Stories about Citizen Media from January, 2016
Why I Went Into Exile: A Bangladeshi Blogger Tells His Story
"...[the assailants] want our keyboards, pens to stop...Now its the time to write even more...Otherwise the darkness will win, religious fundamentalism and extremism will win."
Meet Luisa Revilla, the First Transgender Woman to Make It Into Peruvian Politics
Luisa has made history. She is unwittingly part of a group of transgender women who are taking on roles in a media cabinet and occupying political offices in Latin America.
Is ISIS Trying To Manipulate the Crypto Debate? Tech Experts Debunk Encrypted Email Video
ISIS releases a new video that aims to play into fears over encrypted communication.
Old Postcards Reveal Forgotten World War I Memories in Macedonia
Made between 1914 and 1918, these photos not only document military aspects of World War I, but also provide views of places and people caught within its maelstrom.
After Schoolboys’ Murders, Trinidadians Slam Racial Stereotypes and Media's Sensationalism
"The blatant outright Hate has been allowed to flourish because we've stood by with heads buried deep. [...] What you allow will continue…"
‘Homophobes Are People Too’ Campaign Challenges Macedonia's Hostility Toward LGBT People
The human rights reality for LGBT people in Macedonia is poor, with systemic impunity for hate crimes against sexual and gender minorities in the country.
The Russian Government ‘Embraces’ Transparency
Russia is finally embracing transparency—so long as it poses no threat to political stability, writes Andrei Jvirblis in this openDemocracy Russia overview of the Kremlin's open government efforts.
Checkmate: Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti Declares War on Chess
Checkmate. After Saudi Arabia's grand mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh declared playing chess is forbidden in Islam, netizens turn to Twitter to vent off
Salt and Loathing in St. Petersburg
What has in the past helped defeat French legions and German divisions is also an ordinary concern for Russians. Usually, there's little cause for celebration, when considering the Russian winter.
Defiant, Disappointed, and Mourning—Burkina Faso Remembers Victims of the January Attacks
Burkinabés are making a vow to resist, now and always, all forms of extremism and violence.
What You Need to Know About the Recent Job Protests in Tunisia
Five years later, Tunisians are back on the streets protesting for "jobs, freedom and dignity." Tunisian blogger Afef Abrougui tells us what happened.
Social Media Slams India's Judgmental Journalist
"I wasn’t abused, I wasn’t beaten, I wasn’t molested, I wasn’t raped.” Actor Sunny Leone has moved beyond her porn star past -- why can't the journalist who interviewed her?
Ugandans Take a Dig at President Museveni With 30-Year-Old Photos
As President Museveni seeks to be re-elected for a sixth term, Ugandans are using the hashtag #1986pictures to share their memories of that time -- and their political discontent.
Viewers in Trinidad and Tobago Ready the Toilet Paper for This Year’s Soca Music Competition
The International Soca Monarch competition has become a popular aspect of Trinidad and Tobago's annual Carnival celebrations, but this year's semi-finals left a lot to be desired.
Get a Glimpse of Life in ‘Fair Japan’
Japanophiles, rejoice! Many amazing images of the country can be found in the New York Public Library's digital image archive, now in the public domain.
Russian LGBT Activist Fined for ‘Propaganda of Homosexuality’ Online
LGBT activist Sergey Alekseenko was accused of "gay propaganda" after posting a quote from a state regulator's report describing another LGBT community on social media.
Climate Change Continued to Rear Its Ugly Head in 2015
People around the world were affected by extreme weather events in 2015, the hottest year on record ever.
Can Our Children Be Safe? Pakistanis Ask After University Attack
"This is going to be a test.. a harsh one.. comparisons will be drawn.. you can't have winners when children have been snatched from parents"
The Air Pollution in Macedonia Is Bringing People Into the Streets, And There’s an App for That
The open data app "My Air" has helped spark massive protests, making Macedonian citizens aware of the results of air-pollution monitoring. Then came the DDoS attacks and government pressure.
‘Hands Off Our Privacy': Polish Citizens Speak Out Against Surveillance Law
Poland's parliament adopted a surveillance law that would give authorities fast access to citizens' Internet and telecommunication usage data, without prior approval from a judge.
Two Separate Acts of Kindness Demonstrate the Best of Humanity in Peru
"Thanks, Brando, because without knowing you weren't just returning a wallet... you were returning hope to the country!!"