Stories about History from April, 2017
The Lonely Death of One of Ethiopia's Most Public Men
In Assefa’s death, one may find the sadness of exile, something which is both deeply personal and political.
Romania's Anti-Corruption Protests and the Burden of Shame
Though shadowed by a sense of national shame, for a few days Romania was an inspirational place, as people took to the streets and acknowledged the widespread reality of corruption.
How Alexey Navalny Abandoned Russian Nationalism
Alexey Navalny had to reinvent himself to take charge of the Russian opposition, but he may have given up his populist edge over Vladimir Putin, along the way.
Georgia's Five-Year-Old Prince Prepares to Reign
"It was a huge event that after two hundred years there was a baby baptized as Prince of Georgia."
Marine Le Pen's Comments on the Vel d'Hiv Roundup During WWII Reawaken France's Painful Past
"The victims of #veldhiv have been pulled from eternal rest to serve as a tool in the electoral plot of infamous politicians without brains or morals."
31 Years Later, the Lights Come Back on in Chernobyl
Last week, group of Polish adventurers lit up the abandoned town of Pripyat, three miles from the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
A Video Game Offers a Rare Nuanced Glimpse Into the 1979 Iranian Revolution
A new Iranian-designed video game achieves the rare feat of providing an accessible and authentic narrative on Iran’s history without compromising on either content or creativity.
Kazakhstan's Great Alphabetical Distraction
Kazakhstan's veteran leader suddenly seems to think the country's long-planned transition to a Latin alphabet is very pressing indeed. The country's social media users want to know why.
Who Removed Thailand’s 1932 Revolution Plaque?
"Removal of the 1932 plaque is an ironic reminder that Thais may have ended absolute monarchy in 1932 but absolute dictatorship exists today," wrote a Twitter user.
International Scholars Search for Ways to Protect Syria's Ancient Heritage
Melbourne University’s Ian Potter Museum of Art is currently hosting an exhibition that focuses on saving what remains of Syria's ancient history.
Colorized Photos Show Epic Battle Between American and Japanese Forces in Okinawa During World War II
On the 72nd anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa, a Japanese researcher has made Twitter posts featuring archival photos of the battle that have been colorized using a software tool.
In Madagascar, People Remember One of the Deadliest French Colonial Wars in History
"...I would just like to spare a thought for all the families who know that they paid a price in spilled blood for the country..."
Jamaican Prime Minister Apologizes to Rastafarian Community for 1963 Killings
On April 12, 1963, eight Rastafarians were killed in a state-sanctioned attack; over 100 more were rounded up, beaten and humiliated by having their dreadlocks forcibly cut.
With a Wary Eye on the Recent Past, Paraguayans Continue to Protest
"...the official versions have only raised more questions and [have deepened] doubt surrounding already untrustworthy state security agencies."
Five Years at Global Voices and RuNet Echo
RuNet Echo editor Kevin Rothrock celebrates five years at Global Voices with this retrospective on covering news about Russia's Internet and civil society.