Stories about Governance from February, 2015
Imported Bollywood Films Have Become Quite a Drama in Bangladesh
Popular Bangladeshi actor Shakib Khan joined protests against Indian movies being screened, arguing it would hurt the country's struggling film industry. Film distributors and cinema owners then banned his films.
Macedonian Girl Dies Awaiting Grand Opening of Medical Center
Independent media sources have alleged that authorities intervened in the girl’s case because they wanted to open the new medical center and showcase the child as their first successful case.
The Political Violence in Bangladesh Is Claiming Too Many Lives
I close the windows of my car, and think of buying a fire extinguisher. [Then], if a bomb is thrown inside my car, I'd be able to douse the fire.
How I Helped Get Zoja's Law Approved By Serbia's Parliament
Vuk Visnjic is too young to vote. But when politicians in Serbia's National Assembly ignored a law that would help sick children, he found a way to make a difference.
Venezuela's Military Can Now Legally Use Firearms Against Demonstrators
A new measure in Venezuela that authorizes the military to use firearms against demonstrators drew condemnation from the opposition, human rights activists and citizens.
Remembering Ukraine's ‘Heavenly Hundred’
"It's dangerous and frightening, and today one must be [in the east], like one had to be in Kyiv a year ago. Maidan has moved. It's now at the frontline."
The Dress Rehearsal for the Belarusian Crackdown
"Belaruskaya Pravda" chief editor Yuri Dubina says the recent crackdown in Belarus on independent online media is only "the dress rehearsal" before the presidential election this November.
Unlawful Deals by 5 Biggest Ebola Contractors in Sierra Leone
Five companies are said to have misappropriated funds for fighting Ebola in Sierra Leone: Here are the 5 companies who were awarded the biggest contracts to provide goods and services...
A Tajik Nurse Kidnapped in Yemen Arrives Home and Gets Straight Back to Work
Happy endings are rare in Tajikistan, so when they happen, they should be celebrated.
Japan Seizes Syria-Bound Photographer's Passport Amid ISIS Fears
This follows the brutal murder of two Japanese nationals by ISIS in January. There is now a vague sense in Japan that some places that are not acceptable for travel.
Slovakia's ‘Batman’ Is Leading the Fight Against Illegal Advertising in Bratislava
The entrepreneur, husband and father is on a mission to destroy unlicensed makeshift billboards in the city of Bratislava, which has become cluttered with outdoor advertisements.
No More Selling or Drinking Alcohol in Public After 10:30PM in Singapore
The government said the measure is necessary after receiving numerous complaints related to drunken behavior. But many described the new regulation as excessive and even discriminatory against foreign workers.
Moroccan Forces Accused of Abusing Sub-Saharan Migrants
"There were six buses waiting for us, we were ordered to climb. Then we drove for several hours into the desert. We had no indication where we were going."
Despite Prosecutor's Mysterious Death, Argentina's President Faces Charges Over Alleged Terrorist Attack Cover-Up
Argentina's president and foreign minister stand accused of interfering with the investigation into the 1994 AMIA bombing in Buenos Aires and helping to cover up Iranian involvement.
Greeks See Reason for Hope After Anti-Austerity Syriza's Election
The debt crisis hit Greece hard, and the country has limped along under unpopular austerity measures. For many Greeks, Syriza's electoral win has given them a reason to hope again.
One Simple Infographic to Understand Political Repression in Thailand
Prachatai's infographic lists some of the ordinary activities the authorities have suppressed over the past nine months. The junta's paranoia runs deep.
Déjà Vu? New Zambian President Sparks Health Speculation With Holiday
Zambians wonder if President Lungu is sick, despite his clean bill of health, following his holiday barely two weeks in office as replacement to Michael Sata, who died in office.
Armed Serbian Anti-Terrorism Police Bust in on Belgrade's Arts and Performance District
Multiple raids took place throughout Belgrade's Savamala district, which less than 24 hours before was featured in the Guardian's travel section as "Serbia's new creative hub."
Nepalese Are Finding the Humor in Their Country's Gas Shortage
Liquefied petroleum gas is the second most popular source of energy for cooking and heating in Nepal, but it's hard to come by these days, much to the consumers' frustration.
Twitter's New Transparency Report Shows Massive Spike in Demands from Russia
"We went from having never received a request to receiving more than 100 requests for account information. We did not provide information in response to any," Twitter's report says.
Boko Haram Kills at Least 81 Civilians in Fotokol, Northern Cameroon
On February 4, Boko Haram conducted a particularly gruesome attack on the town of Fotokol in Northern Cameroon, right across the Nigerian border. Hundred of civilians are feared dead, 81...
