Stories about East Asia from February, 2015
Indonesians Take a Hard Look at Death Penalty Ahead of Drug Trafficking Executions
Indonesian President Joko Widodo denied clemency appeals and stated that the country is dealing with a drug emergency problem.
Campaigning for a Free West Papua: Perspectives From an Exiled Activist
Global Voices interviews exiled activist Paul Inggamer about his views of his native West Papua and the campaign for independence against the existing Indonesian occupation.
Japan's Young People Don’t Care About Politics? Not True!
YouthCreate works to increase the number of young people who vote. Founder Kensuke Harada became alarmed by the lack of interest by his fellow youth in Japan's political process.
Why Are So Many Environmental Activists Being Murdered?
In 2012, the globally reported murder rate approached three per week. Growing violence against environmental activists is leading to a search for solutions.
Red Chinese New Year Envelopes Get a Yellow Umbrella Makeover in Hong Kong
Pro-democracy activists have given a twist to the traditional red envelopes, which normally carry seasonal greetings, to support the Umbrella Revolution.
‘Hate Is Not What Humans Should Do': Slain Journalist Kenji Goto's Words Live On Online
The Japanese journalist, who was executed by ISIS in January, logged his heart-wrenching and thought-provoking observations about conflict in the Middle East and Africa on his website and Twitter account.
Thai Junta Gives ‘Attitude Adjustments’ to Those Who Dare Step Out of Line
The Thai junta is summoning individuals whom they perceive as dissenters or those requiring an “attitude adjustment” for having different views. Three recent cases highlight this worrying trend.
Malaysian Fan Girls Threatened With Jail Time Over Public Hugs From K-Pop Stars
One Malaysian TV channel posted a YouTube video of a fan meeting with band B1A4 under a title that accused the musicians of having "molested Muslim girls".
What Does It Mean to Be a Japanese Citizen After the ISIS Executions?
"I would urge him to commit harakiri," Dewi Sukarno writes. "If I were his mother, I definitely would do so — I would want my son to be a hero."
Don't Let ISIS Crisis Hobble Free Expression in Japan: Petition
More than a 1,000 people have signed the online declaration. During the recent hostage crisis, some people in Japan called for "self-restraint" in light of criticism of the government.
Filipinos Ask ‘Where Is the President?’ After He Skips Arrival Honors for Slain Police
Forty-four policemen died in a special operation to capture the alleged mastermind of the 2002 Bali bombings. President Aquino attended a car event instead of the arrival honors.
Last-Minute Pleas Pour In to Stop Indonesia's Execution of Two Australian Drug Smugglers
"Nobody deserves the death penalty, no matter what crime has been committed. #IStandForMercy."
Male University Students in Taiwan Wear Skirts to Support Transgender Community
"I cannot help but feel sad. What makes us be so overcome with negative feelings when we see a minority who is different from us?"
West Papuans Clamor for Justice After Indonesian Police Kill Young Protesters
"The shootings are emblematic of the routine human rights abuses that security forces carry out with impunity in Papua."
The World Mourns Brave Japanese Journalist Kenji Goto, Beheaded by ISIS
The world refuses to remember Kenji Goto for what ISIS had done to him. Instead, many celebrate him for his bravery and compassion for those in conflict zones.
Thailand’s Digital Economy Bills Could Worsen Media Repression
Some civil society organizations are calling the draft digital economy bills “national security bills in disguise” because of their repressive provisions.
Philippines Admits Homeless Families Were Taken to a Posh Resort During Pope Francis Visit
But the government insisted that the 'family camp' for homeless families merely coincided with the papal visit.
WeChat Won't Show Chinese Users BMW Ads If It Thinks They're Poor
A newly launched ad service within friend circles show some users BMW ads, while others see Coca-Cola ads, leading angry netizens to accuse the messaging app of discrimination.
Rangoon Revealed Facebook Page ‘Tells Burma's Story, One Soul at a Time’
"What was the happiest moment in your life? When my wife first conceived a child. When was your saddest moment? When the same child passed away."
Australia Beats Determined South Korea 2-1 to Win 2015 Asian Cup
Australia's Socceroos have won the 2015 Asian Cup in a tough, close contest against South Korea. A goal in extra time gave the home team a 2-1 victory in Sydney.