Stories about Weblog from August, 2024
Venezuelan women say polarization in Venezuela is over
“The government says the protesters are fascists, but that is not true. They are ordinary people, from the popular neighborhoods, who finally take to the streets to condemn the fraud.”
‘Buddha is with us!’ How the war in Ukraine has changed Russian Buddhism
While some Buddhists are making anti-war statements and emigrating abroad, others are going to the front lines, despite Buddhist values.
How online disinformation fuels religious, ethnic and sociopolitical tensions during Bangladesh’s regime change
The month-long student-led mass movement that led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was marred not only with violence, but also a surge in mis- and disinformation.
Being in exile is to struggle to say ‘here’
"Exile is about wanting to return ... Can we commit to a new home, without giving up on the hope of a free Hong Kong?"
Are 90 percent of Kenyans homophobic?
Is it possible that Western conservative influence operations are dragging African countries like Kenya into culture wars whose endgame only they understand?
Fear and intolerance: The impact of blasphemy allegations on Pakistan’s minorities
Pakistan’s 8.7 million minorities face escalating religious extremism and violence, including forced conversions, mob attacks, and blasphemy accusations, fuelled by the growing influence of extremist groups like Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP).
The passing of an iconic Guyanese singer sparks patriotic feelings, as border dispute with Venezuela drags on
"It may have been triggered by a border controversy, but Not a Blade of Grass is simply a case of Guyanese people expressing fervently and passionately their love for Guyana ... "
‘We have nothing except our hearts, and our minds': Vietnamese activist sentenced to five years in prison
“The only thing we did was to act in accordance with our conscience, speak up our thoughts, our desire, our longing.”
African Union: Concerns grow on African continent over the spread of mpox
According to the African Union, the resurgence of mpox on the African continent is a public health emergency. The epidemic has caused hundreds of deaths in over ten African countries.
Some historic moments for Africa at the 2024 Olympic Games
As compared to other African countries, Kenya emerged top on the Paris 2024 Olympics medal table with 11 medals (4 gold, 2 silver, 5 bronze), followed by South Africa with 6 medals (1 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze).
In Turkey, a street interview lands a citizen in jail
“Insulting the president,” and “inciting hatred and hostility among the public,” are both common charges leveled against government critics in Turkey.
Turkey is committed to undermining NATO
"Hesitation to hold Turkey accountable is partially understandable. NATO was created to counter the systemic threat posed by the Soviet Union. It has no developed mechanisms to counter internal threats ..."
LIVE on August 27: Media and information literacy in Europe's regional languages
Join us on YouTube Live on August 27, 2024, for a discussion about media and information literacy for speakers of some of Europe's regional language communities.
New laws, old shadows: India's criminal legislation overhaul
In August 2023, the Indian government aimed to modernize and Indianize India’s legal frameworks by moving beyond the colonial legacy and overhauling the country’s criminal laws.
Solar power plant in rural Pakistan acquires land without consent
As the government prioritizes green energy over livelihoods, residents of Pakistan's Thal region in the Punjab province confront a heartbreaking loss of their ancestral lands.
Taiwan embraces Olympic gold medal boxer Lin Yu-ting amid unwarranted gender controversy
Amid unwarranted gender controversy, an online bullying campaign, and transphobic smears, gold-medal-winning Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting has become a symbol for Taiwan.
Pro-democracy activists in Zimbabwe are being prosecuted for ‘public disorder’
The Kofi Annan Foundation has condemned the harassment, intimidation, and persecution of these human rights and democracy defenders, urging authorities to uphold due process of law.
In a blow to democracy, Thai court dissolves main opposition party
"The Constitutional Court should be an organisation that protects the Constitution and constitutional rights. Instead, it is an organisation that expands state power and limits people’s rights and freedoms."
After the SID4 conference in Antigua & Barbuda, ‘small islands’ fight to maintain ‘special case’ status at the UN
“We are not creating these problems but they’re tremendously disruptive to our development [...] SIDS are on the frontline, and we are one of the most vulnerable groups.”
Venezuelan migrant in Colombia: ‘I dream of returning to rebuild our country’
Amid the Venezuelan crisis, José Montilla's story reflects the struggle and hope of thousands of young people forced to emigrate, serving as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of the Venezuelan people.
Interview with Korean-Ukrainian podcaster Oleksandr Shyn about Taiwan's linguistic landscape
Taiwan is an extremely diverse society when it comes to languages. Global Voices interviewed Oleksandr Shyn, a Korean-Ukrainian podcaster who focuses on the island's linguistic landscape.