Stories about Politics from September, 2022
Papua New Guinea’s new media rules could undermine the work of journalists
"We ask the simple question, what have we got to hide from public scrutiny?"
Why fear of a coup attempt is on the horizon in Brazil's elections
Current Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro has trailed former president Lula in the polls for more than a month, but in interviews he has been discrediting the numbers and saying he will only believe in his victory.
Unfreedom Monitor report: Morocco
Advox research into digital authoritarianism in Morocco is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
Undertones: Anti-army hashtags gain rare visibility in Pakistan
Criticism of Pakistan’s powerful military has always been voiced in hushed tones, but since the ouster of Prime Minister Imran Khan back in April, Pandora’s box has been flung open.
‘The Art of the Steal?': Russia’s online voting problem
Online voting in an increasingly autocratic Russia means election results should be treated with increased scepticism, not presented as regime approval.
A Georgian neo-Nazi group finds a home on YouTube
A prominent Georgian neo-Nazi group, Georgian National Unity, has reemerged online months after their self-described "commander," Giga Chelidze was released from prison.
Nepal's Citizenship Bill attracts renewed controversy
The President of Nepal is widely facing criticism for refusing to endorse the amendment of Citizenship Bill 2006 which was passed by the house of representatives of Nepal on July 22, 2022.
Iran's most recent protests are unprecedented — here is why
The protests we are seeing right now are unprecedented; they could be a sign of things to come for Iran and its people.
Croatia’s push for controversial electoral reform undermines democratic development of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Croat extremists also scored what at first appeared to be another diplomatic victory in early August, as the Israeli embassy in Tirana, Albania (which is also responsible for BiH) came out in favor of “electoral reforms.”
Turkish citizens feel the squeeze of increased EU visa rejections
Veteran journalist Ruşen Çakır, joined a long list of Turkish nationals who have had their Schengen visa applications denied in recent months.
‘Where’s the President?’ trends as super typhoon batters the Philippines
"How tone deaf and insensitive can you be to post a vlog about your New York trip while Filipinos brace for the impact of super typhoon."
The Nicaraguan government looks to imprison Catholic priests and stain their image
After the shutdown of hundreds of social organizations and the arrest of political activists, the Nicaraguan clergy was one of the few remaining critical voices in the country.
Hong Kong attempts to reconnect with the world by relaxing COVID-19 travel restrictions
Starting September 26, 2022, incoming travelers will no longer be required to undergo mandatory hotel quarantine. Instead, they will have to undergo 3-day medical surveillance, a week of COVID testing, and more.
Protests erupt in Iran over the death of Mahsa Amini
Protests erupted in Iran over the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini, a 22-year-old woman, following her detention by the country's morality police for allegedly breaking hijab rules.
Unfreedom Monitor Report: Egypt
Advox research into digital authoritarianism in Egypt is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
Bolsonaro celebrates Brazil’s independence with a dead emperor’s heart and the armed forces
Second runner in the polls, president Bolsonaro used his position and the celebrations to campaign for re-election, while also igniting his supporters base in the streets.
Protests mark 50th anniversary of Martial Law declaration in the Philippines
"We are the living testament to the atrocities committed by the Marcoses and their cronies against the Filipino people."
Queen Elizabeth II through the Arab prism
For many, Queen Elizabeth II passing’s is a reminder of how different the world is now from the time of her ascension to the throne in 1952.
In Azerbaijan, police detain peace activist ahead of International Day of Peace
According to police records, Mammadli was arrested on the grounds of resisting police, an accusation common among punitive measures used in Azerbaijan to target political and civic activists.
In Turkey, anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment is on the rise
The organizers, asked for legal changes as well as closure of all LGBT organizations. Their demands were made for the sake of protecting their families and children.
Brazil's Electoral Court brings platforms closer ahead of presidential elections, but questions over companies’ commitments remain
All the agreements are non-binding, however, which means there will be no enforcement in the case a platform does not meet the actions listed in the MoU.
