Stories about Citizen Media from October, 2015
New Nicaraguan International Cooperation Policy Raises Questions of Transparent Finances
The dismissal of the representative for the UN system in Nicaragua is seen by some as a way to avoid a "Central American Spring."
Transgender Activist's Death Shows That Argentina’s Fight Against Gender Violence Is Far From Over
Hate crimes and gender violence are once again in the spotlight after the death of a prominent fighter for transgender rights in Argentina.
Bomb Attack On Shia Gathering in Dhaka Raises Questions in Bangladesh
The Islamic State group has reportedly claimed responsibility for the Hussaini Dalan bomb attack, which killed one and injured over sixty others.
#FeesMustFall Brings South African Universities to a Standstill
Students argue that increases will keep poor, mostly black South Africans from higher education. Protests against the proposed university fee hikes, which started last Wednesday, and have spread nationwide.
Ukraine's New Banned Websites Registry: Security Measure or Censorship Tool?
Ukraine's new cyberpolice say they want to protect Ukrainians online, but a banned websites registry is causing Internet users to worry about adverse effects on free expression.
Homophobia and Name-Calling Derail Trinidad & Tobago's Budget Debate
"I want to believe that both Government and Opposition will step their game up and fulfil their real roles as MPs. Otherwise we can simply hire 41 circus clowns..."
3 Mexicans Who Refuse to Stay Silent on Injustice
Father Solalinde, poet Javier Sicilia, and the families of 43 missing students in Ayotzinapa are all raising their voices against the problem of violence and impunity in the country.
Overturning Lower Court, Maldives Supreme Court Saves Convicted Adulteress From Being Stoned to Death
The Maldives' Supreme Court has acted swiftly to overturn an island court's decision to execute a woman for adultery. The woman had been sentenced to be stoned to death.
What You Need to Know About Russian Social Networks to Conduct Open-Source Research
Outside of the familiar English-language social networks of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and others, there is a handful of social media platforms used either exclusively or primarily in the post-Soviet world.
At 81, a Japanese Woman Tweets to Remember the Terror of War
"On June 5, 1945, when I was in fifth grade, our family went to an air raid shelter after the sirens sounded. Oh no! Our house would be burned down!"
French Citizens Are Raising Their Voices for More Respect, Less Hate in Politics
"There is no longer anything to expect from those who govern us." Citizen movements want to take the lead in changing politics in France.
Two Tanzanians Accused of Posting ‘False Information’ Face Charges Under New Cybercrime Law
According to the state, both men have violated Section 16 of Cybercrimes Act, which prohibits "publication of false information." Little more is currently known about their cases.
Iranians React to the New Iranian-American Twitter Chairman
Twitter announces it's new executive chairman to be an Iranian-American. We take a look at what Iranian news and social media have been saying in reaction.
Angolan Rapper Breathes New Life Into ‘Freedom Now’ Movement, As Hunger Strike Threatens His
Activists fight for their lives in Angolan jails. Thanks to a new online portal that collects and publishes photos showing solidarity with political prisoners, the movement is stronger than ever.
This is How Ecuador Takes Action on the Cotopaxi Volcano Emergency
Ecuador President Correa has declared a state of emergency after an active volcano erupted south of Quito. This allows the state to use relief funds, but also permits media censorship.
A Musical Project in Mexico Dedicates Their Latest Work to ‘The 43 From #Ayotzinapa'… and It's Free to Download!
Santiaguero Collective, from Mexico, focuses on Creative Commons-licensed music reflecting the current social issues of the region and the country. Their latest work is dedicated to the missing Ayotzinapa students.
The South American Countries Most Vulnerable to El Niño Are Preparing to Welcome Its Fallout
The El Niño phenomenon has reached the South-American Pacific coast. Are the countries in the region prepared to minimize the damage this time? We check the status of disaster preparedness.
ISIS Gunman Kills Five at Shia Mosque in Saudi Arabia
A Saudi gunman affiliated with ISIS opened fire at Shia worshippers in Saihat, killing five people. Netizens blame sectarian incitement against Shiites for the incident.
Ethiopia's Zone9 Bloggers Acquitted of Terror Charges
Many supporters on Twitter put words like "acquittal", "court" and "judiciary" in quotation marks to emphasize the degree to which the case exposed Ethiopia's failed judicial system.
Tanzanians Remember Their Nation's Founding Father With #DearNyerere
"#DearNyerere, in your day, popularity was based on good deeds towards your country, but nowadays it is the number of followers on Instagram and Twitter."
Protests Over Las Bambas Mine Project in Peru Claim Four Lives and Leave Many Injured
Protests against the Las Bambas mining project have come to a point of calm after the violence that left four dead and several wounded in Peru.