Stories about Citizen Media from May, 2019
Indonesian General Election 2019: Unique events from the campaign trail
According to an Australian think-tank Lowy Institute, Indonesia has the distinction of holding the largest single-day elections in a democratic country.
Detention of Gaspard Glanz is a sign of France’s increasingly authoritarian treatment of journalists
The French government is increasingly using security and defense secrets as excuses for clamping down on journalists. The industry has pushed back.
‘I don't want to be hacked to death!': Kenyans speak out against a spike in murders of women
On May 27, 20 female members of parliament in Kenya launched a campaign against femicide called "Her Life Matters," to raise national consciousness on killings that occur within relationships.
‘Conservation or community rights’? Bangladesh bans fishing for 65 days
The two-month fishing ban aims to boost fish stocks but it could lead to hunger and displacement in coastal communities.
Papua New Guinea PM pushes proposal for social media regulation, citing need to stop ‘fake news’
"The fact is you can't control platforms were information is circulated, attempts to do such undermines the role of democracy and freedom that is enshrined under the constitution."
In the UK, Timorese celebrated 17 years since the restoration of Timor-Leste's independence
The Timorese residing in the university city of Oxford, UK, hosted the event "20 May", where they celebrated 17 years of the restoration of Timor-Leste's independence.
India's Lok Sabha 2019: Results are in after a weeks-long election process
People have taken to Twitter to vent out their anticipation. Many have taken the exit polls results to be completely reflective of the actual results and have started congratulating Narendra Modi.
Anti-Muslim attacks stoke tensions and incite fear amongst mourning Sri Lankans
On 12 May Sunday, anti-muslim violence started over a Facebook post by a Muslim trader in coastal Chilaw town in Puttalam District, North Western Province of Sri Lanka.
Facebook posts trigger more arrests in Bangladesh, worrying netizens
Two people were arrested on May 14 and 15, for comments they had posted on Facebook. The arrests have sparked indignation and concern on social media in Bangladesh.
Hong Kong multimedia project commemorates the 30th anniversary of June 4 massacre in Beijing
"Facts are being distorted [...] No journalist should let this happen. Not only should they retell the tragedy but also their insights into it. That's the obligation of every witness of history."
Chased by dogs on Google Street View Japan
A cute dog on Google Street View has gone viral on Japanese Twitter, resulting in more than 100,000 retweets.
‘No votes until the road is built': why some Goan villagers are boycotting the Indian elections
Bad roads, lack of water and electricity supply pushed these Goans to boycott the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in Marlem village in the Indian state of Goa.
In India, Rooh Afza lovers rejoice as the drink returns to shelves in time for Ramadan
After months without the beloved drink Rooh Afza, Muslims in India can now breathe a sigh of relief as it returns to shelves just in time for Ramadan.
Is Stella Nyanzi ‘weaponizing the vagina'? Ugandan feminist goes to court in free speech case
On her quest for good governance, Stella Nyanza is "unflinching in her criticism of the Ugandan government" and unafraid to tackle taboos around sex, gender and LGBT rights.
The Brumadinho dam tragedy in Brazil has caused alarm in São Paulo, a state with over 7,000 dams
A district in the city of São Paulo adjacent to two dams urges authorities to draw a contingency plan.
As Cyclone Fani hits India's eastern coast, preparedness saves thousands of lives
Many lives were saved from the devastations of the extremely severe Cyclone Fani because of a planned evacuation carried by the local administration with support from thousands of volunteers.
Too big to be anonymous? Russian journalists unmask a famous anti-Kremlin blogger, sparking ethical debate
StalinGulag’s posts are usually acerbic, profanity-laden critiques of Russia's political system, generating thousands of likes and retweets.
Ugandan pop star politician Bobi Wine pens song on police brutality during house arrest
Ugandan musician and MP Bobi Wine's new song "Afande" critiques police brutality with a message of love and unity. "Why beat me? There is no difference between me and you!"
Venezuela's political crisis is intensifying and censorship is on the rise
Food, water and electricity are increasingly scarce, as is access to communication networks.
White flags: Sri Lankans in mourning
Sri Lankans are still coming to terms with the death of hundreds during the terrorist attacks on April 21, 2019. The colour white is used to symbolise mourning in Sri Lanka.