Stories about Governance from May, 2021
As tourists party, citizens under COVID lockdown ask: Are there ‘two Jamaicas'?
When video of an event at a popular entertainment spot emerged, the images of hundreds of maskless revelers partying in close quarters prompted a wave of anger across Jamaica's blogosphere.
Colombian students set up humanitarian camp to resist police crackdown
"We have an overwhelming task and we should assume a leading role during the mobilization"
European Parliament calls for ‘immediate’ and ‘unconditional’ release of Armenian prisoners
On May 20, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling on the Azerbaijani government to release all Armenian prisoners of war and civilian captives.
Hacker group Anonymous leaks Colombia's police and army files amid protest crackdown
The police data leak was in retaliation for "aggressive and cruel repression to the demonstrations of popular and democratic power," a member of the Anonymous group told Global Voices.
In Turkey, a mafia boss's YouTube videos give Netflix some stiff competition
Among the figures targeted the string of YouTube videos posted by Turkish mafia boss Sedat Peker are the Minister of the Interior and the president's son-in-law.
Istanbul mayor surprises users on live streaming platform Twitch
The first appearance on the platform of Ekrem İmamoğlu, Istanbul mayor and member of the main opposition Republican People's Party, coincided with a national holiday celebrating youth and sports.
Tunisians left to themselves to fight COVID-19
Once the pride of Tunisia, the public health system has deteriorated since the 1990s because of corruption and deregulation in favour of the private sector.
France, Turkey, Poland: The reality of the new COVID-19 spike crisis
“The figures serve to discount the Western implication that Indian democracy and civil society have failed in the last analysis to match the achievements of the richer nations.”
Fifteen Georgian political parties sign joint agreement on queer rights
Fifteen political parties in Georgia have signed a statement outlining their commitment to protecting the rights of queer people.
Nepal appeals for international support amidst sweeping second COVID-19 wave
Nepal is devastated by the second wave of Coronavirus. The infection rate is rising sharply and the health infrastructure is crumbling, Nepal has asked for international support.
Bulgaria's COVID-hit farmers struggle under media negligence and insufficient state support
Having been left out of media's coverage and politicians' interest for decades, many farmers are left to fend for themselves, as aid packages offered by the state are limited.
Environmental activists convicted in Cambodia for planning ‘one-woman walk’
"These young people were arrested for trying to protect Phnom Penh’s largest lake and preserve it for current and future generations."
Lockdown for citizens, beach holiday for tourists: New ad exposes Turkey's lopsided COVID rules
Turkey introduced fresh lockdown measures on April 29 in a bid to curb a new COVID-19 wave -- but international holidaymakers are exempt from them.
Villagers in Turkey's İkizdere resist mine construction
Known for its beautiful green valleys, tea cultivation, and beekeeping, the idyllic valley in Rize province is facing its most serious environmental threat yet.
Destruction of coastal forest for a major tourism project raises questions about Jamaica’s climate change posture
"A development of this nature is inappropriate for an area which has been afforded several levels of environmental protections, and is well recognised for its diverse and healthy coastal ecosystems."
The legacy of militarism in Latin America's police: Shoot to kill
After a series of abuses, citizens demand reforms. Can Latin American police forces leave behind a long-held militaristic culture?
Burqa ban in Sri Lanka would undermine national security and human rights
Many in Sri Lanka and abroad are condemning the impending ban on wearing burqas and other full-face coverings in public as a breach of human rights.
Public distress as Turkey institutes yet another COVID-19 lockdown
The new measures were met with much criticism, especially among working-class people who received very little or no financial support during the last year and a half of the pandemic.
Georgia toughens penalties for administrative offences
Georgian MPs have passed legislative amendments that introduce harsher fines and longer periods of pre-trial arrest for offenses that are routinely used by police to detain street protesters.
Two Malaysian artists face police probe for online commentary and artwork
"The persecution of artists such as Zunar and Fahmi stifles creative expression, chills public discourse, and undermines trust in Malaysian authorities."
El Salvador's parliament removes checks and balances on President Bukele's powers
But why aren't more Salvadorans protesting what is happening?
