Stories about Politics from June, 2023
In Turkey, authorities quickly cover up a report implicating the president's son in a corruption scandal
The practice of blocking content in Turkey is common. News directly related to the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, his family, or AKP officials are most frequently blocked.
Disinformation helps weaponize homophobia in the Balkans
After 2013, Moscow has emerged as major generator of homophobic narratives that exploit existing endemic intolerance in the Balkans region.
Russian Nobel laureate Dmitry Muratov: ‘Repression occurs when no one knows who might be targeted tonight’
"So who is opposing this potential junta, these armed people? Paradoxically, only the ability to speak the truth can stand up to armed men vying for power."
Ukrainians flooded social media with memes as Wagner Group marched toward Moscow
"I must give credit to the General Staff," one user wrote in a viral Facebook post. "The counteroffensive started, indeed, in an unexpected place."
Can Hong Kong afford its planned artificial island construction project?
In addition to the irreversible damage to Hong Kong's marine life and sea beds, the city’s fiscal reserves may be completely drained in a decade or so thanks to the pricy project.
‘Ukraine today, Taiwan tomorrow': Is the comparison valid?
"Ukraine today, Taiwan tomorrow" is a phrase often heard in Taiwan pointing at the common threats Russia and China represent for both countries. But is that comparison valid?
In Azerbaijan, feminist activists say not the time to celebrate
At least ten political activists left the embassy premises following the extraction of feminist activists and Hasanli.
Palestinians battle for their homes in East Jerusalem
Israeli settler organizations, supported by the state, exploit discriminatory laws to unjustly seize Palestinian homes, employing a pseudo-legal process to forcefully displace families from their residences.
Post-pandemic, lockdown on rights persists in the Philippines
The restrictions and repressive measures imposed during the pandemic have continued to have a chilling effect on the local population.
Over 100 arrests following Pride march in Istanbul
The emphasis on family values and the portrayal of LGBTQ+ people as a threat to these values has been part of a narrative often weaponized by local politicians including President Erdoğan.
Interview with Bao Choy, a Hong Kong reporter who won a three-year legal battle over investigative journalism
"We have to admit that Hong Kong is gradually getting worse. And it will continue to deteriorate. But it is still important to meticulously document every small change in the city."
In Jamaica, citizens urge action, not more words, following a child’s murder
Eight-year-old Danielle Rowe was taken from school by a stranger and later found with her throat slit. Her murder has Jamaicans, weary over the crime situation, demanding tangible protection measures.
Pride marches challenge endemic homophobia in the Balkans
Pride marches in all Balkan capitals all came with similar demands: stopping hate speech and hate crimes fueled by widespread homophobia and transphobia.
‘Are you rejoicing at the prospect of a decrepit and impotent maniac being swept away by a pack of brutal bloody cannibals?’ Twitter users are divided about the armed coup in Russia
Mercenary troops have reportedly seized control of military infrastructure in both Rostov-on-Don and Voronezh, the two largest cities in the south of Russia.
A leaked report exposes government's cover-up of repressions against Uyghurs in China
The leaked document sheds light on the Chinese authorities’ comprehensive and intense efforts to cover up these violations and restrict access to information by international media.
In Turkey, a TV show ‘Metamorphosis’ pushes state propaganda
Actor Can Nergis, who stars as Bayramli looks suspiciously similar to Kavala and the series's plot follows the life of Kavala except built on the false narrative.
#StandWithBach: Support for detained environment lawyer who is on hunger strike in Vietnam
Vietnamese lawyer Dang Dinh Bach has been in detention since June 2021 and is currently serving a five-year prison sentence for tax evasion after criticizing the government for its environmental policies.
How to silence an environmental protest Azerbaijan style
Residents say the existing artificial lake, built in 2012, is used to dump toxic waste from the mine poisoning the drinking water with severe consequences on residents' health.
The controversial role of Islam in protestors’ executions in Iran
Despite the harsh interpretation of religion by Iranian authorities, there are those who contend that politicians within the religious institution manipulate religion to justify their actions or further their objectives.
Togo and China: Half a century of fruitful cooperation, but also of rejection of any form of criticism
After a presence since 1972, China celebrates 51 years of cooperation with Togo in 2023. While Lomé and Beijing publicize an ideal relationship, the reality on the ground is more complicated.
Will Guatemala face its past as it votes for its future?
Guatemalan families still seek justice for abuses committed during the country's internal conflict. However, a proposed amnesty law could annihilate their hopes.
