Stories about Politics from September, 2016
Russian Politician Wants Journalists Prosecuted for Sharing Footage of His Ricky Martin Dance
A city councilman in Orlov has filed a police report against local journalists for sharing video footage of him dancing to Ricky Martin’s “Livin la Vida Loca.”
Afghanistan Prepares Warily to Welcome Back One of its Most Explosive Sons
"When will Mr. Hekmatyar be launched at Kabul?"
In Tanzania, Expressing Political Opinions on Social Media is Becoming Increasingly Dangerous
Since President John Magufuli won the presidential election in October 2015, 14 people have already being arrested and charged for insulting the president on social media.
Netizen Report: Swiss Citizens Say Yes to Surveillance
Swiss activists lose referendum on privacy, Jordanian authorities ban media coverage of writer’s assassination, and Mexico is spending even more money on surveillance tools than was previously known.
Pakistani Actors in Bollywood Become Targets of Hate as the India-Pakistan Tussle Escalates
"...culture and art and sport should be without boundaries and borders. These are the two areas which bring people together and encourage understanding of other cultures."
French Diversity Raises an Eyebrow at Nicolas Sarkozy’s ‘Our Ancestors Are the Gauls’ Declaration
"When you're six years old and you read that your ancestors were Gauls, with fair hair and blue eyes... it wasn't only us who giggled, it was the teacher, too.”
Facebook Live Video Triggers Presidential Controversy in Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago's President Anthony Carmona held a press conference on September 28 to respond to claims against his office, but many questions remain unanswered.
Azerbaijan Holds a Referendum Marred by Violations. Does Anyone Care Anymore?
The changes passed further boost the powers of the hereditary dictatorship overseen by the ruling Aliyev family.
Fidencio Sanchez’s Inspiring Story Highlights the Best of Social Media—and the Plight of Latino Immigrants
"At a time when Donald Trump is calling Mexican immigrants drug dealers and rapists, the image of this hard-working Mexican immigrant has become a defiant symbol that challenges hateful stereotypes."
Vietnamese Land Activist Cấn Thị Thêu Has Braved Violence, Arrest and Prison
"I will live in a way that they will see that their brutality will never threaten our will to fight. We will hold on to our land until the end."
Jordanian Government Ignores Public Backlash, Signs Gas Deal With Israel
Despite significant opposition, Jordan signs controversial gas deal with Israel. Protests planned for this Friday could determine the agreement's future.
A Lavish Iranian TV Series Revises the History of the 1953 Coup for the Post-Nuclear Deal Age
Iran's 1953 coup d'état is widely depicted as a rupture in the modern history of Iran. It is also a Pandora’s box filled with contested narratives.
Trinidad & Tobago's Deadline for Passing US Tax Legislation Looms as Politicians ‘Play Games’
"In essence, every bank in the world will become non-paid informants of the IRS."
Uzbekistan's Late President Islam Karimov Leaves an Enduring and Terrifying Legacy
Unlike his regional counterparts he didn't build a cult of personality, but while in power Uzbekistan's Islam Karimov exercised an iron-fisted control over his citizens—and over narratives about the country.
Artist Draws Attention to the Plight of Child Laborers and Young Women in Myanmar
"Art becomes more important for the people to see and feel the reality, and motivate them to make changes in society."
‘No Embarrassment’ Photo Exhibition in Moscow Ends Early Under Pressure From Conservative Activists
Conservative activists pressured the Lumiere Brothers Center for Photography in Moscow to close Jock Sturges' photo exhibition, arguing that his work violated Russia's laws against child pornography.
Animations, TV Shows, and Personal Testimonies Help Colombians Understand the (Possible) End of Conflict
"Every time nations go through a peace process, humanity as a whole takes a step forward."
What Will Happen to Colombia's Youth in the Aftermath of War?
"I'm a direct victim of war and armed conflict. Yet if I have to give my hand to the murderers, I'm ready to do so because I believe in forgiveness."
This Soviet Cartoon Was Too Much for Romania’s Communist Censors
According to the documentary "Chuck Norris vs Communism," Romania's state censorship board actually banned scenes from an episode of the classic Soviet cartoon "Nu Pogodi."
Macedonian ‘Colorful Revolution’ Rallies to Defend Special Prosecutor’s Office
Activists of the “Colorful Revolution” movement have announced a new demonstration planned to take plan in front of the parliament building in Skopje in support of the Special Prosecutor's Office.
Allegations of Rigged Ethnic Hungarian Voting in Croatia’s Latest Election
The number of people who registered to vote as ethnic Hungarians dramatically increased between Croatia's last two elections. Why?
