Stories about Human Rights from August, 2015
Puerto Rico Celebrates the First Same-Sex Weddings—And It's About Time
After many years of hardships and struggle, same-sex couples in Puerto Rico can now formalize their commitment to each other.
After 2 Bombings in Bangkok, Thai Internet Users Join #StrongerTogether Movement
Two bomb blasts rocked central Bangkok in the past two days, killing 20 people and injuring hundreds. Now Thailand tries to move forward.
An Icon of Iran's Reform Movement Joins Anti-Nuclear Deal Efforts
Ahmad Batebi has caused a social media stir by denouncing the nuclear deal and appearing in an ad produced by an offshoot project of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
Saeed Kamali Dehghan on Covering Iran for The Guardian
"The common problem in many western media organisations is that they see Iran as black and white, and Iran is not like that. It’s a spectrum, it’s a rainbow.”
Students Push for Alcohol Prohibition in Southern India Street Protests
"The protests against the prohibition of alcohol are a great move. If Tamil Nadu government bans the sale of alcohol, it will be greatly appreciated by the general population."
Human Rights Protections Weaken as Tunisia Fights Terror
Despite the PM's reassurance that "people can talk or write whatever they like," authorities have been cracking down on speech.
Ethiopia's Zone9 Bloggers Head Back to Court After 15 Months Behind Bars
The Zone9ers' trial has been postponed 33 times, for reasons ranging from the banal to the bizarre. They may finally learn their fate this Wednesday, at their next court date.
‘Las Patronas': Making Mexico’s ‘Train of Death’ a More Humane Place
How a petition on Change.org pushed a family improving the lives of thousands of U.S-bound migrants towards a nomination at the 2015 Princess of Asturias awards.
Why Is Gang Rape and Child Rape Skyrocketing in Bangladesh?
Some observers say rape and sexual harassment would rise in parallel with women empowerment since this patriarchal society denies freedom of women.
Should Conspiracy Theories Enjoy Free Speech Protections?
To what extent, should conspiracy theories enjoy free speech protections? Three members of the Global Voices community share their thoughts.
After “Grossly Distorting” UN Views on the Internally Displaced Ata-Manobos, the Philippine Military Apologizes
"The community wishes to return to its lands but stressed that they will only feel safe to do so if the long-term militarization of their region comes to an end."
Bangladesh Police Chief Tells Bloggers, ‘Don't Cross the Line’
"Those who illogically write against religion in blogs are also extremists," said a high police official.
Jason Rezaian’s Lawyer Prevented from Responding to Iranian Prosecutor’s Accusations
The court’s decision on the charges against Rezaian, which include “espionage” and “cooperation with enemy states,” is expected in a week.
Australian Parliamentarians Denied Free Vote on Same Sex Marriage Law
Many Australians were angered by a decision of the government parties to deny a free vote to their parliamentarians on a bill to legalise same sex marriage.
In Malaysia, Myanmar's Refugee Children Go to School in Fear
A video documentation project highlights the plight of the Myanmar refugee community in Malaysia.
As Chad’s Former Dictator Heads to Trial, Impunity for African Despots May Be Coming to an End
An extraordinary event for Africa, Hissène Habré's trial demonstrates what's maybe the beginning of a new era for the continent, where young politicians are changing the way the law works.
Will Nepal's Gadhimai Temple End Its Centuries-Old Animal Sacrifice Rituals?
News reports that the Gadhimai temple -- which hosts one of the world’s biggest massacre of animals -- will ban their centuries-old ritual of sacrifice, turned out to be wrong.
HRW Research Finds Media Freedom in Western Balkans Under Serious Threat
After almost a year of research in the region and in-depth interviews with over 80 journalists, editors, and independent media owners, Human Rights Watch released a report in July 2015 stating that media freedom in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Serbia are under threat. The report's findings include impunity and lack...
Death of Pinochet's Secret Police Chief Uncovers Chile's Unhealed Wounds
Reactions after the death, in Chile, of the second most feared man of Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship show a country still struggling to make peace with its past.
Protests as Malaysia Suspends Two Newspapers Following a Corruption Expose
"We must never forget abuses of power today. You can suspend The Edge but you can't suspend truth!"
London's Social Housing is Falling Down
London's poor are paying for years of government neglect and broken promises about low-cost housing.