Stories about Media & Journalism from July, 2023
Can Taiwan become a hub for journalists fleeing mounting authoritarianism in Asia?
Taiwan is rated as one of the freest societies in Asia, but are the Taiwanese authorities ready to turn the island into a welcoming and safe haven for journalists fleeing authoritarianism in their home countries in Asia?
An interview with Aïssatou Fofana, environmental investigative journalist in Ivory Coast
Aïssatou Fofana, an Ivorian journalist specialising in environmental investigations, talks to Global Voices about her passion but also the dangers of the job, and about her own media platform.
In Turkey, when forests are not on fire, they are being destroyed by greedy men in suits
The ruling government lacks any green vision, prioritizes the economy at the expense of the environment, and allows greedy companies to fill in their coffers at the expense of citizens.
The future of Ukrainian New York
A frontline town in eastern Ukraine restored its historic name and gained fame in 2021. Now, activists and supporters are trying to preserve what they can after losing their home and friends.
‘Welcome to Sex': Australian sex-ed book tops bestseller list, despite campaign to block sales
"If you are not providing your young teen with sex education then you’re relying on what they learn from porn or from chatting with other students."
The Great Leap Backwards of media in China
To understand the nuances of censorship, state violence, resilience and journalistic courage in China, Global Voices interviewed Cédric Alviani, head of the Taiwan-based office of RSF for East and Southeast Asia.
Kamnotra emerges as the latest platform in a ‘news-starved’ Cambodia
A new website was launched by the Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM) amid the forced closure of independent media outlets and the dismantling of civic spaces in Cambodia.
Togo finally gives its authors recognition in its school syllabus
As a result of a reform of the literature teaching program in secondary schools, Togolese authors are at last making their entry into the lessons of their country.
In Turkey, conservatives go after a queer volleyball star
Divisions between between Turkey's conservatives and secularists are worsening. The latest showdown occurred after conservatives attacked a queer volleyball player after her team brought home a gold medal.
In Kazakhstan, the truth about the 2022 deadly protests is still suppressed
For a year and a half, the authorities have not released a complete list of the victims, along with the circumstances of their death.
The Belarus regime’s crackdown on civil society continues
The number of political prisoners in Belarus continues to rise; by the end of June, there were 1,496 individuals languishing behind bars on politically-motivated charges.
Anti-refugee rhetoric and the new far-right on Turkish social media
From openly racist statements from far-right political leaders to claims that news agencies are circulating disinformation to incite violence, social media is not making life safer for refugees in Turkey.
‘People in Belarus live in constant terror, fearing a system that can arbitrarily target anyone’
"Our human rights work in Belarus involves direct action. We engage in activities such as collecting resources, learning to purchase necessary items and communicating with the families of political prisoners."
In Togo, a journalist honoured for his fight against corruption must from now on live in exile
In Togo, the journalist Ferdinand Ayité's determination and resilience net him an international prize, but Togolese journalists are still powerless in the face of exile.
Assam, India witnesses huge protests over rearranged constituencies
The opposition parties in the Indian state of Assam are protesting against a draft proposal that will redraw electoral constituencies, claiming that it will target communities predominantly populated by Muslims.
Ibihe: One of the few Burundian news outlets raising climate crisis awareness
Burundian news outlet, Ibihe.org, is one of the country’s few local outlets to report the climate crisis challenges impacting Africa and other regions the world over.
About 47,000 Russian soldiers died during the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine
In just 15 months of fighting in Ukraine, three times more Russian soldiers have died than Soviet troops did over 10 years in Afghanistan.
IciCongo: Portrait of a young online channel that wants to ‘Tell the story of Congo differently’
In the DRC, an online outlet stands out by promoting an editorial policy that brings to the fore daily life as really lived by the majority of Congolese.
Undertones: Brazilians are embracing Russian narratives when convenient
Polarization impacts Brazilians’ perception of the war in Ukraine – in some cases by embracing Russian narratives
The Georgian Dream party is not every Georgian’s dream
There is a visible divide between what the Georgian Dream wants, and what people of Georgia dream for.
Trip Report: Cycling in the footsteps of the 1966 Farmworkers March
In June, J. Nathan Matias and Ivan Sigal undertook a 500-plus-mile fundraising bicycle ride along the route of the 1966 California Farmworkers March. Here's the full report on their journey.