Stories about Politics from May, 2015
Russia Launches ‘Predictive System’ for Monitoring Protest Activity Online
The new Russian software will allegedly be able to spot preparations for protests online long before they happen, and could supply that information to law enforcement, academics and state officials.
Morsi's Death Sentence: The International Community Is Anything but Silent
The international community speaks up against Morsi's verdict and the mass death sentences passed by an Egyptian court on May 16. Netizens stand in support for the ousted president.
Thailand’s Section 44 Could Be Worse Than Martial Law
Thailand is no longer under martial law, but a new security law gave the army broad and 'unlimited' powers in the civilian government.
Despite Protests, Malaysia Still Plans to Build a Mega Dam That Could Displace 20,000 Indigenous People
"It is built for the benefit of others rather than those who live in Baram and for the long term good of the Baram."
The Media Is the Message: E-Diplomacy in Egypt
Egyptian authorities today must figure out how to communicate effectively in the wake of four years of constant regime change.
‘Lipstick Protester’ Jasmina Golubovska: Macedonians Want to ‘Start from Scratch’
A Reuters photo turned Golubovska's lipstick into a symbol of the mass protests in Macedonia. But there is nothing cosmetic about citizens' demand for change.
Global Voices Checkdesk Tracking Reactions to Morsi's Trial
Faten Bushehri tracks reactions to the trial of former Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi, who was sentenced to death on May 16, on Global Voices Checkdesk, a project in partnership with Meedan's Checkdesk to verify news. Morsi is being charged with collaborating with foreign militants to free Islamists during a prison...
Palestine: How Much Have Israeli Settlements Expanded Since 1948?
Beirut-based journalist Adam Rasmi shares an infographic from Visualising Palestine which tracks how much Israeli settlements have expanded since 1948: New @visualizingpal infographic tracks expanding Israeli settlements — 1948 vs Now http://t.co/i6S3fGawdP #NakbaDay pic.twitter.com/4XfjHLjuy7 — Adam Rasmi (@AdamRasmi) May 15, 2015 Check out Visualizing Palestine for more infographics here.
The Stateless of the Dominican Republic: The Story of Juliana Deguis
In September 2013, the Dominican Republic’s Supreme Court passed a ruling that rendered stateless some 200,000 Dominicans with Haitian roots.
Meet the Brazilian Congressman Trying to Christianize the Internet, One Domain Name at a Time
Eduardo Cunha, leader of the lower house, spends around $2,600 per year maintaining net domains. Of his 288 addresses, 154 carry the name of Jesus Christ.
Rohingya Boat Refugees Rejected by Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia
"Action on #Rohingya is a real test of character for #ASEAN. Are we compassionate or heartless nations?"
Venezuela Bans 22 Media Editors and Executives from Leaving the Country
Over 20 members of three Venezuelan media groups, El Nacional and Tal Cual, as well as news site La Patilla, are now prohibited from leaving the country. Caracas judge María Eugenia Núñez ordered the restriction on the opposition media figures, who are “accused of ‘continuing aggravated defamation'”, according to broadcaster NTN24. Venezuela places travel ban on opposition media execs...
Egypt's Former President Mohammed Morsi Sentenced to Death for 2011 Prison Escape
Egypt's first democratically elected president Mohammed Morsi, along with more than 100 other people, were sentenced to death today. Human rights organisations and supporters describe the trial as a "sham."
Public Anger Only Grows After Guatemala Appoints Controversial Vice President
Guatemala has a new vice president, elected by the majority of government: Magistrate Alejandro Maldonado Aguirre, who in 2013 declared all the genocide proceedings against former dictator Rios Montt invalid.
PayPal Blocks Donations for Printing Boris Nemtsov’s Ukraine War Report
PayPal has informed the "Putin.War" report team the service cannot be used for "collecting funds to finance the activities of political parties or for political aims in Russia.”
Facebook's Zuckerberg Responds to Ukrainians’ Complaints, But Is His Answer Enough?
Mark Zuckerberg has addressed the appeals of Ukrainian Facebook users for better content moderation and calls to create a dedicated Ukrainian office. His answers seem unlikely to satisfy them.
An Egyptian Official Resigns After Saying Garbage Collectors’ Sons Cannot Become Judges
In Egypt, a janitor's son cannot become a judge, says the country's Minister of Justice Mahfoodh Saber, whose comments spurned a social media storm, forcing him to resign.
A Japanese Town Wants UNESCO Recognition for Kamikaze Memorabilia
Before the young pilots flew to their deaths in WWII, many left behind letters and other artifacts. The town of Chiran wants them given UNESCO's "Memory of the World" status.
Bolivia's Civil Service Wracked by a Series of Social Media Slip-Ups
Blunders made by Bolivian civil servants show how simple mistakes quickly escalate in social media.
‘They Belong in the Classroom, Not in Prison': Myanmar's Detained Student Protesters
"They belong in the classroom, not in prison. That's why I painted their portraits."
What We Know and What Is Still Up in the Air After the Alleged Coup in Burundi
Celebration and jubilation near Presidential offices in Bujumbura after the overthrow of Nkurunziza. #BurundiCoup pic.twitter.com/WhJzXKfS69 — Robert ALAI (@RobertAlai) May 13, 2015 Following incumbent Burundi President Nkurunziza's candidacy for a third term, General Godefroid Niyombare announced that he has dismissed the current administration and that he is taking over until...