Stories about Governance from February, 2017
She’s Still in School, But This Slovenian Journalist Just Took Down a High-Powered State Official
Journalist Lea Majcen is an overnight celebrity in Slovenia, after stumping government official Tilen Smolnikar with basic interview questions about his work as head of the country's renewable energy sector.
Meet Kyrgyzstan, a Haven for Central Asian Reporters Amid Love and Strife
"I do not feel borders, my base is Kyrgyzstan, but I am reporting on Central Asia."
St. Petersburg Stands up for St. Isaac's Cathedral
Despite a variation of the blood libel against protest organizers and pressure from authorities to stand down, St. Petersburg activists continue to stand up for St. Isaac's Cathedral.
Renowned Bangladeshi Artist Shahabuddin Ahmed Completes Residency in Indian President's House
"The south Asian continent is becoming a super power and the world is looking towards us."
Maldivians Are Outraged Over a Rumored Deal to ‘Sell Off’ Faafu Atoll to Saudi Arabia
"Maldivians, today, are suffering the consequences of allowing political elites make decisions on our behalf without any accountability..."
Russian Government Youth Group Wants to Make Wikipedia More Patriotic
A clumsy new campaign called “Virtual Front” is coming to Russia next month, led by a government youth group that aims to make Wikipedia’s Russian edition more “truthful and patriotic.”
Why Are Puerto Ricans Sharing Their Student Numbers on Social Media?
Higher education in Puerto Rico finds itself in crisis following major budget cutbacks and a wave of resignations at the University of Puerto Rico.
Russia's Censor Suddenly Wants to Know More About Channels on Telegram
With help from a Putin-launched political movement, Russia's federal censor met on Tuesday behind closed doors with the authors of several popular Telegram channels. And nobody knows why.
Government in Azerbaijan: It's a Family Affair!
President Ilham Aliyev just made his wife First Vice President. What did your Valentine give you?
In Georgia, Concern Mounts as Tussle over Key Broadcaster Reaches Endgame
"#Media is a natural ally of society. It can show flaws! Never make mistakes already made by your opponents. Support #Rustavi2"
Twitter Walks a Fine Line in Russia
Why does Twitter comply with Kremlin requests to censor Tweets inside Russia? It's complicated.
Islamist Groups Demand Removal of Sculpture in Front of Supreme Court in Bangladesh
Authorities have less than a week to respond to a request that top officials and social media users alike are arguing is unreasonable.
Controversial ‘Crashing Airplane’ Advertisement Stirs Serbian Presidential Elections Debate
"No one in political history has released a [campaign ad] showing he's ready to take citizens to their deaths if they don't do his bidding."
Mystery Oil-Like Substance Pollutes Macedonia and Albania's Lake Ohrid
It's just one of a long list of threats to Europe's oldest lake that are putting its World Heritage designation in jeopardy.
Families in Sri Lanka Stand Up to the Soldiers Who Took Their Homes
Dozens of families in Sri Lanka have been protesting in front of an Air Force camp, demanding the return of their homes, which have been occupied since 2009.
Bulgaria's New President Vetoes Law That Would Have ‘Opened a Door to Corruption’
"The extension of the time limit to indefinite is a way to privatize services, rights and functions, which society guarantees to its citizens and therefore they are not for sale!"
Thai Media Groups Say Proposed Law Could Bring Total Government Control of the Press
"Government presence on a press panel and licensing of journalists are never part of a free press."
Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Watchdog Catches MPs Casting Multiple Votes, Again
Knopkodavstvo, or button pushing, as the tactic is known, has plagued voting in Ukraine's parliament for years.
As Burundi's Political Crisis Simmers, Critics Are Silenced
Many reporters and activists have fled the country, and some are even missing.
In Bangladesh, a New Online Platform to Ensure Parliamentary Accountability
"I went to the local MP's house to discuss about some issues in our neighborhood. It was 10 am and I was told that he still was asleep."
How to Reintegrate the Afghan Boys Used as Sex Toys of Powerful Men?
The practice of 'Bacha Bazi' has been in the news a lot of late, but there is a shortage of political will to help victims.