Stories about Weblog from March, 2021
This open-source software is helping Barbados and Jamaica preserve their cultural heritage
The free Arches software helps cultural heritage organisations “respond to the critical and common challenges [...] around creating and maintaining modern inventory systems."
Chinese patriotic YouTuber apologizes after criticizing propaganda and corruption
"In our village, the forest land has not been distributed. It is so full of corruption!"
Group's report to Biden administration seeks commitment to human rights and democracy in Brazil
The document was compiled by a network of Brazilians and Americans living in the US, gathering policy topics directly affected by the Trump administration's relationship with Brazil's Bolsonaro
Angola's new penal code, which decriminalizes homosexual relationships, comes into force
The new legislation was approved in 2019, but only ratified in December 2020. It replaces the old penal code of 1886 of the Portuguese colonial administration.
After pineapple ban, Taiwan calls Beijing’s new agricultural investment offer ‘an old trick’
Weeks after the pineapple ban, China offered incentives to Taiwanese agriculture and forestry sector to invest in rural tourism and plant high-end commercial crops in China.
Malaysia’s ‘fake news’ ordinance takes effect amid continuing concern over the COVID-19 state of emergency
"This ordinance strengthens the perception that the state of emergency we are currently in is a smokescreen to curb any form of criticism towards the government of the day."
Sierra Leone’s new cybercrime bill could turn a phone into a crime scene
Sierra Leone’s cybercrime bill could turn a citizen’s smartphone into a crime scene at a moment’s notice.
Biru Terong Initiative: Using the power of video for social change in Indonesia
"We use video to capture the social-economic reality of marginalised groups of society and use that footage to stimulate dialogue and learning."
Jordanians protest a year under a defense law with no gains, as COVID-19 cases spiral
Repeated government failures, shaky political managements of crises, compounded with the worsening pandemic-hit economy and draconian emergency laws drove people to protest across the kingdom.
The toxic masculinity of Georgia’s gangster prince
The sexist tropes parroted by Bera Ivanishvili tell us a lot about how gender and power operate in Georgia, and the incompatibility of celebrity with the real-world power of a "prince."
Armenia's PM calls for early elections in June in bid to de-escalate crisis
The president has faced increasing calls to resign since November when he signed a peace deal ending the six-week war over Nagorno-Karabakh, which many Armenians say disproportionally favored Azerbaijan.
Protests erupt in Bangladesh after writer arrested under the Digital Security Act dies in prison
Ahmed was arrested after he criticized the government's pandemic response on social media. He was charged with "tarnishing the image of the nation" and "creating hostility" -- all offenses under the DSA.
Kenya police turn to Twitter PR as the arrest of a blogger goes against public opinion
“Somehow, the [Directorate of Criminal Investigations] believes that PR, and specifically ‘live-tweeting,’ will change Kenyans' perception without bringing about the much needed reforms within the force.”
Myanmar's anti-coup protesters include DIY shields, women’s sarongs in their defensive arsenal
Myanmar's security forces have become more brutal in suppressing the anti-coup movement but protesters have devised creative and unusual tactics to survive and avoid the riot police.
How a youth movement is challenging the political old guard in Namibia
Job Amupanda, university teacher and leader of the Affirmative Repositioning movement went from advocating for land reform to being elected as mayor of Namibia's capital city, Windhoek.
The ‘tree of life’ that's under threat in Trinidad
Naturally occurring moriche palm populations exist in only six locations in Trinidad, but are under threat, predominantly because of unregulated human impact.
Exiled activists launch the ‘2021 Hong Kong Charter,’ a vision for the future of the pro-democracy movement
"Hongkongers, whether in Hong Kong or overseas, are capable of overriding the script written by the state and instead write their own story."
An interview with a blogger who connects Myanmar and Hong Kong's dream for democracy
"Exchanges among activists could help reflect on the inadequacy of local protests and develop a wider horizon in understanding the significance of the pro-democracy movement in Asia."
How India's new internet regulations will change social media, online news and video streaming
If failing to comply, social media platforms could lose intermediary immunity, which means they could be prosecuted for content posted by its users.
The Caribbean's foremost literary festival has released its 2021 longlist; Trinidad & Tobago writers dominate
“Where else would you find Trinidadian street food in the same volume as an appraisal of Thom Gunn's poetry, or Dylan Thomas rubbing shoulders with soca?”
Sunday's death toll rises to 71 in crackdown on anti-coup protesters in Myanmar
"These shooting[s] are totally unacceptable. They are not dispersing the protests. They are just murdering the people with violence."