Stories about Feature from June, 2019
Tanzania reinstates controversial sanitary pad tax
Bringing back the tax on sanitary pads in Tanzania has triggered a major debate on the impact it will have on girls and women.
Detergent ad causes uproar among conservative audiences in Pakistan
The advert ends with Pakistan's women's cricket team captain Bisma Maroof saying “these are not statements but stains."
Netizen Report: Conflict triggers internet shutdowns in Mauritania, Myanmar and Ethiopia (again)
Struggles for political power in Myanmar, Mauritania and Ethiopia led to widespread shutdowns of internet services this week.
Kim Kardashian's ‘Kimono’ clothing line causes consternation in Japan and around the world
Kardashian's line of lingerie bears no similarity to its Japanese namesake garment.
Turkey’s ‘Academics for Peace’ defend their beliefs from prison cells and exile
Turkish universities are being gutted of critical thinkers while academics serve time for showing solidarity with their fellow citizens.
Myanmar disables internet access in conflict areas of Rakhine and Chin states
The government and operators did not specify when access to the internet will be restored.
Parents, students threaten to sue Bhutanese employment agency after ‘learn and earn’ debacle in Japan
Many students became sick from physical and mental stress. There were also reports of forced labor, and passport theft and illegal wage deductions by employers in Japan.
‘Is vagina a dirty word?’ Ugandan feminist Stella Nyanzi's court battle continues
Nyanzi battles for her freedom of expression. Besides this case, Nyanzi still faces charges other charges of cyber harassment and offensive communication.
For Albania and North Macedonia, are the European Union's doors half-open or half-closed?
Both Western Balkan countries were hopeful for a positive outcome from the EU foreign ministers' meeting on June 18.
Netizen Report: Lawyers seek court challenge against Ethio Telecom over internet shutdown
Pakistani bloggers face threats for online speech, Algeria shuts down social media and Indonesian police say they’re "cyber patrolling" WhatsApp.
Years after eviction by an oil extraction project, a Ugandan community waits for justice
Uganda’s oil reserves can potentially bring in revenue of over US$50 billion over 25 years, but extraction projects are happening in areas where land rights and tenure are not clearly defined.
Hong Kong police remove ‘riot’ label from June 12 protests, but citizens still demand justice
A coalition of civil society groups has called for an independent investigation into the excessive use of force by police during the June 12 protests.
I won't climb Everest: a graphic travel journal
"From our eyes shine excitement and the (heavy) cultural baggage of the West around the legendary 'roof of the world'."
Hong Kong press watchdog calls for investigation into police abuse against 26 journalists during protests
"Journalist watchdog recorded 10 cases of police officers firing tear gas bombs at close range towards reporters, 3 of whom were hit on the head."
Public pressure forces Trinidad & Tobago government to drop amendment to Freedom of Information Act
"...people should be very proud of a democracy that obviously is quite healthy—that civil society came together quickly and comprehensively as it did, and that government was sufficiently responsive."
‘Step down, Carrie Lam!': Two million rise up once more against Hong Kong extradition bill
Having flouted due process and ignored public criticism of an extradition bill amendment that could put Hongkongers at serious risk, Chief Executive Carrie Lam is paying the price.
As battle for Istanbul reaches fever pitch, Turkey's ruling party regrets its pop culture problem
As the clock ticks down on the rerun Istanbul municipal election, the tension is getting unbearable.
Social media goes blue for Sudan
"My people can not die in vain, cannot die in silence." Social media users turn their profiles blue in solidarity with Sudanese protesters calling for civilian rule in Sudan.
Visas now required for Venezuelans as Trinidad and Tobago concludes migrant registration process
A group of protestors outside a registration centre in the nation's capital called for the "closure of the borders" of the twin-island nation.
Netizen Report: Amid demonstrations for democracy, Sudanese civilians face military violence — and internet shutdowns
From Kazakhstan to Khartoum to Hong Kong, protests brought internet shutdowns and online attacks this week.
Bhutan takes first steps toward decriminalizing homosexuality
The bill will be discussed in the National Council, the upper house of the parliament, during the upcoming winter session starting in November. Bhutanese activists eagerly await the results.
