Stories from 23 February 2015
Arrival of Yellow Dust Marks Start of Spring Headaches for Japan
Fukuoka in Japan is experiencing its first "yellow dust" day of the season, three months early.
‘Birdman’ Director Puts Mexico Front and Center at Oscars
The "Birdman" director electrified Twitter with his acceptance speech at the Oscars, discussing the Mexican government and the situation of Mexican immigrants in the United States.
The Stale Catch in Croatia's “Fresh Start” Debt Erasure Program
Croatia's government has received praise for its decision to wipe the debt of its poorest citizens. But will this "Fresh Start" really help Croatians?
A Love Letter to Jailed Syrian-Palestinian Bassel Khartabil
As the ongoing strife in Syria fades from international headlines, Leila Nachawati writes an appeal inspired by a love letter to jailed blogger Bassel Safadi written on Valentine's Day.
Iranian Classroom Condemns Anti-Afghan Discrimination With ‘We Are Ashamed’ Campaign
Afghan refugees in Iran often face widespread discrimination and experience racist treatment from Iranians. The #ashamed campaign has more than 20,000 likes on Facebook.
Trinidad & Tobago Law Students Create Anti-Bullying Campaign
Student attorneys from various parts of the Caribbean come together to help eradicate bullying in schools, which they regard as a human rights issue.
The Translation Detail Everyone Missed in the China Internet’s Incredibly Surreal Anthem
Below is an edited version of “The Translation Detail Everyone Missed in the China Internet's Incredibly Surreal Anthem“ by Jason Li, originally published on the blog 88 Bar and republished here as part of a content-sharing agreement. In case you missed it, the New York Times, ProPublica, the Guardian and the Atlantic all wrote about...
It's a Lock In!: Tajikistan's Ruling Party Holds Pre-election Rallies by Force
Mass public participation is not just desirable in Tajik President Emomali Rahmon's heavily-managed democracy, it is mandatory.
Egyptian Blogger Alaa Abd El Fattah Sentenced to Five Years in Jail
Prominent Egyptian activist and blogger Alaa Abd El Fattah, an icon of the Egyptian revolution, was sentenced to five years in prison today.
Uncertainty Over Saman Naseem's Execution in Iran
Several conflicting reports about Naseem's execution and continued incarceration have circulated online.
