Stories from 4 February 2015
Stop the Music: Spotify Cancels Launch in Russia
Spotify is leaving Russia in response to the economic crisis, the political situation, and the draconian Internet laws.
US-Cuba Policy Experts Discuss ‘Deep Differences’ on Human Rights
The debate on human rights in Cuba implies a thorough review of the model of democracy in this country.
World Leaders Mourn Saudi Oil Monarch as ‘Strong Advocate for Women’
World leaders expressed their condolences following the death of Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Some even went as far as calling him a "strong advocate for women."
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?"
After 29 Years in Power, Ugandan President Museveni Won't Leave Office
"So its official. There is no democracy in Uganda. It's about Museveni and his Army."
Who Do We Lose With Internet Censorship and Control?
"Through Internet censorship and control we lose an ability to be our own secret human – the one we are when nobody is around."
Being a Member of Parliament in Uganda is a Lucrative Business
It is a very lucrative business to be a legislator in Uganda as Prudence explains: Friends, being a Member of Parliament in Uganda is good business. All you need to do is buy your way into the August House with a few sachets of salt, pieces of soap, some sugar...
Massive Fire Hits Treasured Moscow Library
According to radio station Echo of Moscow, roughly 15 percent of the library's total collection, including rare Slavic texts dating back to the 16th century, is no more.
Trinidad & Tobago's ‘Pass-the-Buck’ Politics
Her attorney general faces obstruction-of-justice charges, but the prime minister has laid the blame for her government's woes elsewhere.
Ex-Nigerian Military Dictator Running for President Dodges TV Debate
The main opposition candidate for Nigeria's presidential election, former military dictator and retired General Muhammadu Buhari, recently declined participating in a presidential debate.
Mumbai Newspaper Editor Fired, Arrested for Republishing Charlie Hebdo Cartoon
Shirin Dalvi is accused of hurting religious sentiments. She says printing the cartoon was an honest mistake, but that no one is listening to her side of the story.
Sinai Residents Pushed Out of Their Homes, as Egyptian Forces Fight “Terrorism”
The State of Sinai, a militant group previously called Ansar Bayt Al-Maqdis (ABM) before announcing its allegiance to ISIS, claimed responsibility for the attacks, which left over 25 dead.
The Collapse of Media Freedom in Bulgaria
Bulgaria has slid in international press freedom rankings, and corruption and lack of transparency plague the country's media sector.
Natural Hair Gets Barbados School in a Twist
It's nothing new, but netizens cannot understand why natural black hairstyles are deemed so offensive to authority figures in the Caribbean. Could race, rank and personal grooming be so intertwined?