Stories about Politics from June, 2019
Tanzania reinstates controversial sanitary pad tax
Bringing back the tax on sanitary pads in Tanzania has triggered a major debate on the impact it will have on girls and women.
Will Barbados be the first Caribbean nation to abolish the secondary school entrance exam?
"Every child deserves a good-quality education. Why we have a system that making our children feel they stupid if they don't pass for ‘a good school'?"
‘Stand with Hong Kong': Appeal to G20 leaders on extradition law crisis appears in major international newspapers
Proposed legal amendments would allow Hong Kong residents to be extradited to mainland China's judicial system. Protesters are appealing to G20 leaders for support.
Netizen Report: Conflict triggers internet shutdowns in Mauritania, Myanmar and Ethiopia (again)
Struggles for political power in Myanmar, Mauritania and Ethiopia led to widespread shutdowns of internet services this week.
What will it take to combat digital authoritarianism in Southeast Asia?
"Applied to the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia, digital authoritarianism refers to how the internet has been weaponized in aid of existing authoritarian regimes."
China's censored histories: The evolving blacklist on Tiananmen Massacre
The blacklist shows an ongoing struggle between those vowing never to forget and authorities attempting to erase this piece of history from collective memory.
Parents, students threaten to sue Bhutanese employment agency after ‘learn and earn’ debacle in Japan
Many students became sick from physical and mental stress. There were also reports of forced labor, and passport theft and illegal wage deductions by employers in Japan.
New documentary explores the roots of Myanmar’s persecution of the Rohingya community
"I wish people in Myanmar see this film, since it is not only about Rohingya, it is about all ethnic minorities, who have faced persecution for years."
Hong Kong anti-extradition protesters paralyze government and police operations
Among the demands made by Hong Kong's anti-extradition protesters is an independent investigation of police brutality in relation to the clashes on June 12.
‘Is vagina a dirty word?’ Ugandan feminist Stella Nyanzi's court battle continues
Nyanzi battles for her freedom of expression. Besides this case, Nyanzi still faces charges other charges of cyber harassment and offensive communication.
For Albania and North Macedonia, are the European Union's doors half-open or half-closed?
Both Western Balkan countries were hopeful for a positive outcome from the EU foreign ministers' meeting on June 18.
Is China headed towards another Cultural Revolution?: An interview with Professor Xu Youyu
"Justice has not been served to those who were killed, suppressed and jailed. Those who were exiled still can not return to their homeland."
Hong Kong police remove ‘riot’ label from June 12 protests, but citizens still demand justice
A coalition of civil society groups has called for an independent investigation into the excessive use of force by police during the June 12 protests.
Public pressure forces Trinidad & Tobago government to drop amendment to Freedom of Information Act
"...people should be very proud of a democracy that obviously is quite healthy—that civil society came together quickly and comprehensively as it did, and that government was sufficiently responsive."
Mozambicans celebrate after the state's infamous ‘hidden debts’ are declared null
On 4 June, Mozambique’s Constitutional Council, declared null the guarantees from the Mozambican state for debts acquired by public companies following a petition by civil society organizations.
‘Step down, Carrie Lam!': Two million rise up once more against Hong Kong extradition bill
Having flouted due process and ignored public criticism of an extradition bill amendment that could put Hongkongers at serious risk, Chief Executive Carrie Lam is paying the price.
Surprise victories in the 2019 midterm Philippine elections offer hope to the opposition
Despite being fiercely attacked by state-supported elements during the election season, the opposition succeeded in disrupting local political dynasties in some key cities.
As battle for Istanbul reaches fever pitch, Turkey's ruling party regrets its pop culture problem
As the clock ticks down on the rerun Istanbul municipal election, the tension is getting unbearable.
Social media goes blue for Sudan
"My people can not die in vain, cannot die in silence." Social media users turn their profiles blue in solidarity with Sudanese protesters calling for civilian rule in Sudan.
Visas now required for Venezuelans as Trinidad and Tobago concludes migrant registration process
A group of protestors outside a registration centre in the nation's capital called for the "closure of the borders" of the twin-island nation.
Indonesia’s post-election riots led to free speech violations
"While we understand the government’s intention to stop the distribution of false information and protect the public, the decision has also inadvertently restricted public’s access to factual information."
