Stories about Citizen Media from January, 2018
Africans ‘School’ US President on Good Governance After ‘Shithole’ Comment Sparks Global Outrage
"Yes, Africa [has] problems. We don't dispute it. But name calling & outright disrespect by the very nation that has stripped off its resources for years is totally crossing it."
Does Free Speech Mean Free to Preach Hate? An American Fundamentalist Pastor Tests Jamaica’s Limits
"Allowing this American pastor into Jamaica, and giving him platforms at schools to spread his lies would threaten the fundamental rights of Jamaican women, children, and LGBT people."
Post-Earthquake Tsunami Scare in the Caribbean Region Highlights a Shaky Range of Preparedness
"I want to know, now what? How will these alerts be communicated to the citizenry that's not on Social Media? This is quite sobering I tell you."
India's Biometric ID System Is Leaking Personal Data — And State Agencies Won't Fix the Problem
Instead of improving the Aadhaar system, India's unique ID authority is going after journalists who write about its flaws.
With Age Limit Abolished, Ugandans Fear They Are ‘Stuck’ With President Museveni
"32 yrs of inefficiency and we are now stuck with this incompetent, self serving individual whose government is characteristic of nepotism!"
After Facing Harassment from Authorities, Pakistani Journalist Narrowly Escapes Abduction
Taha Siddiqui is the bureau chief for WION news. He also is an avid social media user and critic of the military.
The Draft Budget That Inflamed Protests in Iran
"You’ve turned as all into beggars. Please tell Mr. Khamenei, tell the president, tell everyone, tell them we are desperate. We don’t need this revolution. We hate the clerics."
What's In a (Nick) Name? Ask the Caribbean!
"Acid". "Leech". "Totee Muff". Caribbean people love to rename things. Check out a few of their most spectacular sobriquets...
The Untimely Death of an Exiled Ethiopian Journalist
"His reward for having conscience in a country that criminalises it was torture & death in exile."
Angolans Left Snickering After Post-Launch Glitch in Country's First Satellite
"Launching a satellite into space while on the ground there is no medicine, food, quality education, healthcare worthy of that name...seems to me a terrible irrationality"
Corruption and Poverty Lead to Rage and Despair in Iran
"The members of parliament need to know that they are accountable to the people, that they represent the people, and that the eyes of the people are upon them."
Trinidadian Man Transforms Pothole Into a Hot Tub in Humorously Effective Protest
"So that's how to get things done in this country…you have to get on social media..."
Jamaican Police Under Pressure After New Year's Party Delays International Flights
"There will be calls for an inquiry. For accountability. Blame will be shifted. Promises will be made. There is one step, however, that we rarely take. Questioning the ‘WHY?’. "
Iranian Technicians Have Been Ordered to Disrupt International Web Traffic Amid Protests
“We have been ordered to interrupt international traffic,” a source at an Iranian internet exchange point said.
‘Offensive’ Soca Song Gets Boost After Ban From Carnival Contests in Trinidad & Tobago
"There is much that we have to talk about in Trinidad and Tobago as regards race, sex, class and even State-sponsored censorship..."
Growing Popular Opposition Continues to Put Pressure on Ethiopia’s Ruling Party
"2017 was the year of the Oromo People's Democratic Organisation...The OPDO was able to shake the puppet label and actually prove to be quite vocal in #Ethiopia's political arena."
Caught in Conflict, Internet Users in Yemen Face Blocking, Shutdowns and Slow Speed
Authorities in Yemen have a long history of imposing restrictions on freedom of expression and the right to access information.
Despite Challenges, Jamaica’s Capital City Welcomes 2018 With a Dash of Optimism
While clouds linger, it appears that Kingston is determined to look on the sunny side of life in 2018.
