Stories about Politics from March, 2018
Evidence Says Iran Throttled Telegram Connections After January Protests

User reports and various data suggests even after the Iranian government removed censorship on the popular messaging and social media platform, they were still slowing down speeds.
Sand Mining in Uganda Poses a Serious Threat to the Environment
"Where there any hydrological as well as geology survey before sand mining to ascertain any risk on the highway?"
Thousands Protest on the Streets of Kashmir After Indian Army Kills Four Civilians
"#Kashmir is a place of a billion or more coverups...India had never been interested in human rights or accountability. They are interested in controlling Kashmir by fear."
A Struggle for Dignity: Women's Rights in Afghanistan
Empowerment on paper has not led to empowerment in practice.
Slovak Bloggers and European Leaders Demand Justice for Slain Journalist Ján Kuciak

"Supranational law enforcement tools must be established urgently to punish the killers. Strong words won't deliver justice."
Ulises Padrón: “In [Cuban] Society, LGBTQI People and Groups are Becoming More Visible”
"...[A]lthough the country recognizes...an important set of rights (health, education, culture, employment), there are others that fall to the wayside in the current national and regional situation."
Sri Lanka Declares a State of Emergency Following Anti-Muslim Violence
"For 30 years, Sri Lanka, you witnessed the streets running red with the blood of your children. Have you forgotten the loss? The fear? The pain? Have you learned nothing?"
Murder of Investigative Journalist Ján Kuciak Shakes Slovak Society

"Judging by the past affairs in Slovakia, as well as experience with similar events in the world, it is very unlikely that we have will see justice. However, in order to keep my own mental health, I remain optimist ..."
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Honors the First Pride March Marred by Police Violence 40 Years Ago
"Shoutout to the #78ers. Shoutout also to the ’70s LGBT activists who weren’t at the first #MardiGras for whatever reason....We all stand on the shoulders of giants."
Language Lessons: Kazakhstan Still Torn Between Tongues
"Unfortunately, it has become a habit for us to speak in Russian because of a few folks who don't speak Kazakh. If we speak Kazakh those who don't should learn."
Lantern Festival Riddles Outwit and Enrage Chinese Censorship Authorities

By posting riddles, Chinese netizens have found a way to safely criticize the recent constitutional amendment proposal regarding the abolition of the two-term presidential limit.
The 2018 Lebanese Elections: What Led to Them?
Many are now wondering whether independent parties have a chance in the upcoming Lebanese elections, but nothing can be certain when it comes to politics in Lebanon.
Iran's Ahwazis Continue to Suffer as Two More Disappeared Activists are Executed
The cruelty, injustice and lack of due process against Iran's Ahwazis continue: several deaths remain shrouded in mystery, with the added horror of families being denied burial rights.
10,000 Belgians March for Migrants’ Rights in Brussels
Demonstrators are protesting a proposed law that grants police the right to raid homes in their search for undocumented people, something they fear is becoming all too common.
Idrissa Diallo: From an Unmarked Grave to the Symbol of Migrant Struggle in Spain
Idrissa Diallo died in policy custody in Barcelona. Today, the city is mobilising to pay tribute to his life and asking for his name to be given to a square.
Morocco-EU Fisheries Deal Ignores Occupation of Western Sahara
"The trade agreement between EU and Morocco concerning fishery and agricultural products is an important part of turning the Moroccan occupation of Western Sahara into a profitable one."
How Movies and TV are Helping Venezuelans Negotiate Their Country's Collapse

Amid food shortages and rising crime, Venezuelans seek meaning in "The Hunger Games" and "The Walking Dead".
Did the Macedonian Orthodox Church Really Start a ‘Crusade’ Against a UNESCO-Protected World-Heritage Custom?
An attempt to preach against UNESCO-protected wearing traditional white and red good luck charms by the Macedonian Orthodox Church seems to have backfired.
Russian Authorities Are Trying Really Hard to Boost Turnout in the Upcoming Election, Good Taste Be Damned

"There's no doubt about the importance they’re attaching to the turnout...The money poured into this campaign is being squandered, because these campaign ads are cooked up by amateurs, not professionals."