Stories about Politics from January, 2019
Netizen Report: How Venezuela’s political crisis is playing out online

As Venezuelans continue to face internet censorship, Turkmenistan is blocking Google Play, Lebanon is blocking Grindr and Brazil is chipping away at is FOI law.
Once-beloved youth magazine is accused of whitewashing legacy of Serbian Nazis
How did a magazine that enjoyed a cult status all over Yugoslavia seems to have betrayed its progressive values.
Divided they stand: Caribbean nations take sides on Venezuela
Maduro reportedly told members of the diplomatic corps that he had spoken to CARICOM leaders and was "open to mediation talks in 'Trinidad and Tobago or wherever'. . .
Amid civil unrest, internet shutdowns are making Zimbabwe's economic crisis worse

"It's not the fuel price increases, it's not the looming hunger. The most scary thing is that these guys in government are convinced that they are doing a good job."
Guinea has struggled under President Condé, but Russia backs his quest for a third term
"The question of political succession is a question of sovereignty. And sovereignty belongs to the people. It is not part of an ambassador's role to dictate Guinea's fate."
Nigeria's retired military generals battle for influence in 2019 presidential elections
Olusegun Obasanjo, former military head of state and later Nigeria’s democratically elected president, has consistently criticized successive governments in Nigeria.
How will propaganda shape Nigeria's 2019 presidential elections?
"Propaganda may help you win elections but [it] can’t help you govern," said former Nigerian President Jonathan Goodluck about recent campaign tactics.
Reports of internet blocks and media censorship as power struggle tensions escalate in Venezuela

Internet access is being blocked intermittently and radio stations are being censored as Venezuela's political crisis intensifies.
Sri Lankan tea estate workers take to the streets to demand fair wages
'Companies say they don't have profit, govt says it doesn't have money, ministers make so many promises[...] workers want only Rs. 1000 daily basic wage for the work they do'.
Caribbean nations hesitate to recognise Venezuela's Guaidó
"If the regional powers break Venezuela, guess who picks up the pieces? Neighbouring countries, that's who."
Old age, hate speech, press freedom: Critical issues in Nigeria's 2019 presidential elections
Amid the cacophony of Nigeria's electoral campaigns — both online and offline — here are the key issues that may get lost in the noise in this year's elections.
‘Nobody knows what will come next': Venezuelans rally in strongest challenge to Maduro yet
"In 2014, having the security services pull the plug on the Maduro regime was a fantasy. In 2017, it was a hope. In 2019, it’s the plan"
Azerbaijani prosecutors drop controversial charges against political prisoner
Activists cheered the concession as a victory of people power.
Taiwan’s referendum results may have been swayed by an ill-informed public
Many feel that an ill-informed public swayed the results of Taiwan's recent referendums.
Tobago's tourism industry faces setback as Sandals hotel chain walks away from a deal
Talks broke down on a major deal for a Sandals resort in Tobago. Environmentalists see it as a win, but tourism has to swallow its disappointment and press on.
Mayor of Odessa could face criminal charges after his security attacked a local reporter
This is only the most recent episode in which Trukhanov or his subordinates have attacked journalists.
Correspondence between Arundhati Roy and Shahidul Alam shares resilience and hope
"...the tide will turn, and the nameless, faceless people will rise. They will rise against the entire state machinery."
India's Sabarimala row: How women fought against religious patriarchy for the right to pray
Right-wing groups are in an uproar after the Indian Supreme Court allows women of menstruating age to enter the Sabarimala temple in Kerala.
What's wrong with mainstream media's interpretation of Taiwan's referendum results?
Taiwan just finished its location election and ten referendums on Nov 24, but there are still some misunderstandings about the results in mainstream media.
Has Kyrgyzstan's new fine for spitting violated the country's ‘social contract'?
"If you don't touch us, we won't touch you."
Under Peña Nieto, Mexican journalists endured threats, killings — and digital surveillance, say researchers

"If they killed Javier Valdez [the] most protected member in the field, what can the rest of us expect? It is as if we all have a target on our backs.""Si matan a Javier Valdez, [...] el más protegido del gremio: ¿qué puede esperar el resto? Es como si a todos nos hubieran puesto un blanco en el pecho."