Stories about Politics from August, 2015
‘Why Does the Thai Government Want to Destroy Krabi With Coal Power Plant?’
The government is proposing to build a coal plant in Krabi to boost local power supply, but it also threatens to destroy a popular tourism destination and protected environment site.
Ecuador Cancels Visa for a Franco-Brazilian Journalist Assaulted During Protest
"Hostility to journalists, the media and activists has increased in Ecuador, and attacks on freedom of expression are becoming more frequent."
Peaceful Protestors Face Riot Police Brutality in Lebanon
A brutal response awaited the peaceful protesters of the #YouStink movement who gathered in Beirut on Saturday August 22 to demand a solution to the garbage crisis in Lebanon.
Lebanese Activists Warn Against Political Attempts to Exploit Their Movement
Two government ministers who tried to enter the protest area were refused entry, but the movement said those who resign are welcome.
‘You Stink’ Protesters Call for the Resignation of the Lebanese Government
A trash problem is threatening the Lebanese government as protesters demand better services and less corruption. Is Lebanon ready to listen to the demands of its people?
Afro-Latin American Women Use Social Networks to Commemorate Over a Decade of Struggle
"The situation of women of African descent is a unique one: because of their gender they find themselves even more vulnerable and susceptible to exclusion."
Bashar Al Assad Got It Right: Syria Belongs to Those Who Defend It
In his latest speech, Bashar Al Assad said Syria is for those who defend it. Asaad Hanna explains what that means.
Guyanese Police Officers Punished for Being Pregnant
Outdated laws in Guyana make it possible for the police service to dismiss female officers who get pregnant while on probation. Could that change sometime soon?
Scammers Make Use of Mainland China's Reputation for Corruption to Con Hong Kongers
Scammers pretending to be mainland Chinese police called up Hong Kong people, telling them they were wanted fugitives in mainland China and must pay to be declared innocent.
Malaysia Considers Forcing News Websites to Register with Government, As Political Scandal Unfolds
"It is highly unlikely that this move is intended to achieve anything other than the shutting down of criticism."
Tajikistan Cracks Down on Pop Idol Traffic Rule Breakers
"Like many ex-Soviet cities, Dushanbe has a driving culture straight out of a Fast and Furious movie. Potholed roads encourage swerving at speed."
In Venezuela, Even the Police March Against Insecurity
Violence in Venezuela has shown no mercy. Not even with law officers, who protested in Caracas despite prohibition from authorities and silence from the media.
On the Scene: Explosion and Gunfire at Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace
On August 19 Istanbul was rocked by more unrest as political tensions in Turkey continue to simmer.
After 2 Bombings in Bangkok, Thai Internet Users Join #StrongerTogether Movement
Two bomb blasts rocked central Bangkok in the past two days, killing 20 people and injuring hundreds. Now Thailand tries to move forward.
An Icon of Iran's Reform Movement Joins Anti-Nuclear Deal Efforts
Ahmad Batebi has caused a social media stir by denouncing the nuclear deal and appearing in an ad produced by an offshoot project of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
Students Push for Alcohol Prohibition in Southern India Street Protests
"The protests against the prohibition of alcohol are a great move. If Tamil Nadu government bans the sale of alcohol, it will be greatly appreciated by the general population."
A Trailblazing Media Outlet Fact-Checked the Peruvian President's National Address
Were the president's claims about his government's investment in education true? False? Misleading? Ojo-Público had the answer in real-time.
Raising Flags and Hopes
"We are witnessing a new era in Cuba. . . for the first time in my life there isn’t a specific enemy we're expected to fight at all costs."
Human Rights Protections Weaken as Tunisia Fights Terror
Despite the PM's reassurance that "people can talk or write whatever they like," authorities have been cracking down on speech.
