Stories about Weblog from May, 2017
Russian Crooner Joins Effort to Attract Tourists to War-Torn Eastern Ukraine
Nearly three years into the war in eastern Ukraine, the Donetsk and Luhansk people's republics are making a renewed attempt to attract foreign tourists to their Russian-backed statelets.
Malaysian Editors Face Cybercrime Charges for Posting a Video that Criticized Attorney General
In the video, which was taken during a press briefing, a former member of the ruling party called for the resignation of the attorney general.
Helping Write The Story of Sex Workers in Uganda
Every day over 300 women go to Bwaise, a slum district in northern Kampala, Uganda, to sell sex.
A Photographer Shines Light on the Abuse Women Suffer at Illegal ‘Conversion Therapy’ Clinics in Ecuador
"My first thought was that it could be me held there and told that, as a gay woman, I needed to change."
Panic Over Russian Online Suicide Game Sparks ‘Whale Hunt’ in China
Pro-government groups are waging a campaign against the game, and internet censors have predictably gone into overdrive.
‘No to Silence': Javier Valdez's Murder Highlights Persistent Perils for Mexican Journalists
Seven journalists have been murdered in Mexico this year. Since 2012, less than one percent of attacks on journalists have resulted in a criminal conviction.
Why Doctors and Students Are Protesting Against Sri Lanka's Only Private Medical College
"It remains to be seen, if the Medical Mafia will continue to deprive the right to a private medical education for our youth."
First- and Second-Generation Dutch Wonder Whether They'll Ever Be Considered Locals
Identity, integration and Islam were critical issues in the Dutch spring elections in the Netherlands. At the heart of the debate was who belongs in the Netherlands.
Viral Video Triggers Debate Over Patriotic Education in China, Again
"My kids do not need to follow so-called 'heroes' who killed their fellow countrymen. They should learn how to love the environment, recycle used items, act in a civilized manner."
Japanese Committee Clears Path for Vague and Controversial Anti-Conspiracy Bill
The legislation will cover nearly 300 crimes if it passes. Critics have argued personal liberties are at stake.
Argentines Rally Against Ruling That Could Shorten Prison Sentences of Dictatorship-Era Criminals
"Argentina cannot go backwards on human rights issues. The message of impunity cannot invade our streets”
Azerbaijan Blocks Independent Media (And Actually Admits it)
"This was one thing we had left and they have taken it too. May God punish them. All they think about is how to shut people up."
For Some Mexicans, a Presidential Hopeful Bears Worrying Similarities to Venezuela's Maduro
"It's no wonder people continue to believe in AMLO, if in Venezuela there are still those that continue believe in Nicolás Maduro, there are naive people everywhere"
‘Cyber Warrior’ Group Threatens to Extort Indian Women on Facebook
Threats of character assassination and extortion can carry severe real-life consequences, especially for women.
President Maduro Threatened This Venezuelan Journalist on Twitter, Then His Passport Was Suddenly Declared “Invalid”
César Miguel Rondón was detained at the airport, and his whole family's passports were declared invalid.
Netizen Report: Chelsea Manning and the Power of Transparency
This week, Chelsea Manning was finally released from prison, Ukraine censored Russian web platforms and Thailand threatened legal action against Facebook.
#FreeThe5KH Campaign Seeks Release of Five Detained Human Rights Activists in Cambodia
The five have been recognized as among the finalists in the prestigious Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders in 2017.
Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients in Australia Raises Discrimination and Privacy Concerns
"The overwhelming Twitter response to the plan to drug test welfare recipients: drug test politicians and their staff too"
Meet the Alliance Managing Mexico's Mayan Rainforest
“Alianza Selva Maya,” which includes five communal lands and 1,250 families, promotes rural development based on good forest-resource management.
Cybercrime Charges Against Jamaica's Tambourine Army Founder Dropped
Jamaica's Director of Public Prosecutions has dropped all three charges against activist La Toya Nugent, under the country's Cybercrimes Act.
Political Bad-Mouthing in Trinidad and Tobago Sullies Opening of Stadium Named for Cricketer Brian Lara
Politics and sport may be inextricably linked, as evidenced by the online commentary following the opening of the Brian Lara Stadium in south Trinidad.