Stories about Politics from May, 2020
Nepali Muslims eye India's growing Islamophobia with fear
The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the status of already vulnerable minority Muslims in Nepal.
Hong Kong reveals the city's agenda to construct an Orwellian ‘truth’
The release of a report on the police's use of force in protests seems to be "part of a wider set of coordinated announcements designed to deliver the new ‘truth’".
Cameroon’s 3-year separatist crisis: Online threats, attacks on identity and freedom of expression
Journalists in Cameroon have to be very careful about reporting on atrocities related to the separatist conflict. Appearing to side with separatists or the government can lead to online attacks.
Truck drivers blamed for spread of COVID-19 in East Africa
Truck drivers in East Africa face an onslaught of new COVID-19 mandates and restrictions in borders towns — causing confusion, fear, endless traffic queues, protests and disrupted trade.
In Burundi, four journalists jailed for months await appeal
The four jailed journalists with Iwacu were accused of threatening state security on the basis of a WhatsApp message sent as a dry joke while reporting on a rebel attack.
Russia's World War Two diplomacy scores a win in North Macedonia
"Eternal glory to the heroes, the fighters of the anti-Hitler coalition who vanquished Nazism and freed the peoples of Europe!"
In Afghanistan, the war does not spare newborn babies inside maternity wards
When Afghans woke up on the morning of May 12, and found out about two new terrorist attacks, they were reminded that the ongoing war had reached new levels of brutality: this time, not even newborn babies and their mothers were spared. Kabul maternity under attack That day, three militants stormed...
Mali holds elections despite COVID-19 pandemic and terrorist threats
Mali's elections were held under unique circumstances: the ongoing threat of Islamist terrorism and governmental restrictions to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Honduran congresswoman claims she was blocked from virtual plenary session
In times of COVID-19 and confinement, the use of technology that replaces in-person meetings could undermine democratic processes, through sheer inefficiency or by malice.
In Bangladesh, criticism of government response to the COVID-19 pandemic is risky
"Would it be wrong if someone says that the authorities in Bangladesh, equipped with Digital Security Act, launched a crackdown on those critical to the government?"
The nightmare in Syria continues amid new coronavirus fears
The gathering of displaced persons in Idlib, Syria, has sparked international concern that this community — living under the harshest conditions — could be deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
How can the Caribbean prepare for a post-COVID-19 world?
As the Caribbean begins to think about a post-COVID-19 future, Lesley Ann Noel proposes a design thinking approach to building back the region's economies and social services.
Taiwan refuses to deport caregiver who ‘insulted’ Philippine president on Facebook
"I felt that they listened to what I was trying to say, and it shows that they do value democracy here in Taiwan."
Hong Kong protesters make online game their new home during pandemic
Hong Kong's protesters are aching to take to the streets again. In the meantime, they are taking to their screens.
Benin's partial withdrawal from African Charter of Human Rights is a retreat from democracy
Benin drops 17 places in the 2020 World Press Freedom Index, following the withdrawal from a key document of the African Charter of Human and People's Rights.
After disappearing for 53 days, Bangladeshi journalist is found and sent to jail
Fifty-three days after his abduction in from of his office in Dhaka, Bangladesh, photojournalist Shafiqul Islam Kajol was found alive in Benapole, near the border of Bangladesh with India.
The coronavirus pandemic intensifies Islamophobia in India
Since the start of India's COVID-19 lockdown on March 25, 2020, instances of Islamophobia have intensified, threatening the life, rights, and integrity of millions of Muslims.
Baloch journalist found dead in Sweden
In recent months, several Pakistani activists and bloggers living in Europe have claimed to have been targeted for speaking up against human rights violations in Pakistan.
China and Australia brawl over call for independent investigation of COVID-19 origins
'Australia is “gum stuck to the bottom of China’s shoe”, huh? Ok, well, it’s time for Australia to rethink trade and other agreements with China if they don’t like criticism'
Trinidad & Tobago ranks second on a COVID-19 ‘lockdown rollback checklist,’ but caution remains
"While the OxCGRT data cannot fully say how ready countries are to leave lockdown, it does provide for a rough comparison across nations."
COVID-19 in Palestine: Living between hope and fear
A deterioration of the political situation in Palestine could adversely impact the COVID-19 crisis and directly impact local civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
