Stories from 1 April 2014
Muslims Don't Lie .. Ever
Despite warnings, that jumping on the April Fool's bandwagon would lead to hell, netizens across the Arab world, used the day to criticise their governments.
Songkran Water Festival Goes Waterless in Singapore
Thailand's New Year celebration, Songkran, is globally famous for its water splashing activities. But Singapore will celebrate Songkran this month without water to emphasize water conservation.
We Love to Talk, But Do We Speak Out?
What's lies at the root of the Trinidadian reluctance to speak out publicly on matters discussed so energetically in private?
Designing Taiwan's #CongressOccupied Protests
Taiwanese designers have actively contributed to the movement against a controversial trade deal with China by creating ads, banners and clothing.
Vkontakte's Pavel Durov Departs: Genuine or Joke?
In what is either a bombshell for Russian social media or a daring April Fools' Day joke, Vkontakte general director Pavel Durov has announced his resignation.
Ex-Guerrillas Threaten Political Stability in East Timor
A conflict with roots in the struggle for independence comes back to shape the political agenda in East Timor. Mauk Moruk, an ex-guerrilla expelled from resistance forces in 1984, returns.
Amnesty International: ‘Spiral of Violence a Threat to Rule of Law in Venezuela’
Amnesty International has released a report which documents “allegations of human rights violations and abuses committed in the context of the massive public demonstrations since early February.” “The country runs the risk of descending into a spiral of violence unless steps are taken to bring the conflicting parties around the...
Australians High Five International Court Decision Against Japanese Whaling
Australians celebrate the International Court of Justice decision to halt Japanese whaling in the Southern Ocean.
Delayed Construction Works in Brazil Fuel “(un)Happy” Video
The contagious feeling triggered by Pharrell Williams’ viral music video “Happy” inspired citizens of Porto Alegre, Brazil, to take advantage of the fact that their city holds the Portuguese word for “happy” in its name — but rather to express what's making them unhappy. The video shows people dancing joyfully in front...
The Joke is on the Media: April Fool's in Ethiopia
Ethiopians on Twitter are celebrating April Fool's day with fake news headlines that imitate the lies of state owned media. Says one Ethiopian tweep: “They broadcast black deceptions 365 days a year, and we are giving back to them dozens of false headlines as much as we can”. Follow and...
Global Voices’ Admission That It Reported on a Fake Country for Six Years Will Blow Your Mind
In the wake of the devastating discovery of coverage of a fake nation in its archives, Global Voices admits it took the "under-represented countries" thing a bit too far.
Cameroonians Mourn Exiled Music Icon Lapiro de Mbanga
Lapiro de Mbanga, a Cameroonian protest singer and spokesperson of the downtrodden, died of cancer in the United States on March 16, 2014.
AfricanHadithi, a News Portal Dedicated to Telling Africa's Story
"The truth is that Africa is a continent bubbling with unending stories."
Maoming Residents in China Rally Against PX Chemical Plant
Photo posted on social media showed protesters bleeding after apparent scuffles with police.
