Stories about Citizen Media from May, 2023
‘Support does not necessarily mean understanding': Interview with founder of Taiwan-based ‘Ukrainian Voices’ Oleksandr Shyn
As Taiwan and Ukraine face threats — and Kyiv a real invasion — from their large and immediate neighbours — China and Russia — is the popular comparison between Taiwan and Ukraine valid?
A silent march in Uruguay keeps asking: ‘Where are our disappeared loved ones from the dictatorship?’
In May 20, 1976, while dictatorships were ruling countries in South America, four Uruguayans were found dead in Argentina. The date was picked by families of those still disappeared to march on every year demanding answers and justice.
#FramedinBelarus: An art group makes embroidery depicting the stories of political prisoners
The project aims to create portraits of each illegally convicted citizen in Belarus (political prisoners) using the traditional Belarusian embroidery technique of red thread on a white background
Mongolia embroiled in a major corruption scandal over the allocation of educational loans
The main finding of the two-month long investigation is that 90 percent of the loans were issued to high level officials, their children, and those who had access to closed information.
Pakistan invokes draconian Army Act to put protestors on trial
The political situation in Pakistan is escalating after the National Security Council decided to invoke the Army Act and Official Secrets Act to try civilian protestors.
The Caribbean mourns resilient rock and roll legend Tina Turner
Her decision to go public about her abuse made Turner even more relatable. This was especially true in the Caribbean, which struggles with high rates of domestic violence and femicide.
How the school massacre in Serbia played out on TikTok
Comments demanding the release of the detained teenager who committed the school shooting in Belgrade were common on TikTok videos, expressing “love” for him as a “hero” and a “legend”.
‘Post at your own risk': An interview with Indian journalist Srishti Jaswal
Global Voices conducted a telephonic interview with Srishti Jaswal, an award-winning journalist from India who became the target of online harassment from right-wing trolls, receiving thousands of threats.
The Democratic Republic of Congo braces for December 2023 elections amidst a challenging security environment
Amidst a backdrop of partial civil war, the Democratic Republic of Congo is gearing up for major elections on December 20, 2023.
‘Deliberately set’ dormitory fire that killed 19 plunges Guyana into mourning
Most of the victims were teen girls who came from surrounding Indigenous communities.
Teaching Afro-Brazilian history still faces challenges, despite 20 years as law
A law which makes teaching about African-Brazilian history mandatory is now 20 years old, but a lack of training for teachers and superficial content in textbooks hinder its implementation in practice.
A Sinophone podcast finds a loyal audience both in China and among the Chinese diaspora
One Sinophone podcast focusing on global as well as hyper-local issues is connecting China and its large overseas population thanks to a well-balanced selection of topics and guests.
Unfreedom Monitor Report: Philippines
Advox research into digital authoritarianism in the Philippines is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
Time for reflection on lock-ins, lockdowns, and shutdowns at the Digital Rights Asia-Pacific Assembly
EngageMedia Executive Director Phet Sayo invites allies to join in the collaborative sense-making process and reflect on the lessons and challenges ahead in navigating the digital rights landscape.
ÒCTele, a private TV station broadcasting in Occitan brings the language to France's public space
In southern France, a private TV initiative takes the safeguarding of the Occitan language to the next level by mainstreaming Occitan content for all age-category audiences over traditional and social media.
The Arab League dealt a painful blow to human rights by normalizing relations with the Assad regime
Diplomatic normalizing with the Assad regime sends a chilling message to tyrants worldwide, allowing human rights violations to go unpunished, particularly amid the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war on the global stage.
Whether the rape threat issued at a political meeting was directed at a journalist or not, ‘it’s time to address’ deep-seated issues in Jamaica
The incident has left many Jamaicans concerned that the island's “rape culture” is not being properly addressed.
Pakistan faces nationwide internet blockage: A digital crisis unfolds
The internet blockade imposed in Pakistan amidst the arrest of Imran Khan raises serious concerns about the state of democracy, freedom of expression, and access to information in the country.
Controversies erupt in India over the film ‘The Kerala Story’
Directed by Sudipto Sen, the Bollywood movie "The Kerala Stories" explores the controversial notion of “love jihad” — a conspiracy theory that Muslim men convert Hindu women to Islam via romantic relationships.
The Supreme Court orders the government to legalise same-sex marriage in Nepal
On May 2, 2023, same-sex marriage was finally legalised by Nepali by order of the Supreme court in Nepal after several years of legal disputes.
Digital technology: Promoting the use of Togolese national languages
In Togo, despite government intentions to promote the teaching of national languages other than French, this promotion mainly comes from private online initiatives.
