Stories from 17 July 2015
What You Need to Know About Ethiopia v. Zone9 Bloggers: Verdict Expected July 20
Ethiopia's Zone9 bloggers have appeared in court 30 times in 15 months, and been adjourned each time. "This is no anomaly in Ethiopia’s highly compromised judiciary system," says Endalk Chala.
Cuba Si, Google No: Cuban Officials Rumored to Reject Google's Free WiFi Offer
In the words of a journalist who has resided in Havana since the early 1990s, "They say that when the donation is too large, even the poor become suspicious."
After 6 Years in Jail, the Iranian ‘Blogfather’ Says Today's Internet Has Changed—for the Worse
Derakhshan, a former Global Voices writer, was incarcerated for six years for his blogging. His first English-language piece since his release criticizes the current state of the Internet.
Enough With the ‘Us Versus Them Mentality'—We Are All Trinidadian
Lily Kwok posted a photo of herself on Facebook holding a placard that said, "I will not 'Go back to China'. I am Trinidadian" following a spate of anti-Chinese racism.
Humanizing Politics and Building Bridges: Katie Brown's Literature-Based View of Venezuela
A researcher from the United Kingdom talks to Global Voices about Venezuela's contemporary literature and how local fiction helps decipher a country misunderstood by many.
Explaining the Appeal of the Song ‘Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika’ Across Africa and Beyond
"Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" means "Lord Bless Africa" but its message resonates at a deeper level for many Africans and non-Africans alike.
One Puerto Rican Island's 135-Year History of Struggle and Victory
A short documentary by the monthly newspaper Diálogo commemorates the 40 years since the people of Culebra expelled the US Navy and 135 years since the island municipality was founded.
Why Do Activists and the European Parliament Oppose Cambodia’s NGO Law?
“The real purpose of this law is to exercise control over groups of citizens who want to speak out.”
The Force Isn't Strong With Trinidad & Tobago's Newest Political Party
The Third Force Movement announced less than two weeks after its launch that it will not be contesting the country's general elections in September. Cue the Star Wars jokes.
Are Countries Legally Required to Protect Their Citizens From Climate Change?
Science writer Sophia Schweitzer looks at a landmark court decision ordering the Dutch government to act faster to protect its citizens against the harmful effects of climate change.
Psychologist Leaves St. Petersburg University After Pressure from Anti-LGBT Group
The St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University has dissolved a sex-change medical board, and apparently fired Dmitry Isaev, the doctor who headed the commission, following an anti-LGBT campaign.