Stories about Politics from February, 2018
Several Months After Their Abduction by Boko Haram, Thirteen Nigerian Citizens Regain Freedom
"We are so pleased that these 13 people are free and will be able to see their families again..."
‘India’s Only Positive Newspaper’ Brings Readers a Dose of Hope
"We felt if negative news and stories can bring about such negative actions, why not publish and present positive stories that can bring about a larger positive impact."
ISIS Has Left the Syrian City of Raqqa, but Its Landmines Continue to Maim and Kill
"I sent one of my sons to check our home near the clock roundabout, but when he arrived, the landmines were waiting for him in front of the house's door".
The Pashtun Long March Asks for Justice After Years of Ethnic Targeting
Thousands of ethnic Pashtuns from Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and elsewhere in Pakistan have staged a sit-in in front of the National Press Club in Islamabad.
How Apple is Paving the Way to a ‘Cloud Dictatorship’ in China
Now Apple that has kowtowed to the CCP, how long will other tech companies be able to resist the pressure?
FBI Investigation Helps Uncover Latest Bribery Scandal In Greece
"I live in a country where an ex-Minister of Health of remarkable nerve threatens protected witnesses in a live TV broadcast".
From Street Murals to #WeWalk, Thais Protest Against Corruption and Call for Restoration of Democracy
"So many Thais just opened their eyes and woke up from an unrealistic dream."
Macau’s Cybersecurity Law: Less About Security, More About Surveillance (And Censorship)
Various critics say the proposed law will provide a legal framework for mass surveillance, much more so than improve network security.
‘According to the Digital Security Law, I am a Spy': Bangladeshi Journalists Defend Their Right to Investigate
"The Digital Security Act (2018) is an Eyewash. It is section 57 (ICT Act) for all intent and purposes. All the provisions have merely been redistributed among other sections."
Five Attacks in the Last Year That Shook Kabul to Its Core
"We are human! Not numbers!"
Kenyan TV Networks Censored for Airing Symbolic ‘Swearing In’ of Opposition Leader Raila Odinga
When Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga was symbolically—if not legally—sworn in as the "people's president" on January 30, three major broadcasting networks were unplugged by the Government of Kenya.
A Palestinian Cultural Space in Haifa Reclaims Authentic Artistic Voice
“An unfinished space invites people to contribute, to be at ease and to feel part of the place.”
In Afghanistan, Governors Don't Just Step Down Because the President Asks Them To
"Balkh (now) has two governors... One rules the province like a king, and refuses to leave. His successor can't get it in."
A Judicial Coup? Maldives Court Orders Retrial and Immediate Release of Jailed Opposition Leaders
The Supreme Court of the Maldives ordered the immediate release of high-profile opposition leaders and ordered their retrials. This government has postponed the opening of this year's parliament session indefinitely.
It Is Not Only LGBT Jamaicans Who Welcome the Government's Ban of Controversial U.S. Preacher
"The Caribbean region has had a long history of oppressive teachings in the name of church and evangelism. We now need to facilitate healing and protection from further division [...]"
Top Secret Australian Government Cabinet Files Accidentally Sold Inside Filing Cabinets
"Both the Government and [federal police] want to hoover up all our data whenever they wish, without any proper oversight, but they can't even keep their own shit secure?"
Supporters of Bulgaria's Pirin National Park Protest for Its Protection With Music, Meditation, Running and Even Soup
Those rallying to protect the UNESCO World Heritage Site are employing artistic and creative ways to demand that Bulgaria's government roll back its decision allowing more construction in the park.
Burundi's Opposition Says Only ‘Yes’ Campaigning Is Allowed on Referendum to Extend President’s Rule
"The launch of the project to bury...the constitution by Nkurunziza is a declaration of war on the Burundian people. Between Nkurunziza and the Burundian people who will win?"
Gambian University Instructor Detained for Newspaper Interview, Then Released
"We voted for a change of SYSTEM. NOT JUST a President."
After a Top Model is Sent to a Mental Hospital, Vincentians Fear Politics and Patriarchy Are in Play
"If Yugge doesn’t have access to justice, what makes us think that any of us are protected?"
Malaysiakini News Site Will Appeal Defamation Case by Gold Mining Firm, Thanks to Crowdfunding by Readers
"This could drive media away from critically investigating and reporting issues of public interest that involved big corporations. This will further shrink the media freedom in the country."