Stories about Politics from December, 2016
Investigative Journalists Reveal Accumulated Wealth of Serbian Politicians
The revelations, compiled by investigative journalism network KRIK, are generating lively debate online and within traditional media.
Watch TED Fellow Bektour Iskender's Talk on the ‘Mega Force’ of Youth Journalism in Kyrgyzstan
In the era of fake news and 'information warfare', the story of Kloop.kg is one that both inspires and reassures.
Iranian-American Designer in New York Leverages Fashion to Create Social Impact
An Iranian-American architect has created a brand inspired by cities to create “an awareness of place and leveraging fashion as a messaging tool to create social impact.”
Morbid Propaganda in Macedonia Takes Aim at Western Ambassadors
"The xenophobia has terrible consequences, doesn't it? Therefore, please stop spreading it!"
Activists Around the World Could Learn From Peru's History of Protest
Look to civil society's innovations in 1990s Peru, and activists around the world today could learn some vital lessons in resisting autocracy.
Macedonia's Ruling Party Lashes Out at Civil Society After Contested Elections
Flyers naming civil society members (so-called “traitors”) were distributed in the mailboxes and under windshield wipers throughout the capital, Skopje. Others were targeted on social media.
Russian Ambassador to Turkey's Assassination: A Bullet from Aleppo?
A Russian opposition politician fires a rare volley of dissent regarding his country's involvement in the war in Syria.
Thailand’s New Computer Crimes Law Threatens Free Speech and Encryption
"The law's most serious shortcoming is in its giving too much power for authorities to make their own judgement whether certain actions may be deemed in violation of the law."
In India, Moviegoers Are Expected to Stand for the National Anthem—Or Else
"I go to cinema to relax and amuse myself, not to show my patriotism to my fellow countrymen. People who question my patriotism can come to my house."
Domestic-Murder Spree Clouds Christmas in Jamaica
"The system of patriarchy continues to socialize men into a false belief that they have the right to control women. Consequently, gender-based violence [...] seems almost ‘normal.'"
Educators Respond to Plans to Expand Orthodox Education in Russian Schools
The proposed course was designed to replace the existing religion curriculum entirely, leaving parents without control over their children’s religious education.
Ode to Fallen Dreamers: Syria's Young Revolutionaries
Palestinian revolutionary Budour Hassan remembers the Syrian Revolutionary Youth who chanted for bread, freedom and social justice.
Is Nepal No Country for Women?
Nepal's constitution has failed to bring equality to the country's women, but human rights advocates haven't given up.
‘Keyboard Warriors’ Want To #TakeBackKenya
Even though police used teargas to disperse participants at the #TakeBackKenya walk in Nairobi, Kenyans are determined to speak out against corruption and bad governance.
Social Media Sites Blocked in Kazakhstan on 25th Anniversary of Independence
Activists reported that Facebook, YouTube, and other social media websites were inaccessible in Kazakhstan on Friday, the 25th anniversary of the country's independence from the Soviet Union.
#FreeMaxenceMelo: Authorities Charge Tanzanian Whistleblowing Website Owner Under Cybercrimes Law
"Mentioning 'Tanzania' and 'democracy' in the same sentence amounts to subjecting the term 'democracy' to ridicule."
Student Leaders Spark Hope for Change on Iran’s National Student Day
"Iran’s civil society and student movements remain a ray of hope, and indeed pride, for a nation that continues to struggle for change."
2016 Was the Caribbean's Year of Loss
For bloggers in the Caribbean, “2016” has nearly become an obscenity. Adjectives now used to describe this "annus horribilis" include "sucky", "terrible" and "the worst".
Albanians From Macedonia Cross Ethnic Lines to Vote Against Ruling Parties
Ethnicity plays a big role in Macedonian politics, and Albanians are the country's second-largest ethnic community.
Gambians Fear President Jammeh Is ‘Putting the Lives of Citizens at Risk’ With His Rejection of Election Results
In a televised address Jammeh criticised the electoral commission and proposed fresh elections to be organised by "God-fearing" people.
The 2016 Word of the Year Down Under? ‘Democracy Sausage’.
'Democracy Sausage', the Australian word of the year, celebrates the sausage sizzles at polling booths on election day.