Stories about Politics from December, 2022
Azerbaijan arrests prominent political activist ahead of International Human Rights Day
Prominent activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev is facing a possible three-year jail sentence if found guilty on two separate charges — hooliganism and contempt of court. Activists say the arrest is politically motivated.
Undertones in Pakistan: Military, Women, Blasphemy
Researchers share some of the strongest narratives that have circulated in Pakistan this year
Australian PM Anthony Albanese adds to growing political pressure to #FreeJulianAssange
The Australian PM has finally talked about Julian Assange ... and while distancing himself from Assange’s well-motivated actions, has said he has raised it with representatives of the US administration.
A Caribbean debrief of COP27 that goes beyond the historic loss and damage fund
I had a vested interest in the outcome of COP27 which [...] was touted to be one of “implementation.” But was this achieved? Where do we go from here?
In defense of whom? Protesting Jordan’s perpetual state of emergency
Human rights groups challenge Jordan's Defense Law but the government wants to keep it in place until the World Health Organization has declared the pandemic finished.
How is the Caribbean faring on International Anti-Corruption Day?
Over the coming year, organisers plan to reflect on the anti-corruption strides the UN Convention has helped facilitate, and examine which gaps still remain in this seemingly ongoing battle.
Breaking the binary of trauma and resilience in mental health: Interview with Lamia Moghnieh
The declared absence of trauma has consequences on how mental health is framed by international and humanitarian organizations, according to Lebanese psychologist and anthropologist Lamia Moghnieh.
In Turkey, a child bride scandal puts religious cults in the spotlight
According to the news reports, one of the members of the brotherhood, married his 6 year old daughter to a man aged 29, eighteen years ago.
China faces a rough road to ending its zero-COVID policies
Under the zero-COVID policy, public resources have been spent on PCR tests, building quarantine facilities, propaganda, and controlling people's movement rather than vaccinations or improving medical infrastructures.
How the Venezuelan government uses social media to cover up its biggest corruption case
Alex Saab’s case has become one of the most relevant incidents to understand Maduro’s propaganda machine in Venezuela, and the effect it has on social and political events.
State capture in South Africa by the Gupta family: A lesson on political influence
Growing inequality and uncapped wealth have created a mega-wealthy segment of society. With this money comes influence that may pose a danger to the integrity of domestic policy and sovereignty.
Activists strive for data protection in Indonesia
"... there is a long way to go to achieve stronger data protection in Indonesia."
It's the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, but in Trinidad & Tobago, ‘barriers remain in place’
'Hardly a day goes by that we are not reminded of our disadvantaged position in society [...] from access to early intervention, assessments and therapies, to education and everything else.'
China’s foreign interference narrative fails to successfully demonize the nationwide anti-zero COVID protests
"...if there are foreign forces, they will not incite people to protest...they should wish the lockdown last for a decade until the country and its people become so poor..."
‘In Ecuador, disinformation has spread like a fungus,’ says Ecuadorian investigative journalist
"Most politicians resort to the tactic of hiring an advertising agency to campaign, but the troll center is part of the deal."
Istanbul's Uyghur community protest outside the Chinese Consulate despite the cost of reprisals
Today's demonstration comes at a great risk amid fears of retribution for the members of the Uyghur community living in Turkey.