Stories about Politics from September, 2021
Ahead of September elections, Russia tightens grip on remaining online freedoms
Ahead of Russia's parliamentary elections on September 17-19, the state's crackdown on opposition groups, circumvention tools and internet infrastructure has escalated to a fever pitch.
Investigative journalism group OCCRP says it will no longer work in Russia
Drew Sullivan, OCCRP's co-founder and editor-in-chief, said their work in Russia at the moment would do local reporters "more harm than good."
The construction of Chinese patriotic masculinity: ‘sissies will ruin the nation’
The Chinese regulators have banned effeminate images and idols on both television and video streaming sites since September 2, 2021.
Constitutional changes and mistrust mark Angola's election announcement
The 2022 election is due to be held in August 2022, but is already causing debate among Angolans, especially due to mistrust over how the process has been managed.
Dalit erasure, or how Rolling Stone India failed to demonstrate diligent storytelling
A special cover by pop culture magazine Rolling Stone India and music platform Majjaa carrying interviews of singers Dhee and Vincent de Paul stirred controversy and widespread displeasure.
China-funded Kaliwa dam in the Philippines flagged for irregularities
"Indigenous Peoples should not be sacrificed on the altar of development aggression, which would just benefit big businesses and Chinese investors."
‘If you thirst for freedom, seize it!’: The songs of the Belarusian uprising
The songs of protest that have become some the most vital symbols of the 2020 Belarusian revolution are varied in their origins and surprising in their complexity.
Myanmar LGBTQ makeup artist swaps beauty salon for border hideout and revolution
"I know my strength is not [in military activities] . . . I see myself as a pillar to help the revolution be victorious."
Crimean Tatar leader's arrest latest in crackdown on political activism in Crimea
The arrest of Crimean Tatar political leader Nariman Dzhelyal is a grim reminder of the reality of Russian annexation of Ukraine's Crimea.
Hong Kong set to dismantle Tiananmen vigil host ahead of China's National Day
The Hong Kong Alliance, a group of opposition activists, is being dismantled following the arrest of its core members, further eroding what remains of Hong Kong's democracy.
In Turkey, religious cleric joins calls to censor social media
Ali Erbas, the head of the Religious Affairs Directorate in Turkey suggests using Islamic jurisprudence to control social media platforms.
Turkey and China in the eastern Mediterranean: Partners or competitors?
China and Turkey continue to collaborate on their visions for trans-continental integration, though should Ankara's political and military ambitions increase, Beijing might reconsider its role as a reliable BRI partner.
Hong Kong labels the host of Tiananmen vigil and other civic groups as ‘foreign agents’ to justify clampdown
'Once the organization is labelled as a "political organization", those who are funded or employed by them would be treated as foreign agents.'
After Twitter labeled Serbian pro-government media: It is important to know who controls and exercises pressure on media
Top Serbian state officials accused Twitter of censorship after it posted labels on the profiles and tweet of media outlets that don't enjoy editorial independence from the government.
Anti-vaccination protesters storm Slovenian public broadcaster, threatening journalists
Slovenian police had to forcefully remove about 20 anti-vaccination protesters who were not wearing masks and were insulting journalists.
Resisting the coup and the patriarchy: An interview with Myanmar's feminist activist Nandar
"I want people to know that showing solidarity isn't an expensive act. It can be done in so many ways if you don't limit yourself."
Puny opposition no threat to Japan's sickly government
Opposition parties comprising vocal anti-vaxxers and members making unsettlingly inappropriate comments do not appear robust enough to unseat an unpopular Japanese government in the October polls.
The story of a potato biscuit-chips fusion — how a Bangladeshi brand mesmerised India
A Bangladeshi manufacturing company has become extremely popular in India because of its spicy, sweet and savoury offerings — especially for its potato-biscuit fusion which became an internet sensation.
China's crackdown on business, media and entertainment sectors is packaged as a ‘profound revolution’
China started a heavy-handed clampdown on the private corporate sector from Big Tech companies to property developers near the end of 2020. The crackdown then extended to education, culture and entertainment.
A month after vaccine mandate protests, opposition figures arrested in St Vincent & the Grenadines
After the prime minister was injured during an August protest, a woman was arrested for the assault. Four opposition members/supporters have since been charged in relation to the protests.
Georgian-Belarusian security cooperation deal worries political emigres in Georgia
A year after disputed presidential elections in Belarus, a Georgian-Belarusian security cooperation agreement has come into force. Critics fear the treaty could help Minsk target political dissidents residing in Georgia.