Stories about Politics from June, 2018
Turkey looks ahead to a strongman era
The political presence of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is now too dominant to be checked by rivals or institutions.
Simone Veil, the Immortal: A conversation with author Pascal Bresson on Veil's human rights legacy
"Beyond her image of rectitude and honesty, Simone Veil was, first and foremost, a woman who embodied her era and her struggle."
Netizen Report: As Erdogan’s reign continues, journalists remain under attack — are translators next in line?
The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
With elections approaching, Pakistani journalists and activists face rising risk of assault, abduction
This election will mark the second time a democratic transition of power will occur in the country's history.
Central European University remains in ‘legal limbo’ under Hungary's new higher education amendment
Central European University (CEU) announced that it will remain open in Budapest for the next academic year amidst a legal battle and debate over its destiny with the Hungarian government.
With new anti-migration laws, the space for civil society in Hungary continues to shrink
"Hungary's gov targets NGOs...because Hungary is small and these happen to also be the only NGOs working on civil rights of Hungarian citizens: looking into police abuses, representing protesters..."
Did Syrians really have a choice? Final days in Ghouta: Caught between an immediate death and a delayed one
"Should we leave the land of our childhood? How can I take my wife and kids from a dark reality to an unknown one? Many questions and no definitive answers."
In long-awaited victory, Angola's only LGBT association receives legal recognition
"Now we are legal and we can speak with property owners without any fear, we can conduct and continue our activities legally, because we will pay the state's quota."
No paper, no electricity, no news: Information controls keep coming in Venezuela
With news and porn sites being blocked, Venezuela's government intensifies its control over mainstream and social media while painting a grim landscape for freedom of speech and access of information.
Protesting Polish students stall controversial bill that would clamp down on academic freedom
"The new law on higher education centralises responsibility at universities and withdraws autonomy from individual faculties...In addition, smaller Universities are marginalized in favor of the larger ones."
Vietnam’s new Cybersecurity Law could further undermine free speech and disrupt businesses
"Despite the government’s claims, control is at the heart of the new legislation."
Iranian lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh jailed on national security charges for representing hijab protesters
"If you ask me what the authorities are thinking deep inside, I will tell they just want Nasrin to sit at home and...and stop defending civil and political activists..."
Agitated debate revives over the destiny of Mexico's protected waters
The signing of 10 presidential decrees is the center of an agitated debate in the press and online.
A new generation picks up the struggle against coal in the Czech Republic
"With decision makers still jammed in the vicious cycle of coal and nuclear, building a strong climate movement that crosses borders seems more important than ever."
Peace marchers from Helmand look to change Afghanistan's narrative
"Seeing them was a moment of joy and healing for mom and me."
A fridge, a kettle and a farm. Metaphors abound in Turkey's troubling presidential election
Humor has emerged as a potent weapon for incumbent Recep Tayyip Erdogan's main electoral rivals. He is not amused.
Gangs and trade wars: What kind of Mexico awaits the new president?
"Today in Mexico one does not attain power with weapons, but controls access to power with weapons."
‘We are victims who assist victims': Documenting human rights violations in Nicaragua
"The legal possibilities are next to none. The act of making an accusation is a gesture of symbolic justice. It is the first step in facing the trauma."
Can the United States connect Cubans to the internet? A historical review from the Cuban perspective
There is likely no way for the United States to provide internet access to Cuba without authorization by the Cuban government.
#BabaeAko campaign unites women in challenging the sexist behavior of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte
"I am a mother, a teacher, a Filipino. I condemn Duterte for being a misogynist and making it 'acceptable' for women to be hated and attacked."
Greek and Macedonian nationalists oppose agreement that would end a quarter-century name dispute
"Today's agreement betw. Athens and Skopje is a historic and very courageous achievement that will benefit both sides and the entire region."
