Stories about Politics from November, 2017
After Authorities Evict Beijing's ‘Low-End’ Residents, Chinese Ask: Where Is the Humanity?
Just as rural migrant workers were forced out of their dwellings into the streets, Beijing’s temperature fell to below 0 degrees Celsius at night.
#DemocracyDefeated: How Indian Right-Wing Groups Stalled A Bollywood Period Drama
Scandal surrounding "Padmavati" film causes Indian BJP leader to call for the lead actor's beheading and draws attention to larger issues of freedom of expression in film.
Contrary to Social Media Claims, Serbia's President Has Not Named a Street After War Criminal Ratko Mladić
Social media users falsely blame Serbian President Vučić for renaming a street after the war criminal from the Bosnian War, using his footage from a 2007 radical party protest.
As Syrian Government Trumpets Military Wins, Fear Continues to Grip Locals in Damascus
''They would search databases saved on their computers. If my name is found, I will be dispatched to one of the front lines.''
Russian TV Backs Down After Calling Armenian Hero ‘Fascist Collaborator’
"Garegin Nzhdeh is one of the greatest heroes of the Armenian nation and monuments to him should be erected not only in Yerevan, but also in different parts of Armenia."
An Affordable University Education Is at Risk in Post-Hurricane Puerto Rico
"The government and the university's administration have more than the necessary excuses to continue the privatization of the UPR and the access of education"
Malaysian Authorities Blocked Websites Reporting on Massive Personal Data Theft Scandal
"I believe that you have a right to know about it, in a timely manner. Authorities can’t sit on the data for weeks without letting you know on any pretense."
Social Media Rumors Escalate Buddhist-Muslim Violence in Sri Lanka
"Sri Lankans tend to digest media uncritically and unquestioningly. This will have to change in order to stop misinformation from spreading – and this can be done through spreading awareness."
Serbian Journalists Call on Citizens to Support a Media Freedom Campaign
Journalists and activists lead by the group ‘For Media Freedom’ took to the streets of five Serbian cities to pledge support from citizens for demands presented to the government.
How Chinese See the Fall of Their Country's Old Friend Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe
"When people wake up, all 'greatness' will vanish, the dictator will be relegated to the dustbin of history."
In Kyrgyzstan, Sheep Sacrificed to Stem Car Crash Scourge
"We gave meat to everybody that passed, explaining that the food was from God."
In Macedonia and Serbia, Right-Wing Politicians Make Their Followers Swoon—Literally
Both Serbian President Vučić of Serbia and former Macedonian Prime Minister Gruevski have tried to spin incidents, in which attendees to their public appearances fainted, in their favor.
Another Muslim Man Is Murdered in India's Rajasthan by Cow Vigilantes
"The term Gau Rakshak has slipped into the country’s lexicon of politics and culture over the past two years, in step with increasing activism by self-styled protectors and vigilante groups."
Barbie Hijab Comment Highlights Why Some Russian Activists Don’t Support Presidential Hopeful Navalny
"Congratulations, Alexey! With one tweet you’ve written off all of your potential Muslim voters. You apparently don’t want to become president."
“Cementazo” Scandal Tarnishes Costa Rican Presidential Election
The "cementazo", roughly translated as "huge cement blow", is a corruption case tarnishing the presidential election in one of the most institutionally stable countries in Latin America.
The Winner Is: Same Sex Marriage Equality in Australia
"First bloody vote result in years that made me feel like reasonable, kind, compassionate people are still the clear majority."
Many Taiwanese Say Taiwan Representation at China’s National Congress Was Simply Beijing Propaganda
"[The drama] is selling out Taiwan’s independence movement. When the pro-independence movement in Taiwan becomes stronger, Beijing will pay more and more to build up a united front in Taiwan."
#StopTheCrackdownVN: Global Groups Call for Human Rights Protection in Vietnam
Human rights groups are stepping up the campaign urging the Vietnamese government to release 165 prisoners and conscience and to stop the persecution of activists and bloggers.
Jamaican Women Demand the Right to ‘Bare Arms’ at Government Offices
"There are Jamaicans who are being denied services that they are entitled to because of these dress codes [...] a serious issue to be addressed."
As the MENA Region Heats Up, UN Climate Change Talks are Under Pressure
"The Arab region is currently suffering from drought, which is only the beginning of the consequences of climate change. Discussions should take into account the communities most affected."
Albanian Activists Hold Two-Day Protest Against the Building of Hydropower Plants in Valbona National Park
There are three hydropower plants under construction, and eight more are being considered by the Ministry of Energy in the pristine natural heritage areas across Albania.
