Stories about Politics from January, 2017
A Legislative Proposal in Mexico Would Tie Political Parties’ Funding to Voter Turnout
"Cutting back where we should: public funding of parties so that it's linked to the vote and not the register."
Protests, Deportations and Uncertainty: Iranians Ensnared by Trump's Immigration Ban
"My timeline is full of stories of people impacted by #Trump’s order. They are in shock & can’t believe it."
Myanmar Activists Say Junta-Era Defamation Law Must Go
"It is not appropriate that a citizen who criticises someone more powerful should face legal action of this kind."
Journalists of Closed Hungarian Newspaper Népszabadság Score ‘Symbolic Posthumous Victory’ in Court
A Hungarian court has ruled that last October's sudden closure of the country's leading opposition daily, Népszabadság, was illegal.
‘Operation Restore Democracy’ Raises Hopes and Demands Across Africa
Energized by Gambian President Yahya Jammeh's ouster, Africans are now criticizing many of the region's international groups for failing to remove other “dictators.”
The Jallikattu Protests in the Indian State of Tamil Nadu Are Not Merely About a Bullfight
"People finally have become bulls to reaffirm their self-respect, determination and identity."
The Difficult Work of Building an Inclusive, Women-Led Coalition to Resist Trump
"If you want to know if you are going the right way follow women of color, brothers and sisters."
Russian Political Prisoner Ildar Dadin Files Request to Move Prisons
"Are there really no colonies closer to Moscow?" Dadin's wife asked Russia's State Penitentiary Service.
Could Trump Solve Trinidad & Tobago's US Tax Law Stalemate? The Opposition Leader Seems to Hope So.
When Trinidad and Tobago's opposition was in government, it introduced the FATCA bill in parliament; ever since, it has been sidestepping passing the legislation. Enter a letter to Donald Trump.
In Moldova, Civil Society Stands Up to ‘Big Brother’ Law
Pressured by civil society, Moldovan legislators debate whether to amend the flawed surveillance-enabling legal changes, called the "Big Brother" Law, or to demand a completely new proposal by the government.
Netizen Report: Trump Administration Kicks Off With Media Gags, Anti-Protest Measures
The Trump era begins, Cameroon shuts down the Internet for English-speaking regions, and Iranians wonder if Telegram will be blocked on election day.
Puerto Rico Celebrates Political Prisoner Oscar López Rivera's Release
San Juan major Carmen Yulín announced that the city will be preparing a special event for his arrival in May.
The Tyrants Bring the Invaders: What Follows After Russia Helps Secure Assad's Victory
Russian’s bombing campaign in Syria has helped put an end to Aleppo’s civil democratic experiment, once a beacon of hope. What next?
Russia Says No to Political Crowdfunding by Individuals
Russia's version of PayPal is shutting down the transfer of money to individuals collecting funds for political purposes—a decision that will undermine one presidential bid to challenge Putin in 2018.
Inspired by Trump's Counsellor, Trinidad & Tobago Social Media Users Start Whipping Out ‘Alternative Facts’
"Ringling Brothers closed down in anticipation of the competition from the American government. #alternativefacts"
Filipino Farmers and Activists March for Justice and ‘La La Land Reform’
'Stop killing peasants who feed the nation,' reads one banner during the January 20 march organized by peasant groups and activists in the Philippines.
These Venezuelans Have Some Ideas to Share With Trump Opponents
"Be patient with democracy and struggle relentlessly to free yourself from the shackles of the caricature the populists have drawn of you [...] I know: I’m from Venezuela."
The Long Road of Burundi’s Diplomatic Isolation
Over the past several months, Burundi’s ongoing political-security crisis has exacerbated diplomatic tensions and local economic decline.
Conspiracy Theories in Brazil Spread After Plane Crash Kills Supreme Court Justice Working Explosive Case
Despite a lack of evidence suggesting any foul play, many Brazilians — particularly people on the political fringes — have promoted elaborate and largely unsubstantiated theories about Zavacksi's untimely death.
Moscow's Top Cancer Hospital Under Pressure Amidst Drive for Health Care Privatization
Critics worry Moscow's Oncology Hospital No. 62 will close as part of a broader movement towards the privatization of the Russian health care system.
India's Education Minister Says Cow Is the Only Animal to Inhale and Exhale Oxygen
"When will this nonsense end? Or will it end at all? Each claim appears more ludicrous than the previous one."