
"Suddenly, on Monday, we saw youths from the Chokwe community with Angolan policemen starting to burn the homes of those perceived to be foreigners."
Women entrepreneurs break barriers in Kashmir
"...I get negative comments on social media, even by women, but I think these comments given to me have helped me grow from a better person to a better designer"
In Madagascar, costly presidential campaigns don't add up to a better life for citizens
"One cannot expect clean politics which have been financed by corrupt money." The combination of secret financing and corruption is a real threat to the legitimacy of Madagascar's elections.
Massive farmers’ march highlights India’s stark inequality
In 2018, Indian farmers staged two big protests to draw the Central Government's attention to the deepening agrarian crisis and resulting farmer suicides. Will these really change their future?
Major drug bust highlights the no-nonsense style of Trinidad & Tobago's top cop
"As much as we may wish it to be otherwise, Gary Griffith is not the answer to our prayers but the symptom of our failure."
Trinidad & Tobago court rules Olympian's dreams were killed by ‘biased’ gymnastics federation
The whole fiasco had more twists and turns than a gymnastics routine, but many believe Williams' forced withdrawal was illegal and her attorneys have been fighting for justice ever since.
Sri Lankan Court temporarily bars disputed Prime Minister Rajapaksa from office
The battle over who will get to be the official Sri Lankan Prime Minister continues with the latest decision temporarily barring disputed PM Rajapaksa from office.