Stories about Politics from October, 2017
The Venezuelan Crisis Understood Through Video Games
Creative ways of protesting in Venezuela leave traces in different spaces and amplify a variety of points of views around the Venezuelan conflict.
Jamaican Prime Minister’s Barefoot Campaigning Inspires Laughs—and Questions About Infrastructure
Despite the showmanship involved in the campaigning in a key constituency in an important Jamaican by-election, netizens wonder whether anything will actually change after the votes are in.
A Son of Indian Billionaire ‘Resides’ in a Modest Post-Communist Building in Macedonia
Indian billionaire son's residence in Skopje -- and whether or not he actually resides there -- has brought up questions of corrupt ties to the former ruling party of Macedonia.
In Trinidad & Tobago, It's No ‘Small Thing’ How People Rallied After Flooding
While most people had "no words" to describe the damage caused by days of flooding, the deputy head of the country's disaster agency called the situation "a small thing".
Indonesian Law Makes It Easier to Disband Extremist Groups, but Could Undermine Civil Liberties
"There are many ways for the government to combat radicalism and defend social cohesion. Removing meaningful legal protections of freedom of association is not the way to do that."
The Families of Trafficked Boys From India's Arwal Say Police Don't Care
"There were eight of us...They would beat us if we didn’t chop wood and not give us food...They killed four boys. And threw them in the river nearby."
Albanian Prime Minister Insults Journalists After Parliament Votes to Protect Lawmaker From Arrest
The Albanian Journalists' Union condemned "that such behavior and insulting communication is directly related to the dire situation faced by journalism in Albania."
A 21-Year-Old American Sings the Praises of President Xi's Chinese Dream—Literally
Dylan Walker sang the song “China Dream and My Dream” during the country's October 1 national holiday, leading some netizens to speculate he was a paid propagandist for the government.
Czech President ‘Jokingly’ Threatens Journalists With an Assault Rifle Replica
Last Friday, Czech president Miloš Zeman brandished a wooden replica of an assault rifle with the inscription 'for journalists' written on its side. Journalists, however, failed to appreciate the 'joke'.
The Latest Threat to Beleaguered Environmental Activists in Honduras Comes from the Law
Protesters have long been victims of extrajudicial assassinations and arbitrary incarcerations. Now they have simply been criminalized.
Tonga Government Accused of Controlling State Media Ahead of Elections
"Government needs to stop using so-called losses as an excuse to apply punitive changes aimed at gagging newsroom and management in a leading public broadcaster of the region."
Kebab, Yes; Revolution, No: Migrants and the Fight for Catalonia
"I was surprised that people sporting dreadlocks, turbans, braids, and other Afrocentric apparel failed to acknowledge the word "migrant" at an event supporting those being persecuted in Catalonia..."
In Iran, Music Streaming Sites Soundcloud and Spotify Are Back Online
Spotify and Soundcloud are now accessible for Iranians.
Thai Historian Could Face 15 Years in Prison for ‘Insulting’ a 16th-Century King
"The military regime just wants to persecute me. They can do anything. So I achieve equanimity. I’m detached. In fact I pity them. I pity those who have power."
Why Is the US Celebrating an Iranian Socialist Wrestler?
"Takhti represented...a tradition, a universe of values with deep and ancient roots and in intense contradiction with the status quo."
Serbian Artists Arrested Following Anti-Authoritarianism Art Museum Protest
Activists were arrested for 'insulting' Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić during the re-opening of a modern art museum in Belgrade.
‘Super Typhoon’ Threatens Japan, Japanese Elections
A "super typhoon"--equivalent to a category five hurricane--is threatening Japan and the country's general election.
Some Kashmiris Think Indian Authorities Are Behind Braid-Chopping Attacks Against Women
"Some people believe that it is the revival of old tactics of New Delhi, creating fear psychosis in the public to divert them from the sentiment of freedom."
Philippines: Human Rights Groups Ask Apple to Reject Games Glorifying President Duterte's War on Drugs
"It is unacceptable that Apple is tolerant to making profit out of people’s unjust deaths and misery".
Balkan Pride Parades Highlight Growing Support for LGBT Rights (and Politicians Are Taking Notice)
Serbia's openly gay prime minister became the 'first head of government to attend a Balkan Pride event.' Cynics see her appointment, however, as a move to impress the European Union.
Ethiopia’s Parliament Speaker Resigns Over ‘Disrespect’ to Oromo People. Is the Balance of Power Shifting?
"...his resignation is like throwing a gasoline to the fire that is already out of control. It is a historical step that signals and symbolizes end of OPDO's submission..."
