Stories from 7 August 2014
Thousands of Yazidis Rescued, But Many More Are at Risk as the Islamic State Gains Ground in Northern Iraq
The Kurdish ethno-religious group have been discriminated against for centuries and are accused of being 'devil worshipers.'
Want to Use Public Wi-Fi in Russia? Let's See Some ID
Internet users in Russia won't be able to use Wi-Fi in public spots anonymously any longer. The Russian government now requires individuals accessing public Wi-Fi to present their IDs.
Central Asia's Rulers View Turkish “Soap Power” with Suspicion
In recent years Turkish serials have amassed a worldwide following. In Central Asia, however, government officials are reluctant to give them air time.
Bulgaria's Mizia Is a City Under Water After Heavy Flooding
Hundreds of people lost their homes in the city of Mizia, when unrelenting rain recently caused the Skat River to overflow. Bulgarians have scrambled to gather supplies for the victims.
Video of Ex-Michoacán Governor’s Son with a Cartel Leader Revives Corruption Accusations in Mexico
Governor Fausto Vallejo recently resigned amid allegations of corruption. Alleged links between he and his family to organized crime have been reported for a long time.
3 Years in Prison for Spray-Painting a Fence? Now's Your Chance to Say ‘No.’
This summer, activists launched a "Free Vitishko" signature drive through the global civic organization "Avaaz." The petition demands the environmentalist's immediate and unconditional release from Russian prison.
#BooksForRasul: What Jailed Azerbaijani Human Rights Defenders Need Most? Books.
A former political prisoner invites people to send books to Azerbaijani activist Rasul Jafarov, who has been arrested and will be spending his 30th birthday in jail.
Ugandan Court Strikes Down Anti-Gay Law on a Technicality
Members of the LGBTI community celebrated the court ruling on social media, despite homosexuality remaining illegal in Uganda.
There's a Woman in Crimea Showing the Men How Blogging Is Done
Political discussions on the Russian-speaking Internet tend to be dominated by male voices. Politichanka, however is an exception to this general trend.
A Weibo Spat Hints at the Battle Brewing Over Journalism's Future in China
Lin Zhibo's appointment as dean of journalism school at Lanzhou University pitted the country's leftist nationalists against liberals pressing for more media freedom.
Are the West's Sanctions Against Russia Tough Enough?
The West has hit Russia with the toughest sanctions yet, signaling that it is finally getting serious about Russia’s continued support for separatists in eastern Ukraine. Are they enough?
Hollywood Studios Sue 15 South Koreans for Subtitling Their TV Shows Without Permission
South Korean subtitlers were sued by Hollywood studios for their translation of popular TV shows. Is there any talking points missing from Western media report?