Stories about Weblog from July, 2020
Popular YouTube channel documents what it is like to be black in Japan
Popular YouTube channel and website The Black Experience Japan features interviews with dozens of Black residents of Japan.
Nigerians counteract COVID-19 denialism with social media campaigns
Nigerians directly confront coronavirus denial headlong with counter-narratives that use ordinary language in campaigns devoid of the usual mistrust between citizens and governments.
Appeal court says the answer to Guyana's election results lies in the recount
Guyana's general elections took place on March 2. Now, the appeal court has ruled that the Chief Election Officer must submit his official report based on the recount results.
Hong Kong government disqualifies 12 pro-democracy candidates running for the local legislature
Beijing is determined to block any pro-democracy candidates to be elected to the Hong Kong Legislative Council in order to extend its full political control over the territory.
Musicians with albinism defy social stigma and break new ground in Cameroon’s creative sector
Albinos in Cameroon have brushed aside stigma to participate in the country’s vibrant arts and cultural scene. "It wasn’t easy for me growing up as an albino," says Boy TAG.
Trinidad & Tobago NGO identifies treatment of women as key issue in upcoming elections
The histories of several electoral candidates have prompted the gender rights organisation Womantra to highlight "the need for urgent and collective attention to end violence against women in politics."
How Balinese communities in Indonesia are coping with the COVID-19 pandemic
"COVID-19 mini-wikithons provide a safe space for people to talk in their native Balinese language about their challenges and coping strategies of the pandemic in Balinese communities."
Four student activists arrested in Hong Kong for ‘inciting secession’ because of related social media posts
Hong Kong's newly established national security police united has arrested four youngsters aged between 16 and 21 on suspicion of inciting secession in their social media posts.
Secret trials threaten open justice in Australia
"The cases… highlight the need for strong action to ensure that any such trials are held in open court and subject to public scrutiny."
Chinese nationalists call for retaliation measures against US diplomacy
While the Chinese government attempts to de-escalate tensions following the closure of one of its consulates in the US, nationalists talk about a "nuke race" on Chinese social media.
COVID-19 has accelerated digitalization but will Tunisia log on?
COVID-19 accelerated digitalization in Tunisia like no previous government could achieve, gaining more digital momentum in a single month than it had in prior decades due to corruption and inaction.
Former prime minister of Barbados, Owen Arthur, dies
"There is no economist working today in this region of the world who has not drawn on the wisdom, rigour and intellectual fearlessness of the [Right Honourable] Owen Seymour Arthur."
As COVID-19 infections surge, Japan launches travel subsidy campaign
Even as COVID-19 cases continue to climb in major cities in Japan, the government launched a new campaign aimed at encouraging tourism in local communities.
Congolese journalist forced into exile for documentary on violent evictions
Congolese filmmaker Gaël Mpoyo and his family have been forced to live in exile, given the sensitive subject of his film and a climate of insecurity in South Kivu province.
Angolan pastors break away from the Universal Church of Brazil
The new congregation could call itself the Reform Universal Church of the Kingdom of God in Angola.
Anti-fascist movements are re-emerging in Brazil to counter Bolsonaro
In 2020, anti-fascist demonstrations have emerged as a counter-offensive to recent protests organized by President Jair Bolsonaro's supporters.
It's been 30 years since the attempted coup in Trinidad & Tobago
"Given that an unequivocal apology may never be obtained, we citizens must be the drivers of effecting our own reconciliation."
Iranians and Hongkongers connect through online campaign against China-Iran deal
Despite language and cultural barriers, Hong Kong and Iranian activists share similar views when it comes to speaking out against China's proposed 25-year partnership agreement with Iran.
Satirical comedy skit lands four Ugandan comedians in jail
The arrest of four comedians in Ugandan for a satirical comedy skit that went viral comes at a time when the government has passed regulations controlling the creative arts industry.
Journalist's abduction raises concerns about media freedom in Pakistan
On July 21, renowned Pakistani journalist Matiullah Jan was abducted in Islamabad. Though he was released about 12 hours after, fingers are being pointed at state security agencies.
The long and winding road to Guyana's 2020 election results
After many false starts, there was finally a recount, but legal challenges that question the interpretation of key sections of Guyana's constitution have dragged out the process even further.
