Stories about Politics from October, 2015
Overturning Lower Court, Maldives Supreme Court Saves Convicted Adulteress From Being Stoned to Death
The Maldives' Supreme Court has acted swiftly to overturn an island court's decision to execute a woman for adultery. The woman had been sentenced to be stoned to death.
‘The World Needs Tunisia’
Journalist Guy Sitbon reacts to the Quartet of Tunisian National Dialogue's Nobel Peace Prize win. "Here is what Oslo has revealed to me: the world needs Tunisia too."
On the Eve of Elections, Côte d’Ivoire Tries to Move on From Its Violent Past
On October 25, Côte d'Ivoire is going to hold presidential elections. As the last elections in 2010 ended in a civil war, the current atmosphere in the country is tense.
French Citizens Are Raising Their Voices for More Respect, Less Hate in Politics
"There is no longer anything to expect from those who govern us." Citizen movements want to take the lead in changing politics in France.
Two Tanzanians Accused of Posting ‘False Information’ Face Charges Under New Cybercrime Law
According to the state, both men have violated Section 16 of Cybercrimes Act, which prohibits "publication of false information." Little more is currently known about their cases.
Angolan Rapper Breathes New Life Into ‘Freedom Now’ Movement, As Hunger Strike Threatens His
Activists fight for their lives in Angolan jails. Thanks to a new online portal that collects and publishes photos showing solidarity with political prisoners, the movement is stronger than ever.
ISIS Gunman Kills Five at Shia Mosque in Saudi Arabia
A Saudi gunman affiliated with ISIS opened fire at Shia worshippers in Saihat, killing five people. Netizens blame sectarian incitement against Shiites for the incident.
Tanzanians Remember Their Nation's Founding Father With #DearNyerere
"#DearNyerere, in your day, popularity was based on good deeds towards your country, but nowadays it is the number of followers on Instagram and Twitter."
Myanmar ‘Cartoonists Have Been on the Side of the People’
"Many say that cartoonists or journalists should not be biased, but must be neutral. It is wrong. They should have bias. They must. By bias, I don’t mean prejudice."
A Devastating Earthquake in 1985 Gave Rise to an ‘Awakening’ in Mexican Society
Thirty years after the devastating earthquake in Mexico City, we highlight the civil organization that in the midst of tragedy took over government tasks and marked a civic awakening.
Kyrgyz Civil Society Forces Parliament's Hand in #120Seats Campaign
Kyrgyzstan's new MPs did not even have time to take their seats before the public got on their backs.
Myanmar Activist Faces 5 Years in Jail for Facebook Post Mocking Army Uniform
The Facebook post compared the color of the army's new uniform to a traditional dress worn by opposition leader and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.
What's Personal When You're Syrian?
"How to disentangle the personal from the public in your animosity towards those who want to kill you just because you attempted to assert your personal and public rights?"
German Lawmakers Squish Into a Rubber Dinghy to Better Understand Refugees
The group Sea Watch organized an opportunity for parliamentarians, who hold power over the fate of refugees seeking Germany's safety, to see what riding in a precarious raft feels like.
Outrage After Ugandan Police Strip a Female Opposition Official Naked in Public
"A regime that loses respect for women deserves no respect either"
WhatsApp Leads in Popularity, But Not Substance in Tanzanian Election Campaign
As a campaign platform, WhatsApp engages the most Tanzanian users, but political communication there mostly boils down to "trash talk," leaving Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube to provide more substantial debate.
The Murky Ethics of Publishing Data on Russian Servicemen ‘Bombing Syria’
Ukrainian "civic investigation" project Mirotvorets, previously preoccupied with exposing the Russian military presence in eastern Ukraine, has published personal data of Russian servicemen allegedly engaged in airstrikes in Syria.
Video Blog Provides In-Depth Insights Into How Japanese Politics Work
Japan specialist Tim Langley provide in-depth insights into Japanese politics not normally covered in mainstream media in his engaging video blog.
At Least 86 Killed in Explosions at Ankara Peace Rally
The October 10 attack was the biggest in Turkey's history, carried out as the country prepares for a November 1 election that appears increasingly unfeasible.
Political Cartoons Defy Censorship to Expose Thai-Style ‘Democracy’
A political cartoonist who criticized Thailand's military-backed government has become the latest journalist to be summoned by the army for "attitude-adjustment."
Belarus Catches Up to Russia With Its Own Pro-government ‘Troll Factory’
Leaked emails published on ElectBy suggest pro-government Belarusian Republican Youth Union directs its local chapters to leave negative comments on articles about recent opposition rallies.