Stories about Politics from February, 2017
‘Pro-Russia’ Label Hounds Bulgaria's New President
"The whole theory that Radev is pro-Russia comes from his appeal to the EU to withdraw the sanctions against Moscow."
Government in Azerbaijan: It's a Family Affair!
President Ilham Aliyev just made his wife First Vice President. What did your Valentine give you?
Trump a Convenient Whipping Boy for Trinidad & Tobago Footballer Dwight Yorke's Visa Issue
A high-profile footballer, a controversial travel ban and an Iranian stamp in a passport all converge to blow a simple visa issue out of proportion.
The Strange Death of Russia's Closest Alliance
Almost three years ago, President Alexander Lukashenko suddenly realized that his country's weak sense of national identity was a serious problem. It's been odd times for Belarus ever since.
In Georgia, Concern Mounts as Tussle over Key Broadcaster Reaches Endgame
"#Media is a natural ally of society. It can show flaws! Never make mistakes already made by your opponents. Support #Rustavi2"
Hong Kong Police and Pro-Beijing Groups Protest After Court Convicts Officers of Assaulting Activist
"Police misconduct is not frightening as these are single cases. What's frightening is police wrongdoing can be justified by politics."
Unsurprisingly, Saudi Arabia's Politicians and Media Love Trump's Tough Talk on Iran
Some, however, warned that escalating tensions could end badly: "We live in the same region with Iran, any war on Iran means we all going to be devastated".
Twitter Walks a Fine Line in Russia
Why does Twitter comply with Kremlin requests to censor Tweets inside Russia? It's complicated.
Free Expression Under Fire as Venezuela Takes CNN Spanish Off the Air
CNN broadcasts will now be freely available in Venezuela on YouTube — but what does it matter in the country with one of the slowest Internet connections in the region?
Fleeing the Shells of War, Kachin Civilians Struggle Against Freezing Cold in North Myanmar
Almost 2,000 fled their villages after recent skirmishes between the Kachin Independence Army and the Myanmar army
Whale-Themed ‘Suicide Groups’ Present Opportunity for Internet Crackdown in Central Asia
Despite no clear link to actual suicides in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, authorities are dreaming up restrictions.
Thousands Joined ‘Walk for Life’ to Protest Extrajudicial Killings and Revival of Death Penalty in the Philippines
"If the response to violence is also violence, we double the violence. We should match it with non-violence."
China Argues Over Which Country is Behind Kim Jong-nam Assassination
Old school pundits are still trying to drum up support for Beijing's troublesome ally, but social media users aren't buying it.
Controversial ‘Crashing Airplane’ Advertisement Stirs Serbian Presidential Elections Debate
"No one in political history has released a [campaign ad] showing he's ready to take citizens to their deaths if they don't do his bidding."
Hackers Target Iranian Activists’ Mac Devices With Revamped Malware
State-sponsored Iranian hackers targetting civil human rights users have a new virus targeting Apple computers.
Divisions and Danger Loom Ahead of Turkey's Upcoming Referendum
On social media, hundreds of "No" Facebook pages have popped up, with humour deployed in the face of strident state propaganda.
Belgrade Mayor’s Ex-Wife Reignites Political Scandal With Bombshell Interview
The ex-wife of Belgrade's mayor gave a bombshell interview this week, making waves across Serbia, implicating her former husband in a political firestorm.
Award-Winning Hong Kong Political Cartoonist Refuses Self-Censorship
"You speculate that the government may sue the publisher, and so decide to censor the work. The whole incident goes against my principles."
Battle of the Hashtags: Mapping the Online Conversation Surrounding Mexico's Gas Prices
In the wake of protests following Mexico's hike in gas prices, social media has become a battlefield over the propagation of false stories.
Kenyan Government Allegedly Pays Social Media Influencers to Promote “GreedyDoctors” Hashtag
As allegations of social media manipulation surfaced, seven Kenyan Doctor’s Union officials were jailed for failing to call off an ongoing strike.
Should Brazil Boycott Traditional Carnival Songs With Sexist and Racist Overtones?
"Leaving this song out doesn't make the party less fun and we manage to have a gathering where everyone can really enjoy themselves."