Stories from January, 2015
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".
World Leaders’ Paris March Participation Provokes Wave of Criticism
Internet users responding to images of world leaders at the Paris march against terrorism earlier this month displayed what might be called a "consensus of mockery."
Israel's Arab Sector on Strike Over Alleged Police Brutality
The "unintentional" deaths of two men from the Bedouin city of Rahat has brought to the fore tensions over "the conduct of the police in confronting Arab citizens."
Saudi King Abdulla Dies at the Age of 90; Succeeded by Salman, 79
After weeks of speculation, Saudi Arabia today [January 23, 2015] announced the death of King Abdulla bin Abdulaziz, 90. He is now succeeded by his other brother Salman, 79.
The Secret Language of Turkey's LGBT Community
In Turkey, the LGBT community and others keep have created a secret language, or argot, called Lubunca to keep out prying ears.
WhatsApp, Line and Tango in Jeopardy in Iran, As President and Judiciary Clash
Culture Minister Ali Jannati refused to say if the government would implement the ban on three messaging services. They currently remain accessible to Iranians.
Russian Politician Tells Public to ‘Eat Less,’ As Food Prices Rise
“If you’re short on money,” Gaffner said, “just remember that we’re all Russian citizens. We just need to give some thought to our health and eat a bit less.”
Caribbean Perspectives on the Charlie Hebdo Free Speech vs. Intolerance Debate
Two Caribbean bloggers discuss religious fundamentalism in the context of the Charlie Hebdo attack and wonder if the tragedy can be used as an opportunity to change the idealogical narrative.
A Musical Feast: Puerto Rico Indie's List of the Best 14 Albums of 2014
Although 2014 ended almost one month ago, it is never too late to enjoy the blog Puerto Rico Indie's service to curious ears.
Myanmar's Nationalist Monk Attacks UN Envoy in His Speech
The Buddhist nationalist monk is not happy over the UN rapporteur's statement concerning the plight of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.
America's Digital Diplomacy in Russia After Michael McFaul
McFaul's commentary spanned both his professional and personal life, and he was not afraid to engage with his online audience, even when that meant fighting a "Twitter war."
Georgians Show Solidarity after Family is Massacred in Armenia
Joseph Smith documented a Facebook-organized event held in Georgia in support of Armenia, currently suffering following the massacre of a family by a Russian soldier near a Kremlin military installation.
The Leading Cause of Death in Developing Countries Might Surprise You
Is it malnutrition and undernutrition? Malaria? Nope. It’s time to pay attention to a startling stealth killer in developing countries around the world.
Hong Kong Police Make Appointments With Occupy Central Activists For Their Arrests
Netizens are not sure what to make of Hong Kong police officers calling Occupy Central Movement protesters - ostensibly as a courtesy - to inform them of their pending arrests.
Indonesia's Pick for Top Cop is a Suspect in a Bribery Scandal
The police chief nominee also made suspicious bank transactions as a police officer, according to the country's anti-corruption agency. Many Indonesians think this makes Budi Gunawan unfit for the job.
One Month on, Pakistanis Pledge to #NeverForget the Horrific Peshawar School Massacre
Campaigners urged overseas Pakistanis to join “not just by sending funds, but by going to Pakistani embassies wherever they live” to send a strong message to the government.
Activists Urge Pope Francis to Drop Fossil Fuel Investments During Philippines Visit
In Tacloban, during an organized luncheon with victims from Typhoon Haiyan, the pope was hand delivered a letter including a call for the Vatican to divest from fossil fuels.
Eight Years After His Death, Turkish-Armenian Hrant Dink Still Cannot Rest in Peace
Eight years ago today ethnic Armenian journalist Hrant Dink was murdered by a nationalist teenager in broad daylight. The rest of the story remains untold.