Stories about Politics from September, 2015
Dying for a Drink? This New Web Series About São Paulo's Drought Might Be for You
From the politics behind São Paulo's water management to the illusion of water as a limitless resource, this Web series presents the dire predicament of Brazil's largest city.
The Lebanese Government vs Protesters: Oppression, Arrests and Thugs
Forty-three people were arrested in Lebanon on Wednesday for protesting against the second round of talks between political powers to end the presidential stalemate.
The End of Japan's ‘Peace Constitution’ Draws Ever Closer
As the country's ruling coalition prepared to pass a new law allowing Japan to go to war, protesters lined the streets and scuffles broke out inside the Diet itself.
In Myanmar, Election Candidates Chase Votes Via ‘Likes’
Yen Snaing from The Irrawaddy writes how election candidates in Myanmar are using Facebook to get the support of voters.
#DearMrPresident: South Africans Write to President Zuma on Twitter
An open letter to South Africa's President Jacob Zuma about rising crime levels caused an outpouring of criticism from citizens on Twitter with the hashtag #DearMrPresident.
Resentment Against Hungary Grows After Serbia Border Clashes Injure Refugees and Journalists
Many expressed anger at Hungary and the European Union for their handling of the refugee crisis, including the closure of the Hungarian-Serbian border, without consulting their non-EU neighbors.
Unlivable Conditions in Macedonian Student Dorms Worsen
The Student Plenum, a grassroots movement fighting for the rights of university students in Macedonia, published new photos of the unlivable conditions that students in Macedonia's capital of Skopje live...
Refugees Met with Generosity and Suspicion in France
Despite enduring fear and suspicion towards refugees, many citizens initiatives have been launched or scaled up in France to meet their needs.
A Hong Kong Business Magnate ‘Runs Away’. Chinese Netizens Ask, Why Shouldn't He?
In an article that was quickly removed, a think tank affiliated with the Chinese government slammed Li Ka Shing for moving his business away from Hong Kong and mainland China.
Iran's Hardline Supreme Council on Cyberspace Consolidates Power Over Internet Policymaking
Iran's Supreme Leader is strengthening his hold over Internet policy through the Supreme Council for Cyberspace.
Veteran Thai Journalist Detained After ‘Attitude-Adjustment’
"Freedom can't be maintained if we're not willing to defend it," Pravit tweeted on the day of his detention.
‘Beyond a Simple Solidarity’: Portugal’s New Donation Drive for Syrian Refugees in Hungary
A solidarity convoy will take donations from Portugal to the refugees in Hungary. The initiative created by a group of citizens its named Aylan Kurdi Caravan to honour him.
Shayloo-Jayloo: A Film Straight from the Heart of Kyrgyz Life
All politics is local, and a film about the very local politics of a Kyrgyz village has spurred a crowd-funding campaign ahead of elections on October 4.
Hungarian Journalist Kicking Syrian Refugees Rouses Disapproval and Outrage Worldwide
In the video, the journalist can be seen kicking two children and tripping up a refugee carrying a child in his arms, causing him to drop the child.
Remembering the Great Fire of Smyrna, 93 Years Ago
The Smyrna Catastrophe is widely considered the worst incident of modern Greek history, and the plight of the refugees halted the Greco-Turkish relations for many decades.
What President Nazarbayev's Foie Gras Faux Pas Tells Us About Kazakhstan
"In times of crisis, if there are no cakes to hand out, PR should work punctually, and very subtly, so as not to aggravate the situation."
Multi-Billion Construction Work Kills 107 Pilgrims in Mecca Just Weeks Before Hajj
A construction crane collapse that took the lives of over a hundred Mecca pilgrims right before the Hajj is raising questions about the grand expansion plans for the Mosque.
Russia Bans Footage of Opposition Leader's Fiery Courtroom Speech
Russian censors have banned a series of political videos on YouTube featuring calls to anti-Putin activism. Notably, officials have banned clips from opposition leader Alexey Navalny’s courtroom closing statement.
Umida Ahmedova оn the Burden of Censorship and Being a Female Artist in Uzbekistan
"There was a girl there who did not want to jump from a bridge into the water. We used this image as a metaphor."
Indonesian Activists Remember Slain Human Rights Defender Munir Said Thalib
September marks 11 years since Munir Said Thalib, a human rights activist who exposed government abuses during the last years of President Suharto, was killed by suspected military agents.
Outgoing Trinidad & Tobago Government Says Election Results Illegitimate. Voters #ROTFL.
Trinidad and Tobago has a history of fair elections, free from interference or violence. No wonder voters were amused by the outgoing government claiming the results are null and void.
