Stories about Citizen Media from February, 2019
28 February 2019
This Trinidad and Tobago steelband changed its tune, prompting discussion on a steelpan policy
"I don’t think people really understand what happens in a panyard. Problems like the one with Exodus will resurface if we keep looking at pan as pure entertainment."
The repatriation of African artifacts to countries of origin is tricky business
Many of Africa's "stolen artifacts from colonial times were generally given or donated to French public collections. Thus, these artworks ... have become a property of the French state."
27 February 2019
Mexican women protest for their lives as kidnappings and femicides surge
More than 150 people, most of them women, have been kidnapped from Mexico City's subway system over the past four years.
25 February 2019
Journalists, teachers, and activists targeted in attacks on free speech in the Philippines

"These are attempts by those in power to drown out the voice of the marginalized...displaying Duterte’s fear of committed journalism that seeks to inform, educate and guide the public."
23 February 2019
‘Space is about dreaming’ — an interview with International Space University president
"We hope that space will not become a space of confrontation (...) Space makes children dream and all of humanity as well."
Tension between India and Pakistan mounts after terror attack in Kashmir
"amidst the political upheaval, some are urging the public to remember that when there is violence -- everyone suffers"
22 February 2019
Kashmiri students face persecution in India after 46 soldiers were killed in terror attack
Kashmiri students face violence and discrimination after a terror attack that killed 46 soldiers.
Bangladeshi government targets world's largest Bengali blogging platform in porn censorship spree

The incidents of moral policing and the extension of the ban to a Bangla blogging platform and Google Books suggest that the authority's definition of “objectionable” may go far beyond.
21 February 2019
Female Brazilian legislator attacked on social media for revealing outfit
"The participation of women in society is so tiny that a neckline can become a huge issue."
20 February 2019
150 years of Ceylon Tea: A day in the life of a plantation worker
The wages Sri Lankan plantation workers earn are nowhere near enough to bear the costs of living for the family, so many are forced to look for work elsewhere.
17 February 2019
Dapper former eye surgeon retrains sights on Afghanistan’s presidency
Few give 2014's runner-up Abdullah Abdullah a hope of winning and his entry into the race has given many a feeling of deja vu.
16 February 2019
‘Space ventures can improve the quality of life on Earth’ — an interview with International Space University president
Today, the International Space University has more than 4600 former students, and of those, more than 80 percent are working in space industries.
Biryani Stories: In search of the origin of Biryani
Whether it had its beginnings in modern-day Iran or the Indian subcontinent, everyone agrees that Biryani is "the king of South Asian cuisine".
14 February 2019
The Caribbean needs to work on its homophobia, but it doesn't need a lecture
"To Gabriel’s credit, he […] accepted he was wrong. That is a solid first step."
12 February 2019
As India's elections draw near, right-wing leader is arrested for shooting Mahatma Gandhi's effigy
A right-wing leader creates controversy after shooting effigy of Gandhi to celebrate the leader's assassination.
Decorated army major accused of “beating youth” in Kashmir
Controversy after decorated Indian army major accused of beating a young man in Kashmir.
10 February 2019
In Bangladesh, vigilante justice leads to the death of three alleged rapists by self-proclaimed ‘Hercules’
In Bangladesh, three alleged rapists are executed by a vigilante who signs his victim's death "confessions" with the name 'Hercules'.
8 February 2019
Uganda's social media tax is leaving people disconnected — and failing to meet revenue targets

Prior to the tax's implementation, 47.4 percent of people in Uganda were using the internet. Three months later, that number had fallen to 35 percent.
6 February 2019
#FreeAmade: Journalist arrested and tortured after reporting on violence in northern Mozambique

The journalist was detained by Mozambican police while reporting a story in Cabo Delgado.
5 February 2019
Greek Metropolitan Bishop convicted for inciting anti-LGBTQ+ violence
Amvrosios has sparked reactions many times with his extreme racist, fascist and homophobic views.