Stories about Politics from January, 2017
With One More Vote, Trinidad and Tobago Could Ban Child Marriage
Child marriage will likely soon be illegal in Trinidad and Tobago, but the country's new legislation isn't likely to end the controversy surrounding the practice.
Mexico Hands Over Drug Lord in Move Viewed as ‘Farewell Gift’ to Obama
The extradition of the notorious criminal "El Chapo" Guzman to the United States makes waves in Mexico, where it's said to be a “farewell gift” to Barack Obama.
Diplomacy via Twitter? Indian Minister Threatens Amazon Over Indian Flag Doormat
"This case illustrates the perils of playing to the social media gallery in diplomacy."
They’re Partying This Friday to Make America Great Again, In Russia
Invitations went out over social media this week, informing journalists about inauguration festivities organized by the “White Star” art collective, which includes several prominent figures in Russia’s pro-Kremlin youth movement.
The Bosnian Politician Caught Lying About an Invitation to Trump's Inauguration
“Unless the departing administration denies me a visa, I’ll be at the inauguration,” have turned out to be famous last words for the president of Republika Srpska.
Thai Junta Didn’t See the Irony of Installing Dinosaurs in Front of the Government House
"So many dinosaurs are at government house...a few are even seen outside."
Oscar López Rivera, Puerto Rico's Longest-Serving Political Prisoner, Has Sentence Commuted by President Obama
His release will not be immediate, however.
Dissent and Solidarity: When Iran Mourns One of the Fathers of Its Revolution
Massive crowds gathered in Tehran on January 10 for the funeral of Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who led a paradoxical career as a revolutionary and figure of moderation.
Website That Published ‘Yanukovych Blog’ Says It Was Fake
Little more than two weeks after first appearing on the news website Korrespondent, a blog purportedly written by former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has been deleted by the publication's editors.
Thai Army Invites Children to Play with Real Guns, Tanks and Assault Helicopters
"[We're] familiarizing them with soldiers and weaponry. By familiarizing them, they learn to love soldiers and even become soldiers."
Kyrgyz Security Services Declare War on President’s Facebook Critics
“Now many Internet users have a common passion — to get on this list."
Catchy Singlish Songs Urge Hong Kong to Return Military Hardware to Singapore
"Why you have to be liddat? Give us our Terrex back!"
Get to Know Barry Diawadou, the Guinean Independence Hero the Government Prefers to Forget
Let the unknown leaders of the national independence struggle be known again.
The Best of Latin American Info-Activism in 2016 (Part II)
The organization SocialTIC reviews 2016's most inspirational info-activist projects in Latin America.
Trinidad & Tobago Moves to End Child Marriage, Despite Religious Opposition
"This is not a matter of cultural relativism. It is a matter of cruel criminal behaviour."
Miniature Superhero Models Boost Jakarta Governor's Re-election Campaign in Indonesia
To show his support, a young Jakartan has created a miniature figure of Jakarta's controversial, famous governor.
Digital Activists Are Disappearing in Pakistan
At least six bloggers and digital activists have disappeared thus far in 2017. Despite being a serious human rights issue, the number of people missing in Pakistan is unknown.
Kenyans Fear a Possible Internet Shutdown During 2017 Presidential Election
Kenya would be not the first country in Africa to shut down its Internet during elections -- Uganda and The Gambia have already gone this far.
Ukraine Bans Russia’s One Independent TV Station
The Ukrainian government has voted to remove Russian independent TV station Dozhd from its list of approved foreign broadcasters, giving providers one month to remove the station from their networks.
Tajik President's 29-Year-Old Son Becomes Mayor of the Capital
"A 29-year-old general, a fighter of corruption, [Rustam Emomali] just became Dushanbe's mayor. And what have you achieved?"
‘Most Efficient Trial in History’ Fines Serbian Magazine for Defamation of Interior Minister
"How can a journalist be 'unauthorised' to do their job: gathering information and suggesting conclusions based on the gathered evidence?"
