Stories about Politics from January, 2021
A social media blackout persists in Uganda, weeks after the election
Uganda's longtime leader Yoweri Museveni was reelected for a sixth term, as rival Bobi Wine alleges massive irregularities, state inspired violence, intimidation and harassment.
WATCH: ‘The Milk Tea Alliance'—Thailand, Taiwan and Hong Kong's unified fight for democracy’
Missed the live-stream of the Global Voices Insights webinar on the "Milk Tea Alliance"? Here's a replay.
Critics warn Malaysia’s state of emergency could undermine democracy
"Members of the public should not be treated as enemies and be dealt with by military personnel."
Japanese skincare company faces online backlash and boycott after CEO's racist remarks
Critics are also drawing attention to the DHC's connections to the Japanese far-right and its efforts to distribute conspiracy theories online.
Thai woman receives 43-year sentence for sharing audio clips ‘defaming’ the monarchy
"Although her sentence was reduced to 43 years, it’s still too harsh & unnecessary cruel. Should a defamation case land someone several decades in jail?"
A Zimbabwean journalist, two opposition politicians jailed for tweets about police brutality
Hopewell Chin’ono, Job Sikhala and Fadzai Mahere were arrested for tweeting about a police officer who allegedly beat a baby to death while enforcing COVID-19 regulations.
Russian protesters rally in support of jailed opposition leader Alexey Navalny
Unusually large numbers of Russian citizens are protesting against the imprisonment of opposition leader Alexey Navalny - on the street and on TikTok.
Chinese-Australian cartoonist Badiucao walks a fine line to avoid being politically hijacked
For Badiucao, the best way to spread the message of universal human rights is through his art, but even within Australia's Chinese communities, the narratives are both complex and nuanced.
Hong Kong protesters’ ‘Brick Arches’ wins Beazley Designs’ People’s Choice Award
Made from ordinary bricks, these small structures were used by Hong Kong protestors as roadblocks to slow down police vehicles.
Hong Kong’s Kim Jong-un impersonator reveals he was arrested in October
Hong Kong’s Kim Jong-un impersonator has revealed he was arrested in October for possessing a firearm without a licence, which he denies; he says his political performances are to blame.
Caribbean denounces Trump’s decision to put Cuba back on terrorism list; hopes for a reversal with Biden
Some expect the Biden/Harris administration to re-establish a working relationship with the island; other Cuban commentators find that unlikely. Either way, CARICOM wants Cuba taken off the US' terrorism list.
What awaits Hong Kong in 2021?
Mass arrests, blocking of websites, end of judicial independence, among other issues, seem to be in store for Hong Kong this year.
Malaysia’s internet regulator deactivates Twitter account after offensive tweets exposed
"It is shocking that they violated Twitter's terms by acquiring an account of a person that had no shame with their racism, misogyny, anti-baldness."
In Guinea, President Alpha Condé takes his third term despite long-running controversy
Guinean president Alpha Condé succeeded in getting reelected for a third time by imposing a constitutional reform obtained in poll criticized by opposition and organizations.
What drives ‘J-Anon’, QAnon's Japanese counterpart?
Donald Trump seems to have found supporters amid Japan's religious cults.
The Caribbean Community stands with Guyana in Venezuela border dispute
In a virtual meeting on January 12, Caribbean leaders put their support behind Guyana, the CARICOM member state in which energy company ExxonMobil began oil exploration in 2008.
Social media blackout, violent crackdown on opposition ahead of presidential elections in Uganda
“Millions of young people demand reform and say their future is pitted against a small cadre of tyrants committed to retaining power at all costs,” says Bobi Wine.
Arab states’ reconciliation with Qatar leaves pro-unity Saudis behind bars
Prominent Saudis, including cleric Salman al-Odah, who spoke against the boycott of Qatar in 2017, face a long list of charges such as incitement against the ruler.
Ten social media posts that capture Latin American reactions to the storming of the US Capitol
"Girlfriends, what good are two centuries of gringo political intervention if not to make us laugh our pants off right now?"
Venezuela refuels its territorial dispute with Guyana in area with massive offshore oil find
In the wake of ExxonMobil's discovery of massive energy reserves in Guyana, a centuries-old border dispute between Venezuela and Guyana heats up.
Lockdown to shutdown: How COVID-19 stifled digital rights in Zimbabwe
COVID-19 and its subsequent government policies have had far-reaching implications on digital rights and media freedom in Zimbabwe.
