Stories about Politics from May, 2020
Dalit youth and five of his friends stoned to death in Nepal because of his love for an upper-caste girl
A low-caste young man and 18 of his friends were attacked – and some of them killed – all because of his love for a girl who was above his station.
Quarantine debates in Zanzibar conjure memories of colonial racial segregation
In light of Zanzibar’s complex history of racial segregation in the name of public health, social distancing and quarantine measures have been controversial in the fight against COVID-19.
Côte d'Ivoire withdraws from African Court on Human and People's Rights
On April 29, the spokesperson of the Ivorian Government, Sidi Touré, announced Côte d'Ivoire's decision to remove its recognition of the competence of African human rights court.
‘Indonesia, whatever’: Frontline staff express frustration over COVID-19 response
"We risked our lives, but are paid less than is adequate. Hundreds of nurses faced pay cuts and their 13th-month salary was withheld."
Could COVID-19 help push peace forward in Yemen?
While leaders have stalled on a unified response to ending the violence to deal with the virus, several activist groups in Yemen are pushing forward a ceasefire agenda.
Talking down under: Greek PM ‘discovers’ South Zealand
"Primary school kids listen to him and drop dead laughing. Long live our Leader, our EXCELLENT KYRIAKOS! HE'S WHAT WE DESERVE!"
Is China's ‘House of Cards’ in the Czech Republic beginning to wobble?
Public scepticism over Chinese influence campaigns and aggressive diplomacy is empowering anti-Beijing politicians.
Protests, police crackdowns return to Hong Kong as Beijing tightens grip
"This is the future of Hong Kong under National Security Law: No freedom of assembly and speech."
Kremlin expands online voting possibilities amid COVID-19 fears
After the Russian government passed a bill expanding possibilities for voting online and by post, journalists and digital rights activists have started to question its potential for abuse.
Southern African leaders meet to address urgent security threats in Mozambique
SADC states have been urged to support Mozambique’s government to fight against terrorists and armed groups attacking civilians and infrastructure in Cabo Delgado Province.
How identity-driven conflicts fuel Ethiopia's incendiary social media rhetoric
Unity Park aimed to tell the story of all Ethiopians and celebrate the country’s diversity. But social media revealed politicized, nationalistic reactions along ethnic lines: Amhara and Oromo.
Will the ‘Self-reliant India’ scheme bring relief to migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced another economic reform package of 265 Billion USD during the COVID-19 pandemic which drew criticism from netizens.
Burundi voted — but will the political situation change?
Burundians voted on May 20 for a new president, with official results expected next week. The new president will face pressing questions on international relations, media repression, inclusive economic policies and impunity.
Why Hong Kong isn’t dead yet
"Today Beijing imposed the “national security” law in Hong Kong. It gives them broad powers to go after anyone they don’t like. Anyone who criticizes them. Anyone who disobeys them."
Slovenian protesters channel Katie Melua to explain anti-corruption bicycle movement
"There are 10,000 bicycles in Ljubljana. That's a fact. That's how mad the people are."
‘One Country, Two Systems’ on the line as national security law looms over Hong Kong
"Our way of life may soon be circumscribed but we will find a way to survive and prosper through this."
In Tunisia, women stand on the frontlines of targeted hate speech online
In Tunisia, an uprising toppled leadership and lead to revolution in 2011. Since then, digital space has witnessed heated debates about politics and society — including attacks against women activists and journalists.
Stranded Nepali migrant workers protest to return home, Nepali government drags its feet
Nepal's government tries to stall repatriating migrant workers stranded abroad.
In Algeria, online repression targets Amazigh protesters active in Hirak movement
In Algeria, the Amazigh people are often associated with France, Algeria's former colonial power. Racial slurs online accuse this group of being separatists who threaten "national unity."
Women in Nigeria face a caustic landmine of political advocacy online
“I’ve grown a really thick skin,” said Fakhriyyah Hashim, co-founder of the #ArewaMeToo movement in northern Nigeria.
A glimpse at Thailand's digital ID through the biometric profiling of Malay Muslims
"The discriminatory nature of these measures could amount to racial profiling, which subjects Malay Muslims to disproportionate and unnecessary surveillance based on ethnic prejudice rather than objective signs of suspicion."
