Stories about Politics from April, 2017
The Return of the Butcher of Kabul: What Does It Mean for Peace in Afghanistan?
Global Voices spoke with activist, journalist and author Akram Gizabi about the potential implications of warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar's return to the domestic political fold.
Police Raid on Kingston Dub Club Puts Noise Pollution Issue on Replay
One of Jamaica's "music/tourism gems" gets shut down by police after neighbours complain about the noise levels. But is there a compromise to be had?
The Lonely Death of One of Ethiopia's Most Public Men
In Assefa’s death, one may find the sadness of exile, something which is both deeply personal and political.
“I'm Glad I'm From Tohoku” Trends on Twitter Following Japanese Politician's Cruel Words
A Japanese cabinet minister's insensitive remarks spurred a popular Twitter hashtag supporting Japan's northeastern Tohoku region, as well as the minister's resignation.
The Last Time This Many People Went on Strike in Brazil It Was 1996
Protesters are taking a stand against a series of austerity reforms hastily pushed by Brazilian President Temer, who enjoys a substantial legislative majority and support from businesses, despite sinking popularity.
Kashmiri Man Who Was Tied to an Indian Military Jeep as a Human Shield Says He Now Lives in Fear
"...I am afraid of going to a hospital. I’m afraid they will find me and kill me…I haven’t stepped outside my house in the last eight days."
Kyrgyzstan Bolsters Protections Against Domestic Violence
"Up until now, in order to get a protection order, women had to prove in court that the domestic violence had occurred."
Indian Government Bans 22 Social Media Platforms in Kashmir including Facebook, WhatsApp

"By presenting the other side to the Kashmir storyline, the locals once again were able to own....the highly complex and conflicted Kashmir narrative."
Three Ways the Russian Government Is Trying to Control the Internet

“The Internet was created as a special project by the CIA,” Vladimir Putin announced three years ago. Since then, Russian authorities’ faith in the Internet has declined even further.
Russian Protest Movement Says It Will Press On, Despite Federal Ban

Despite being outlawed today by the Attorney General, opposition movement “Open Russia” says it’s continuing all operations, including plans for nationwide anti-Putin protests this Saturday.
Romania's Anti-Corruption Protests and the Burden of Shame

Though shadowed by a sense of national shame, for a few days Romania was an inspirational place, as people took to the streets and acknowledged the widespread reality of corruption.
How the United States Has Become a Problem for Indians
To learn more about the lives of Indians in Donald Trump's America, Global Voices spoke to two Indian young men about their aborted plans to study in the United States.
Port of Spain Explores Spaces for Public Art After Controversial Crackdown
Might online support for a small Trinidadian artist be the spark that finally creates sustainable display spaces for public art in the capital city?
How Alexey Navalny Abandoned Russian Nationalism

Alexey Navalny had to reinvent himself to take charge of the Russian opposition, but he may have given up his populist edge over Vladimir Putin, along the way.
How the Symbols of Indonesia’s Hardline Muslim Groups Reached the Pages of Marvel Comics
"This artwork will be removed from subsequent printings, digital versions, and trade paperbacks and disciplinary action is being taken," according to a statement released by Marvel Comics.
A House Divided: Ethiopian Runners Separated by Politics Face Off at London Marathon
Feyisa Lelisa and Kenenisa Bekele, two of the world's greatest marathon runners, are both from the same ethnic group. But that is where the similarities stop.
This Is What ‘Racist Glasses’ Look Like in Russia

Russian animator Alexey Yurevich has produced his own version of Rudy Mancuso’s 2016 viral hit, “Racist Glasses,” using the same premise with a uniquely Russian spin.
Gazans Protest Against ‘Massacre of Salaries’ by the Palestinian Authority
Tens of thousands of Gazans are condemning the Palestinian Authority's salary cuts of public and security employees.
Students Protest in Kashmir Amidst School Closures and Mobile Internet Blocking
"Where in the world are student protests crushed with such force & brutality, pellets & tear gas shells rain today many got injured"
A São Paulo City Councilor Surprised Schools With an Inspection for ‘Leftist Indoctrination’
Fernando Holiday was inspired by the Escola Sem Partido (School Without Party) campaign, which divides opinion in Brazil.
Marine Le Pen's Comments on the Vel d'Hiv Roundup During WWII Reawaken France's Painful Past
"The victims of #veldhiv have been pulled from eternal rest to serve as a tool in the electoral plot of infamous politicians without brains or morals."