Stories about Governance from January, 2017
Myanmar Activists Say Junta-Era Defamation Law Must Go
"It is not appropriate that a citizen who criticises someone more powerful should face legal action of this kind."
‘Operation Restore Democracy’ Raises Hopes and Demands Across Africa
Energized by Gambian President Yahya Jammeh's ouster, Africans are now criticizing many of the region's international groups for failing to remove other “dictators.”
The Jallikattu Protests in the Indian State of Tamil Nadu Are Not Merely About a Bullfight
"People finally have become bulls to reaffirm their self-respect, determination and identity."
The Struggle to End Female Genital Mutilation in Africa
"If I had previously known what I know today, I would never have circumcised a single woman. We have caused much suffering to many daughters and wives."
“The Human Rights Situation in Burundi Is Deteriorating: We Need a New Approach to Show the World What is Happening”
"Strained relations in Burundi are causing price hikes and making life very difficult for the population. We need an urgent resolution to the Burundi crisis".
Moscow's Top Cancer Hospital Under Pressure Amidst Drive for Health Care Privatization
Critics worry Moscow's Oncology Hospital No. 62 will close as part of a broader movement towards the privatization of the Russian health care system.
India's Education Minister Says Cow Is the Only Animal to Inhale and Exhale Oxygen
"When will this nonsense end? Or will it end at all? Each claim appears more ludicrous than the previous one."
Diplomacy via Twitter? Indian Minister Threatens Amazon Over Indian Flag Doormat
"This case illustrates the perils of playing to the social media gallery in diplomacy."
Bhutan's Authorities Ban Film for ‘Misusing’ Religious Masks on Screen
"This narrowed minded decision is not just a ban against the film but a decision against the freedom of expression and creativity in Bhutan."
Discarded Plastic Bottles Become Blooming Plant Barricades at an Indian Railway Station
"The most critical impact of this simple intervention blew me away..."
Thai Army Invites Children to Play with Real Guns, Tanks and Assault Helicopters
"[We're] familiarizing them with soldiers and weaponry. By familiarizing them, they learn to love soldiers and even become soldiers."
Mindless Deforestation in Jharkhand, India in the Name of Development
One activist suggests that local officials sell the fallen trees -- many of them centuries-old -- to the timber industry for a profit.
New Russian App Works Like Uber, But for Funerals
It has all the convenience and technical pizzazz of the transportation network Uber, but this Russian app helps your arrange funerals, not rides.
The Best of Latin American Info-Activism in 2016 (Part II)
The organization SocialTIC reviews 2016's most inspirational info-activist projects in Latin America.
As Trash Piles Up in Russian Town, Mayor's Spokesperson Says Locals Are a Bunch of ‘Pigs’
There’s a quiet place called Yugorsk. Located in Russia's Khanty–Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Yugorsk is a flat, forested, relatively affluent town. In Yugorsk, the people are as dirty as pigs.
Will 2017 Be a Year of Political Change in Angola? Most Think Not.
After 37 years in office is President José Eduardo dos Santos really going to step back from power, as he seemed to announce?
Will 2017 Be a Better Year for Turkey's Media?
Turkey's government continues to conflate journalism it doesn't like with terrorism and other crimes against the state.
‘The Richest Political Party in Europe’ Gets Its Wealth From Corruption, According to Macedonian Journalists
A documentary states that the party owns pastures and apartments. Macedonian law prohibits real-estate ownership by political parties, with the exception of office space.
Singapore's Prime Minister Leads Netizens in Expressing Gratitude for Foreign Workers
Local observers argue that real policies to protect migrant workers' rights are still absent in the wealthy Asian city state, however.
‘Gasolinazo': How Gasoline Price Gouging Has Spurred “Collective Bad Temperedness” in Mexico
2017 has got off to a shaky start for Mexico.
Outspoken Fashion Designer Arrested By Turkish Authorities
The arrest of a public figure like Şansal, who is unaffiliated with any political party, has other government critics fearing they could be next.
