Stories about Weblog from August, 2015
It's About Time to End Female Genital Mutilation in the Only Latin American Country Where It Still Exists
Female genital mutilation is a practice usually associated with African countries, but in some indigenous communities in Colombia it's still being practiced.
Medical Workers Dance to Celebrate Release of Sierra Leone's Last Ebola Patient
The Ebola outbreak has killed 3,952 in the West African nation, according to the World Health Organisation.
An Indigenous Reindeer Herder Takes on Oil Giants in Siberia
Sergey Kechimov faces two years in prison, accused of threatening to kill two oil workers. He is one of the last Khanty people living near the 'sacred' Imlor Lake.
No, India, Hindi Will Not Take Over Without a Fight
People all across India are pushing back against government policies and new trends in human migration that have made the imposition of the Hindi language a sensitive political issue.
China Won't Tolerate Anything but Praise for Its Showy World War II Parade
"...all news and comments related to the military parade must be carefully reviewed before posting to guarantee they are positive and not offensive..."
Videos Show How Lebanese Security Forces Violently Dealt With ‘You Stink’ Protesters
Videos capturing police violence against protesters in Lebanon are making the rounds online. Is protesting against mounting rubbish and government corruption worth being beaten up and teargassed for?
Chinese Cultural Revolution Sci-Fi Wins Hugo Awards’ Best Novel Prize
"Even with all the dodgy science in Liu Cixin's sci-fi, his values and literary skill aside, his imagination still far surpasses that of other contemporary Chinese sci-fi writers."
Uruguay, Chile and Brazil Lead South America in Download Speeds
Uruguay had the best ranking in the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean's report, while Bolivia, Paraguay, and Venezuela came in last.
Dismissal of Mexico Coach Sparks Debate Over Freedom of Speech
A dispute between a Mexican football coach and a sports reporter who criticized him has resulted in physical assault and sparked a debate about the freedom of speech.
Australian National TV Airs Lewd Twitter Handle About Prime Minister
The handle, "AbbottLovesAnal," was broadcast on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Q&A program.
Everyday People Put Solidarity Into Action Helping Refugees in Greece
"It's not charity, it's solidarity from everybody to anybody...It's also love from human beings to human beings regardless of skin color, ethnicity or religion."
The Story of Salim Alaradi, a Canadian National of Libyan Origin Detained in the UAE
Libyan-born Canadian Salim Alaradi has been in a UAE prison for a year, with no charges or access to a lawyer. His 17-year-old daughter is campaigning for his freedom online.
A Japanese Woman’s Impressive Appetite Leaves the Internet Hungry for More
Yuka Kinoshita has gained famed for the sheer amount of food she can pack away. She uploads her videos to YouTube.
‘Why Does the Thai Government Want to Destroy Krabi With Coal Power Plant?’
The government is proposing to build a coal plant in Krabi to boost local power supply, but it also threatens to destroy a popular tourism destination and protected environment site.
Ecuador Cancels Visa for a Franco-Brazilian Journalist Assaulted During Protest
"Hostility to journalists, the media and activists has increased in Ecuador, and attacks on freedom of expression are becoming more frequent."
Son of Green Movement Opposition Leader Comes Out in Support of Iranian Nuclear Deal
"As a professor of law who was banned from teaching in Iran, I strongly support the nuclear deal," Mohammad Taghi Karoubi declared in a video.
Peaceful Protestors Face Riot Police Brutality in Lebanon
A brutal response awaited the peaceful protesters of the #YouStink movement who gathered in Beirut on Saturday August 22 to demand a solution to the garbage crisis in Lebanon.
Lebanese Activists Warn Against Political Attempts to Exploit Their Movement
Two government ministers who tried to enter the protest area were refused entry, but the movement said those who resign are welcome.
Want to See the First Free African Town in the Americas? Go to Mexico
Afro-Mexicans proudly share the story of “El Yanga,” apparently an enslaved prince from the Yang-Bara tribe from Gabon, who helped slaves to be free from the Spanish around 1570.
Is a More Child-Friendly Bangladesh Possible?
Weighed down by heavy schoolbags and neglected by the government, is life about to get better for Bangladesh's millions of miniature citizens?
Listen to the Haunting, Galactic Sounds of the Yaybahar Acoustic Instrument
Turkish musician Gorkem Sen created the Yaybahar about six years ago as a mix of all sorts of instruments, including the Australian didgeridoo, the Turkish Ney and the thunder drum.
