Stories about Governance from August, 2017
India’s Supreme Court Says Privacy Is a Fundamental Right. How Did This Happen?
A series of citizen petitions attempting to challenge the implementation of India's Aadhaar biometric ID system preceded the historic court decision.
An Indian Transgender Couple Receives Death Threats After Announcing Plans to Marry and Adopt
"We too have the same rights to live in this world, as you all are having...We aren't disturbing anyone else. In fact, we've to fight a lot to survive itself."
Rape Conviction of an Indian Cult Chief Leaves Millions of Followers in Limbo
As the chief headed to court in Panchkula with a convoy of 700 cars, thousands of followers gathered on the streets of Haryana and Punjab in support of their 'godman.'
Guatemala's Top Court Rules President Can't Expel Anti-Corruption Commissioner
Guatemalans headed back to the streets to celebrate the court's decision and demand that the president step down.
Guatemala’s Battle Against Corruption Reaches a Critical Tipping Point
On a rocky road toward more transparency, Guatemalans are back on the streets to protest corruption and demanding their president to step down... again.
Nigeria's President Surprises With a Speech Not About His Health, but About Ethnic Tensions
President Muhammadu Buhari finally returned after three months in the UK on medical vacation, and his first public address flagged online comments that "question[ed] our collective existence as a nation."
Chinese Tech Firms Are at the Cutting Edge of Artificial Intelligence — But at What Cost?
China has a more open attitude toward new technology, but is their success built upon a lack of awareness of individual rights?
Shanty Towns in Conakry and Freetown: Mismanagement and Vulnerability in Africa's Booming Capitals
For several days now, bulldozers have been demolishing houses in Démoudoula, Conakry, leaving men, women and children on the streets.
Cambodia Shutdown of Media Outlets: Tax and Licensing Issue or Censorship?
"It appears that the Cambodian government has been using legal technicalities to hide behind its real aim of silencing independent voices."
Social Media Goes Off the Deep End Over Politician's Planned 30km Protest Swim from Tobago to Trinidad
"The Coast Guard cannot provide any dedicated resources or give any assurances for a voluntary expedition of this nature at this time."
Venezuelan Government Wants to Regulate Hatred on Social Media
Today, with an all-powerful ANC composed solely of representatives from the governing party, it seems unlikely that anything will be able to stop the law from being approved.
Chinese Police Arrested a Man for Complaining About Hospital Food. Netizens Say It’s Police Abuse.
Even state-affiliated media outlets are criticizing police actions against a man who publicly complained about the price and quality of food at a state hospital.
Residents of Ethiopia's Oromia Region Strike to Demand Release of Political Prisoners
Normally crowded streets and shops were empty as Oromos stayed home from work.
Scholars at Home and Abroad Call for Withdrawal of Protest Charges Against Five Thai Academics
"How can we achieve reform when the state still treats those who voice concern about public issues as its enemies?"
History Repeats Itself, Violently, in Burkina Faso
"Every time, they come to kill our brothers. Those are two restaurants beloved of Burkinabe that have been targeted."
Malaysian Political Cartoonist Zunar Sues Police for Unlawful Arrest, Seizure of Books
"You can ban my books, you can ban my cartoons, but you cannot ban my mind. I will keep drawing until the last drop of my ink."
Deadly Floods in Bangladesh, India and Nepal Wreak Havoc
At least 6 million people were affected by the floods in Nepal's Terai region and more than 48,000 homes were submerged.
Global NGOs Call for the Release of Cambodian Land Rights Activist Tep Vanny
“Even though I am in jail, I am handcuffed and I am wearing prison uniform, the reality is that I am forever innocent.”
‘Dagdag Gastos’ Calculator Debunks Philippine Government Claim That Tax Reform Will Benefit the Poor
"Ultimately, more Filipino families will have to shoulder added expenses to their already gravely inadequate incomes."
