Stories from 4 June 2015
‘Writing Code Is Not a Crime': Jailed Iranian Web Developer Saeed Malekpour Turns 40
"It is not justice to keep a talented software engineer in jail just because the software he developed was used by others for reasons deemed illegal by the Iranian government."
An 8-Year-Old Schoolgirl's Murder Has Taiwan Debating the Death Penalty
Despite having ratified certain international covenants, Taiwan continues to practice capital punishment, with the approval of the majority of Taiwanese.
Israel Launches Multiple Airstrikes in Gaza
Three blasts were heard across Gaza as Israel launched airstrikes in response to rockets launched by a Hamas rival, ISIS-linked Omar Brigades. How has the ceasefire held since last summer?
German Online University Aims to Bring Higher Education to Refugees
Students can enroll in classes without proof of identity, and tuition is entirely free. The only time a student must verify their identity with the university is upon graduation.
Why the Numbers 64, 89 and 535 Are Missing From the Chinese Internet
Today is June 4, the 26th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests of 1989. In recent years, some numbers have gone missing on the Chinese Internet because of censorship. These numbers are 64, 89 and 535 — which stands for May 35, a popular way to refer to June 4. They are...
The Singapore Government Pulled the Funding for This Comic Book, and Now Readers Only Want It More
"What is the criteria for deciding if a work crosses unacceptable boundaries? Why shouldn't good art be commercially self-sustainable anyway?"
‘We're Here for Our Families': Filipino Workers on Strike Share Hopes for Tomorrow
“We are fighting for regularization so that we will not lose our livelihood. This is for all the workers abused by the company.”
Selfie Campaign Promotes Interfaith Tolerance and Ethnic Diversity in Myanmar
"He is a Sikh and I'm a Muslim. But we are friends. Although we have diversities, we share our own opinions and beliefs, we accept and respect our different identities."
Trials of Being an African Musician in New York
Osekre, the leader of New York based Afro-punk band Osekre and The Lucky Bastards, reveals the trials and tribulations of being an African musician in New York: I wish I received a heads up by friends in the real world about the reality of being a musician in New York City....
On Assisted Dying Ruling By a South African Court
Professor Pierre de Vos weighs in on the debate about assisted dying in South Africa after a South African High Court ruled that a dying person is entitled to be assisted by a qualified medical doctor to end his or her life: It is important to note that the ruling...
