Stories about Politics from April, 2016
As UN Decides Future of Western Sahara Peacekeeping Mission, Sahrawis Press for Human Rights
While international diplomats met this week to determine the future of the UN’s peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara, demonstrators throughout the occupied territory are calling for self-determination and human rights.
Iraqi Protestors Storm Parliament; State of Emergency Declared
Hundreds of Iraqi protestors stormed the Parliament building, in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone, in protest against a deadlock in approving a new government today. A state of emergency was declared.
South Sudan Is a Dangerous Place to Work as a Journalist
"South Sudan: 7 journalists killed in 2015. No killers brought to justice. No explanation from government."
Cambodia Cancels Screening of Film About Murdered Environmentalist Chut Wutty
"This ban provides yet another example of Cambodia's pervasive culture of impunity, and the lengths that the government will go to preserve it."
Fighting Fear and Hopelessness From House Arrest in Macedonia
A 19-year-old law student placed under house arrest in Macedonia explains why thousands of protesters like him are fed up with the nation's leaders.
South Africa Bans Several Sports Bodies From Hosting Global Events Over Lack of Diversity
"The ban on hosting global sporting events is another nail in the coffin for economic development and job creation."
Five Cameroonian Data Journalists Take Stock of Paul Biya's 33 Governments
A data journalism project sheds light on all 33 different governing bodies during the Paul Biya administration in Cameroon.
The Fight to Control the Narrative in Burundi's Crisis
Government critics are rejected as plotting or linked to insurgency, while government supporters and security services employees become collectively associated with authorities' repressive tactics.
Anatomy of a Macedonian ‘Colorful Revolution’
"Why do I protest, and what is the Colorful Revolution? This is a struggle against the authoritarian and corrupt regime, personified by ex-Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski."
Macedonian Protesters ‘Congratulate’ Pardoned Ex-Interior Minister at Her PhD Graduation
Protesters crashed a public ceremony where Gordana Jankuloska was formally receiving her doctoral degree and unfurled a banner reading "Congratulations on your pardon!"
European Union Slams China Over Missing Hong Kong Booksellers
"The case involves a serious violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms and raises grave concerns about the rule of law under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle..."
Arrests Add Fuel to Anti-Impunity Protesters’ Fire in Macedonia
"We have shaken the regime! But we must not yield or surrender! The fight is not over! We must go to protests in mass numbers."
Russian Prosecutor General Accuses ‘Right Sector’ of Using Social Media to Overthrow the Kremlin
The Russian Prosecutor General claims that Ukrainian nationalist group "Right Sector" used the Russian social network VKontakte to organize "mass riots and unsanctioned public events."
Journalist Zoran Božinovski's Supporters Fear Extradition to Macedonia Puts Him at Risk of Torture
"The Serbian government will bear responsibility if Božinovski is exposed to inhuman treatment in Macedonian prisons."
The Next Attack on Russia's Free Press Comes Into Focus
Someone in Russia desperately wants people to think a billionaire is preparing to sell off two particularly important assets: the energy company Quadra and the media holding group RBC.
Azerbaijan's Hunger Games: Independent Media on the Brink
"We declare yet again, by opening this absurd criminal investigation the government of Azerbaijan is creating barriers to freedom of speech, and journalism activity."
Macedonian Crisis Deepens as Protests Increase in Number and Intensity
Protests are piling up in Macedonia, and a government that had enjoyed the fruits of impunity for so long is reaping what it sowed.
Visit a Virtual Exhibit of Jewels Confiscated from the Former Philippines Dictator's Family
The confiscated jewelry items in this collection are "tangible reminders of the insidious evil of plunder and dictatorship during the Martial Law."
How Ukraine Is Dealing With the European Refugee Crisis
While Ukrainian officials and right-wing activists use the refugee crisis to win political points and shape public opinion, the Middle Eastern refugees themselves aren't exactly flocking to settle in Ukraine.
Pressure Mounts on Gambia’s President Over Worsening Human Rights Situation
Unhappiness at President Jammeh's 22-year rule is growing every day and the opposition is under huge pressure.
Jamaica's Christian Conservatives Point Fingers at International Agencies Over Comprehensive Sex Education
"How can [...] advocates and health practitioners who understand the real world and people of faith [...] reach a point of common understanding for the benefit and welfare of all?"
