Stories about Politics from June, 2017
With Public Finances Under Strain, Mozambique’s Government Approves Purchase of Luxury Cars for Deputies
"We should not make the Assembly of the Republic a big jackpot, where the popular vote is seen as a lottery house."
‘Minor Storm’ Causes ‘Major Losses’ in Parts of Trinidad & Tobago
Tropical Storm Bret was milder than it could have been, but some areas of Trinidad and Tobago still suffered damage.
Offshore Asylum Seeker Detainees Win Historic Compensation in Australia
"The majority of the refugees have been seriously damaged physically and mentally and this money is not even enough to cover the medical expenses..."
‘Who Has the Most Selfies?’ Council of Bloggers Meets for First Time in Russian Parliament
"I have more than ten thousand [selfies]," firebrand politician Vladimir Zhirinovsky joked. "Who has more than me? No one!"
With Economy Unravelling, What Awaits the Turkmen Regime?
"This is the end for Turkmenistan. The crisis has reached the country. Now we’ll see the appearance of the Central Asian Venezuela."
Thailand’s Junta Leader Wants Citizens to Answer Four Leading Questions About Elections
"If in the future, Thailand experiences another coup d’etat, will it be charged as a crime against the state?" wrote an activist in response.
What Next for US-Australian Relations After Malcolm Turnbull Mocks ‘The Donald'?
Audio of Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull mimicking US President Donald Trump in a stand-up at Canberra's midwinter ball has been leaked by political journalist Laurie Oakes.
Protests Break Out Across Idlib Against Syria's Al Qaeda Branch
"The Syrian revolution ongoing to topple every tyrant"
Japan's Controversial Anticonspiracy Bill Becomes Law
"It's possible that the law, which is intended to deal with organized crime groups, will expand to affect ordinary citizens."
A Cuban Writes to Donald Trump
"What kind of global power believes that allowing its people to travel to an island with 11 million inhabitants and a president named Castro could enrich only that government?"
Ditching the Egyptian Islands: Between Cash, Legitimacy, and Public Outrage
Going against popular opinion, Sisi is transferring the ownership of two Egyptian Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia, and Egyptians are fighting back.
Singapore Ad Watchdog Advises LGBT Event to Remove ‘Supporting Freedom to Love’ Tagline
"We cannot see how a tagline calling for inclusion and love can be seen as undermining the concept of family or disrespecting the individual," wrote the Pink Dot organizers.
Photos and Videos Show Massive Destruction of Marawi Battle Zone in the Philippines
"I weep for all the civilians who were mercilessly killed, I weep for the lost homes of my people," wrote the mayor of Marawi City.
After Campaigning on Internet Freedom, Iranian President's ICT Minister Boasts of Internet Censorship
ICT Minister Mahmoud Vaezi announced that Rouhani had effectively improved methods to control the Internet space as well as shut down a number of platforms.
More Twists and Turns in Trinidad & Tobago's Chief Justice Fiasco
"Marcia say her workload and short notice is why she couldnt remember her full caseload, oui. #MarciaCovfefe"
Mirror Websites Are Helping Turkish Users Reconnect to Wikipedia
While the platform remains blocked, multiple "mirror" websites -- sites designed to reproduce the content of Wikipedia, which is constantly being updated -- have sprung up.
How a Case of Vigilante Tattoo Punishment Showcases Skepticism of Human Rights in Brazil
Two men tattooed "thief" and "scum" on a teen's forehead, thinking he had stolen a bicycle. The teen later told police he hadn't, but social media took the vigilantes' side.
Why an Ethiopian-Born British Citizen Ran in the UK's General Election
"Proud of Yemi Hailemariam, the wife of #AndyTsege who made it all the way to #Maidenhead to meet @theresa_may & demand for @FreeAndargachew."
Child Marriage Is No More in Trinidad & Tobago
"It was overlong and full of pointless double talk but you know what [...] child marriage is now illegal in Trinidad and Tobago."
Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service Issues a ‘Death Penalty’ Calendar
The calendar, entitled "The Highest Means of Social Justice," features a different means of administering the death penalty each month.
‘Bad Prime Minister’ Phrase Censored From Text in Greek Language Exam
An accident, or political interference?