Stories about Human Rights from February, 2015
Indonesians Take a Hard Look at Death Penalty Ahead of Drug Trafficking Executions
Indonesian President Joko Widodo denied clemency appeals and stated that the country is dealing with a drug emergency problem.
Armed Serbian Anti-Terrorism Police Bust in on Belgrade's Arts and Performance District
Multiple raids took place throughout Belgrade's Savamala district, which less than 24 hours before was featured in the Guardian's travel section as "Serbia's new creative hub."
Who Killed the Zamalek Football Fans in Egypt if it Wasn't the Police?
Photographs shared by netizens on social media show the police shooting at the spectators, who were crowded behind metal barricades.
Campaigning for a Free West Papua: Perspectives From an Exiled Activist
Global Voices interviews exiled activist Paul Inggamer about his views of his native West Papua and the campaign for independence against the existing Indonesian occupation.
Turkey Cites National Security as it Cranks Up Internet Controls
Courts offer citizens occasional protection from Ankara's vicious war on freedom of expression and privacy, so government is looking for laws that bypass them.
Why Are So Many Environmental Activists Being Murdered?
In 2012, the globally reported murder rate approached three per week. Growing violence against environmental activists is leading to a search for solutions.
Ukraine Arrests Journalist on Treason Charges for Calls to Boycott Mobilization
Ukrainian journalist Ruslan Kotsaba called for boycotting the latest wave of military mobilization in Ukraine—and now faces treason charges. Is he really a traitor? Internet opinion is divided.
#FreeSavchenko: Ukranian Pilot's Hunger Strike in Russian Prison Hits Ninth Week
International campaigns for the release of Nadiya Savchenko continue. Russian authorities don't seem to have plans to release her. Neither does Savchenko have plans to end her hunger strike.
Roll Call to Never Forget the Missing Ayotzinapa Students
Since the disappearance of the 43 students from Ayotzinapa, a group of citizens has decided to prevent the case from being forgotten by conducting a roll call of the students' names every day at 11pm Mexico time.
Pakistani Lawmaker Offers Dubious Bounty for Charlie Hebdo Owner
Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour said he'll $200,000 to anyone who killed the magazine's owner and $100,000 to the Charlie Hebdo attackers' heirs. Some are calling it a dangerous PR stunt.
Thai Junta Gives ‘Attitude Adjustments’ to Those Who Dare Step Out of Line
The Thai junta is summoning individuals whom they perceive as dissenters or those requiring an “attitude adjustment” for having different views. Three recent cases highlight this worrying trend.
What Does It Mean to Be a Japanese Citizen After the ISIS Executions?
"I would urge him to commit harakiri," Dewi Sukarno writes. "If I were his mother, I definitely would do so — I would want my son to be a hero."
Activists Demand Release of Palestinian Activist Abdallah Abu Rahme
He was arrested in 2012 while at a protest in support of Palestinian detainees and prisoners for standing in front of bulldozers bringing concrete to be used as road blocks.
US-Cuba Policy Experts Discuss ‘Deep Differences’ on Human Rights
The debate on human rights in Cuba implies a thorough review of the model of democracy in this country.
World Leaders Mourn Saudi Oil Monarch as ‘Strong Advocate for Women’
World leaders expressed their condolences following the death of Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Some even went as far as calling him a "strong advocate for women."
Male University Students in Taiwan Wear Skirts to Support Transgender Community
"I cannot help but feel sad. What makes us be so overcome with negative feelings when we see a minority who is different from us?"
Sinai Residents Pushed Out of Their Homes, as Egyptian Forces Fight “Terrorism”
The State of Sinai, a militant group previously called Ansar Bayt Al-Maqdis (ABM) before announcing its allegiance to ISIS, claimed responsibility for the attacks, which left over 25 dead.
The Macedonian Government Clamps Down on Filming Protests With Drones
Drone-made videos and photos were instrumental in demonstrating the size of a recent massive student protest, which has been called the largest student protest in Macedonia since independence.
Horrified by ISIS Execution Video, Jordanians Remember Fallen Pilot With Pride
The brutal nature of the highly-produced execution video was shocking to many, but some refused to let ISIS propaganda cast a shadow on the fallen hero's memory.
The World Mourns Brave Japanese Journalist Kenji Goto, Beheaded by ISIS
The world refuses to remember Kenji Goto for what ISIS had done to him. Instead, many celebrate him for his bravery and compassion for those in conflict zones.
Questions About Australian Media Freedom After Egypt Releases Peter Greste
Max Chalmers, from Australian independent online media site New Matilda, welcomes the release of Al Jazeera journalist Peter Greste after 400 days in Egyptian prison. He also calls for “the speedy release of Greste’s colleagues who remain behind Egyptian bars”. However, he questions Prime Minister Tony Abbott's support for media...