Stories about Politics from April, 2017
The Day Russia Outlawed Jehovah's Witnesses
It’s strange to see this in writing, let alone know that it’s true, but here it is: Russia has formally banned Jehovah's Witnesses.
Critics Say Albanian Parliament Is Trying to Amnesty Crooked Politicians, Under Pretext of Judicial Reform
Following protests, Albania's president has rejected legislation that could have spared the hides of many corrupt politicians. But it could still become law, regardless.
The Viral Video That Showed a Kashmiri Man Tied to an Indian Military Jeep
The video is from the recent by-poll election in India's northernmost state Jammu and Kashmir, where more than eight protesters were killed and dozens were wounded by Indian security forces.
Surveillance, Privacy and the Right to Know: A Delicate Imbalance in Hong Kong
Hong Kong has strong legal protections against telephone surveillance, but scant protections for Internet-based communication.
For Venezuela's Government, Protesting Is “Terrorism”
"The money is never enough, there are no medicines, and the streets are full of criminals, and you won't let me protests on top of it all?"
A Video Game Offers a Rare Nuanced Glimpse Into the 1979 Iranian Revolution
A new Iranian-designed video game achieves the rare feat of providing an accessible and authentic narrative on Iran’s history without compromising on either content or creativity.
Thailand Tells Internet Users to Unfollow Junta Critics on Social Media — Or Face Consequences
"This is a ridiculous and oppressive order but I don't want any innocent people being targeted just because they follow my journalism," wrote former Reuters journalist Andrew MacGregor Marshall.
The Kremlin Is Reportedly Planning a Major Mudslinging Campaign Against Putin's Biggest Critic
The Kremlin has reportedly decided to unleash a major mudslinging campaign against opposition leader Alexey Navalny, after his anti-corruption efforts shaved 10 points of Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev’s approval rating.
Russian Math Instructor Faces Criminal Charges for Online Posts He Says He Didn't Write
The arrest of a Moscow math instructor has raised questions about the safety of using internet anonymizers in Russia.
Sri Lanka's Tragic and Totally Avoidable Disaster
Years ago, officials planned to decommission the Meethotamulla garbage dump and convert it into a “beautiful place.” But it never happened and now locals find themselves confronting their worst fears.
Kazakhstan's Great Alphabetical Distraction
Kazakhstan's veteran leader suddenly seems to think the country's long-planned transition to a Latin alphabet is very pressing indeed. The country's social media users want to know why.
In Turkey, There's No Room for Maybe Anymore
Erdogan got his way - by a whisker - and isn't in the mood to compromise. Neither is the opposition.
Pick Your Poison? Russian Orthodoxy or Banishment From Social Media
Critics of Vitaly Milonov, perhaps the most reactionary social conservative in the Russian parliament, have vowed to get him banned from Vkontakte, where his “online status” features an “illegal expression.”
Ugandan Academic and Sanitary Pad Campaign Leader Faces Criminal Charges For ‘Computer Misuse’
Nyanzi's story has become a rallying opportunity for Ugandans who oppose the Musveni government.
Who Removed Thailand’s 1932 Revolution Plaque?
"Removal of the 1932 plaque is an ironic reminder that Thais may have ended absolute monarchy in 1932 but absolute dictatorship exists today," wrote a Twitter user.
Voting Is Underway in Turkey's Referendum. What Is at Stake?
The rules of the game may be on the brink of changing in Turkey, in a way that could disproportionately favour the strongest player.
Some South Africans Argue It's Not Just Their Country's Credit Rating That's Junk Status
They blasted the country's president, historical and present-day inequality, and the rating agencies themselves after S&P Global Ratings and Fitch downgraded South Africa.
Amidst Political Scandal and a Hate Crime Probe, Japan’s Old Rescript on Education Is Back
When a Japanese private school was caught making racist and nationalistic remarks, the ensuing scandal started a national conversation about the relevance of a pre-war imperial edict on education.
War Between Spain and the UK Over Gibraltar? Social Media Says No Way, José!
"Why would we want Gibraltar, if we can't already exit a roundabout driving on the right imagine us on the opposite side!!!"
Can Russia Protect Its Journalists From the ‘Homegrown ISIS’ in Chechnya?
Alexey Venediktov, one of Russia's most prominent journalists, says the Russian government appears to have allowed a “homegrown ISIS” to emerge under its nose in Chechnya.
