Stories about Weblog from November, 2015
Bangladesh Keeps Blocking Social Media, Threatens New Surveillance Tactics
With the lack of accountability shown by the government, a move towards more stringent controls of the Internet is worrying for the state of free expression in the country.
Armed Police Provide Intimidating Backdrop for Serbian Interior Minister's Press Conference
"This is a way of openly calling for persecution and lynching of individual journalists and directly puts their safety at risk"
Sahand Sahebdivani: ‘The Main Thing That Storytelling Does Is It Makes You Human’
In the second part of this interview, Sahand Sahebdivani delves deeper into cultural encounters through stories and the way technology can bring us closer: ‘We’re constantly bombarded by people’s stories’.
How Many People Win the Nobel Peace Summit Award and a Latin Grammy in the Same Week?
Hip hop artist René Pérez has lent his voice to numerous causes over the years, such as the release of Puerto Rican political prisoner Oscar López Rivera.
To the World, He's Malaysia's Most Famous Political Prisoner. To His Daughter, He's Simply ‘My Dear Papa’
Nurul Hana Anwar channeled her sadness into a recently published book, "My Dear Papa". The collages inside offer a deeply personal picture of her father Anwar Ibrahim.
Will Indonesia’s Police Circular on Hate Speech Suppress Freedom of Expression?
"This hands the police a powerful weapon, allowing it to decide what can and cannot be categorized as hate speech, and is absolutely problematic and dangerous."
When in Doubt, Ask Yourself ‘What Would the Tanzanian President Do?’
Tanzania's President John Magufuli's radical measures to save money have led to a humorous trending hashtag, #WhatWouldMagufuliDo.
In Malaysia, One Daughter's Long Wait for Her Father’s Return
When the Malaysian government imprisoned Anwar Ibrahim, they did not just take away his political career. They also took away a grandfather, a father and a husband.
Australians Unite to Tackle Family Violence on White Ribbon Day 2015
"More than needing sympathy, those experiencing family violence need well funded services, decent housing, strong social welfare"
Gambia's President Bans Female Genital Mutilation, but There's Still Much Work to Be Done
"Lost in all the celebrations...is the fact that FGM is not banned in The Gambia, at least not yet. There is no enforceable law on the books"
Iran's Supreme Leader Tweets Commentary on Global Conflicts, Blaming the US
"[Supreme] Leader in meeting with Russian president: America always try to put rivals in status of passiveness but you neutralized this policy."
Stranded Migrants, Syrian Refugees and Street Sexual Harassment Hit Costa Rican Headlines
Three events have caused Costa Rica to hit the headlines in Central America in mid November. Let's see what it was about.
Singaporeans Can Now Legally Own and Read ‘Fanny Hill’, but Playboy Is Still Banned
The government lifted the ban for 240 publications but 17 titles remain prohibited for being obscene or contrary to public interest.
Commonwealth Youth Demand That Leaders Stop Talking and Act
The Commonwealth youth leaders meeting in Malta want their governments to walk the talk.
Ahmadi Muslims Once Again Become a Target for Violence in Pakistan
"We bleat about the West callously turning back refugees while we sit in abject silence at continued Ahmadi persecution in Pakistan."
Iranian Cartoonist Who Drew Sadness of Paris Attacks Jailed
It's not the first time Iranian cartoonist Hadi Heidari has been a target for arrest.
Chinese Netizens Have Their Own Version of Thanksgiving: Fried Rice With Egg Day
"Sixty-five years ago, a plate of fried rice with egg changed the fate of China. We would have become North Korea without this dish (although the two are becoming alike)."
With Messaging Apps Still Banned, Bangladeshis Turn to Tor (and Twitter)
It is not clear whether the government has blocked the Facebook portal or banned the use of Facebook altogether.
Pot Isn’t Legal Yet in Mexico, But a Landmark Supreme Court Decision Has Opened the Door
Debate over the legalization of marijuana goes all the way to Mexico's Supreme Court.
An Interview With Laurinda Gouveia, a Young Woman Charged With Conspiring Against the Angolan Government
"Even today, physically, I bear physical evidence of this beating. And, obviously, my way of looking at these men is not the same as it was before..."
As Toxic Mud Ravages Brazil's ‘Sweet River’, People's Trust in Government Sours
"I feel an enormous sadness, a profound anger and unspeakable shame to live in a such negligent and irresponsible country."