Stories about Politics from July, 2020
Tears and rage after Congress rejects franchise renewal of the Philippines’ biggest media network
"Our dreams and future, these are the things they took away from us. I’ve worked so hard for this. But it’s gone in an instant. You are inhumane!”
How does Rwanda’s genocide ideology law regulate speech online?
Rwanda’s genocide ideology law seriously limits freedom of speech online and creates a culture of fear and self-censorship among opposition and dissenting voices.
Hong Kong protest supporters’ international lobby to ‘burn’ China for hurting the city
“Laam chau”, a term derived from a username on the Reddit-like forum LIHKG, means "mutually-assured destruction", and it has captured the imagination of Hongkongers — even those in the pro-establishment camp.
In Turkey, 2.5m students sit university entry exam despite COVID-19 outbreak
This year's exam was embroiled in controversy -- and not just because of the pandemic.
In Assad-controlled Syria, the official narrative is ‘no COVID-19 cases’
In order to maintain a facade of control, the Assad regime does whatever it takes to deny the presence of COVID-19 in the territories it controls.
Could reform be on the cards for Jamaica's prison system?
Prime Minister Holness called the death of an inmate who had spent decades behind bars without trial "among the most dreadful inheritances of a system in urgent need of reform."
Jamaica wakes up to the plight of prisoners with mental illness
Noel Chambers, 81, had been in Jamaica's prison system for 40 years without a trial when he died in horrible conditions. Now, his case is being used to help other prisoners.
Cambodia continues to block memorial activities honoring murdered political analyst Kem Ley
Four years on, the government is still ignoring calls to set up an independent commission to investigate the murder.
COVID-19 outbreak highlights unaccountability of American military based in Okinawa
Since July 11, COVID-19 transmission has been detected at U.S. bases throughout Okinawa.
Construction of first Hindu temple in Islamabad faces opposition
The construction of the first Hindu temple in Islamabad was stopped after protests from different quarters, but rights activists and minority politicians are hopeful that the temple will be built.
Sudan uprising: Sweeping reforms usher in justice and freedom
These laws show the identity of a new Sudan that recognizes rights, diversity, freedom of belief and expression.
So-called anti-fascist files in Brazil expose the personal information of hundreds of people
One of the lists, which circulated on WhatsApp, doxxed people's personal information such as names, pictures, and addresses.
Hongkongers ignore crackdown to vote for change-seeking youth in pro-democracy primaries
"In light of all the events that happened over the past year, we should cherish this opportunity, as our liberty is stifled."
Manila Pride protester fights back and narrates ordeal inside police detention
"We persist against all odds. Our existence is resistance. We're here to dismantle oppressive systems, to change the things we cannot accept.", says Filipino LGBTQ+ activist Carla Nicoyco.
Al Jazeera, Malaysiakini, and Code Blue news websites probed for critical reporting in Malaysia
"The government...should be working to earn the confidence and trust of voters, particularly given how it came to power this March."
In the Brazilian Amazon, fires and pandemic are a disastrous mix
In the middle of the COVID-19 crisis, the increase in fires in the Amazon could overburden even more the healthcare system, with more cases of respiratory problems.
Russian journalist avoids jail term for ‘justifying terrorism’ – and fears a new assault on press freedoms
While her conviction remains in force, Svetlana Prokopyeva has avoided a prison sentence. The verdict was a silver lining in a new wave of arrests and criminal cases against journalists.
‘Why did your father die?': Serbia's COVID-19 chaos spills onto Belgrade's streets
"To this day I haven't received his tests. The paperwork said that he died from the corona [virus]. No ventilators were available."
Tech giants halt data requests as Hong Kong national security law casts long shadow
Local demand for circumvention tools is surging amid fears that a China-style "Great Firewall" is in the offing.
Vietnamese authorities arrest four land rights activists
After the events at Đồng Tâm this January, certain activists have spoken out against the violence used by troops, making themselves targets for arrest by the authorities.
Sudan uprising: Nertati sit-in, the new wave
On June 28, citizens in Nertati, Darfur, held an ongoing sit-in with several demands: An end to armed militia attacks on civilians, disarmament, the arrest of perpetrators and agricultural protection.
