Stories about Politics from October, 2014
There's an Island Made of Toxic Trash Rising Out of the Sea in the Maldives
Used batteries, asbestos, lead and other potentially hazardous waste dumped at Thilafushi island are seeping into the water, but environmental concerns have never materialized into a campaign by local activists.
Argentinian Motorcylists Fight Against Discriminatory Regulations
New security measures imposed on Argentinian motorcyclists have generated an unexpectedly strong protest movement.
Leaked Diplomatic Cables Show EU Strong-Armed Ecuador on Free Trade Agreement
The leaking of diplomatic cables between representatives of Ecuador and the EU reveals pressure from European negotiators and division among Ecuadorians regarding the FTA.
Talk Show Inspires 1 Million+ Callers to Protest India's Anti-Gay Law
"Satyamev Jayate" aired an episode on October 19, 2014 called "Accepting Alternative Sexualities" that attempted to challenge misconceptions about India's LGBT community. Soon after, #FreedomForLGBT was trending on Twitter.
Learn Who's Who in Hong Kong's Umbrella Revolution With ‘Mr and Little Miss Hong Kong People’
Inspired by British cartoon "Mr Men and Little Miss," commercial artist Maxwell created illustrations of the important pro-democracy protesters and government workers caught up in the Occupy Central movement.
Iran's Conservative Media See a Reformist Plot in Coverage of Acid Attacks Against Women
Kayhan has accused reformist newspapers of publishing news related to the attacks in order to destroy the image of the "believers" and "supporters" of the Islamic regime.
Baby Doc's Death Fails to Bring Closure for Haitians
Dictators Jean-Claude and Francois Duvalier never paid for their crimes while alive; indeed, the fact that justice was not served is still a thorn in the side of many Haitians.
As Pressure Mounts in Trinidad ‘Re-Route’ Protest, Pro-Highway Supporters Get Nasty
An anonymous group, "Citizens4dhighway", places a malicious ad in a local daily designed to look like a newspaper report intended to belittle Dr. Kublalsingh's hunger strike. The outcry continues.
Russian Opposition Leaders Support Ukraine, But Crimea Is Not Coming Back
Russia’s leading opposition figures Alexey Navalny and Mikhail Khodorkovsky have a message for Ukrainians: Crimea is gone, and Ukraine is not getting it back.
Online Tributes Pour in for Former Australian PM, ‘Giant’ Gough Whitlam
"Like so many of my generation I owe Mr Whitlam the privilege of a university education because he made it free of financial charges. MERCI."
Why Talking About Pizza Can Land You in Trouble in Thailand
The Pizza Company hotline 1112 has become a code word to refer to Article 112, or the anti-royal insult provision in the criminal law.
Barbados Muslims Reject ISIS, but Still Face Anti-Islam Bigotry Online
Many prominent Islamic scholars have condemned ISIS, but that unfortunately hasn't stopped some from conflating the militant group with the religion of Islam, like popular blog Barbados Free Press did.
Mexicans Demand President Peña Nieto Resign With Trending Twitter Hashtag
A spate of state violence, including the case of the missing Ayotzinapa students, has prompted Mexicans to demand the resignation of President Enrique Peña Nieto on Twitter under #DemandoTuRenunciaEPN.
False Ebola Alarm Provides Convenient Distraction for Macedonia From Unflattering EU Report
The arrest of 14 judges and an over-dramatized possible case of Ebola took over Macedonian media in October, overshadowing news of a damning EU progress report on the country.
Cambodia's Police Are in the Market for Water Cannon Trucks ‘to Be Used Against Demonstrations’
Human rights groups fear the water cannon trucks will be used to suppress the strike of garment workers.
#Fails of the Tunisian Electoral Campaign in One Hilarious Blog
Who would not laugh at "the miserables, a hope for generations" or at a party seeking to "circumcise the security and judicial institutions and the administration"?
Kashmir Witnesses ‘Worst Violence in a Decade’ Between India and Pakistan
The latest unrest in Kashmir has been called the region's “worst in a decade," and many fear it could destroy the 2003 ceasefire between India and Pakistan altogether.
Hong Kong's Journalists Battle Self-Censorship, Intimidation and Police Violence to Report Umbrella Revolution
Four independent news sites issued a joint statement condemning police for intentionally attacking reporters. Reporters at other outlets have had to deal with management's self-censorship for fear of angering Beijing.
Ex-President's Return Triggers Media Warning from Government in Madagascar
The political situation is tense again in Madagascar after ex-president in exile Marc Ravalomanana's return to the country. The conditions under which he came back and the subsequent house arrest...
Outrage Over Transgender Woman's Suspected Murder by US Marine in the Philippines
The case has led some in the Philippines to call for the military agreements between their country and the United States to be scrapped.
