Stories from January, 2015
Grindr in the Kremlin: Gay and Online in Putin's Russia
Russia's "balanced" anti-homosexual legislation has turned the Internet from a safe haven into a battleground in Kremlin’s assault on the Russian LGBT community.
How Putin Secretly Conquered Russia's Social Media Over the Past 3 Years
In a special column for RuNet Echo, TV Rain's online chief editor, Ilya Klishin, discusses the Kremlin's slow but steady capture of online social media in Russia.
Höség: Water and Windproof Solidarity
Höség is a Hungarian word that means heat, and that's what supportive people are giving children in the highest zones of Peruvian Andes, where temperatures are so low that “it's...
Language Politics Back in the Spotlight in Afghanistan
Dari and Pashto, Afghanistan's two most widely-spoken languages, are also the country's two official languages. In parliament, the two tongues vie for power.
Our Voices: Juan Tadeo in México
Our contributor in Mexico, Juan Tadeo, tells us how he became involved in Global Voices, what he likes to write about, and what he's learned of citizen journalism.
The Parallels Between France's Charlie Hebdo and Ecuador's Bonil
A few tweets recall the sanctions placed on cartoonist Bonil in Ecuador, paralleling his situation to the Charlie Hebdo tragedy in France and the debate over freedom of expression.
Trinidad & Tobago Journalist Marcia Henville's Murder Shocks the Nation
A popular journalist dies in a fire, but autopsy results confirm that she was murdered. Netizens want justice in what many assume to be a domestic violence case.
A Website Fine Rekindles a Controversy About the Use of Personal Data in Perú
A Peruvian website that publishes open data was closed down after being fined, rekindling a debate about the use of personal data in the country.
Citizens Refuse to See India's Garden City Reduced to Waste
Rather than trash the authorities' handling of Bangalore's garbage problem, residents are finding innovative ways in which to deal with the massive amounts of waste generated by the city.
Nepal's #SmashChairChallenge Pressures the Constituent Assembly to Draft the Constitution
By satirising the infamous incident in which Constituent Assembly members threw chairs in protest over a new national constitution, the Nepali blogosphere is having a smashing time on Twitter.
10 Ways Mexicans Can Reclaim Their Troubled Country, According to Denisse Dresser
Political analyst Denise Dresser gave a talk reflecting on ways to be a citizen in today's Mexico. The YouTube video has received thousands of views and sparked important conversations.
Yemen, a Country Without a President and Government
Yemen, often described as a “failed state”, has become a country without a president and a government. Even Yemenis living inside the country are perplexed by the latest dramatic developments.
36 Killed, Internet Shut Down Briefly in DR Congo as Protests Flare Against President Kabila
Violent clashes between police and protesters against Kabila's electoral reform have resulted in 36 deaths in DR Congo over the past few days.
Tajikistan's President Talks About Problems, Parliament Applauds?
Tajikistan's outgoing parliament is good at cheering the president and rubber-stamping his decisions. Don't expect any changes when a new one arrives in March.
A Tajik Bazaar Director Accused of Beating an Orphan to Death Faces Public Fury
People in Tajikistan are questioning human life's worth after a 17-year-old orphan was seemingly beaten to death for stealing just over $70 and some food.
Cape Town's Fancy Galada Sings to Heal Herself and Others
Fancy Galada grew up quickly, taking care of her younger siblings at age 10. And at times it was terrifying. She sings to help herself heal from those early experiences.
Thailand's Military-Appointed Legislature Impeaches Ousted Prime Minister
Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was impeached for implementing a rice pledging program which critics decried as anomalous and disastrous.
Another Day, Another Violent Police Crackdown Against Protesters in Brazil
Military police are accused of violently suppressing a protest against publication transportation fare hikes in Sao Paulo.
Japanese PM's ‘Triple Disaster’ Response to ISIS Ransom Demands
The prime minister dispatched a notably pro-Israel Japanese lawmaker to Jordan to deal with the crisis and delivered his response to ISIS's demands standing in front of an Israeli flag.
Once Again, Mexicans Will Have a Starring Role at the Oscars
Birdman and La Parka are movies with Mexican talent that are nominated at the Oscars. González Iñárritu y Lubezki are after the award, as well as Serra Argüello from Nicaragua.
Hong Kongers Should Have the Right To Be Forgotten, Says HK Privacy Commissioner
Commissioner Chiang argues that concerns about the policy infringing on freedom of expression are "overblown".