Stories from January, 2016
The Rest of the World Is Finally Noticing the Touristic Charms of Central Asia
Often overlooked, five Central Asian Stans are home to magnificent natural beauty and rich culture.
Crowdsourced Photography Website Showcases the Beauty of Everyday Life in Myanmar
As Myanmar prepares to pursue more reforms in the next few months, websites like Featured Collectives are essential in documenting everyday life in a rapidly changing society.
Journalist Claims Australian Broadcasting Corporation Barred Him From Reporting on National Broadband Network
Journalist Tony Ross claims that he was barred by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation from writing about the controversial National Broadband Network .
Netizen Report: Change is on the Horizon for Iran. But Let’s Not Forget Human Rights.
Protesters in Poland say no to unchecked surveillance, Kuwait tightens laws on critical speech, and an exiled Bangladeshi blogger tells his story.
Did a Text Message Lead to the Arrest of This Recently Released Iranian-American Prisoner?
Another prisoner released in the swaps, Nosratollah Khosravi-Roodsari, appears to have been arrested to due to mass surveillance by Iranian authorities. His SMS messages were surveilled.
Think Twice Before You Insult Peruvian Food
Peruvians can be protective of their national cuisine. Radio Ambulante's Daniel Alarcón spoke with two people who dared to speak their mind about the food, with very different results.
Hong Kong’s Plan to Phase Out Domestic Ivory Trade
The authorities in Hong Kong have announced plans to impose a ban on the import and export of elephant hunting trophies, phasing out entirely the domestic ivory trade.
Don't Be Confused. The Panama Hat Is an Old Ecuadorian Tradition
Don't let name confuse you: the Panama hat comes from Ecuador and its manual crafting is a tradition and source of pride among its rural manufacturers.
[TIMELINE] Morocco: Political Repression in the Era of Social Media
Since the mid-2000s, investigative journalists and citizens engaged in political activism online have become regular targets of the Moroccan government. Learn more with this timeline.
Camels Enjoying the Snow in Saudi Arabia
Parts of the desert kingdom of Saudi Arabia are experiencing snowfall -- and netizens are rushing online to document it.
Mexico’s Supreme Court Hands Indigenous Peoples Landmark Victory in Media Representation
The highest court in Mexico declares Article 230 of the Federal Telecommunications and Broadcasting Law to be unconstitutional for discriminating against indigenous languages.
Local Media Coverage of Tunisia's Job Protests Under Criticism
Despite the protesters distancing themselves from vandalism and looting, the media has been focusing on them alone, instead of providing enough coverage of the protesters' demands.
A Rare Snowy Day in Taiwan
Many Taiwanese took the opportunity to take photos of the perhaps once-in-a-lifetime snowy scenery.
How Netizens Are Pushing Back Against ISIS’ Social Media ‘Propaganda Machine’
Alongside the efforts of big companies and governments, many independent groups and individuals are making their own efforts to combat ISIS' activities online.
Activist-Blogger Hossein Ronaghi Maleki Returns To Jail
While much hope and happiness came with the lifting of nuclear sanctions and the release of Iranian-American prisoners in Iran, a blogger and activist returned to jail.
Childrearing Traditions and Weak Policing Are Failing Armenia’s Abused Children
Domestic violence against children continues to be overlooked and underreported in Armenia. One group of activists is doing what it can to raise awareness.
The Lebanese ‘Christian Marriage’ Between Aoun and Geagea Leaves Many Skeptical
When one former warlord endorsed another former warlord, ordinary Lebanese started sharing stories of their suffering during the civil war. Abir Ghattas and Joey Ayoub share some of those stories.
Deus Ex Putina
According to a Russian news site and a whole lot of bloggers, Vladimir Putin’s ex-wife, Lyudmila, has remarried. The RuNet also thinks it's found her Facebook account.
Why I Went Into Exile: A Bangladeshi Blogger Tells His Story
"...[the assailants] want our keyboards, pens to stop...Now its the time to write even more...Otherwise the darkness will win, religious fundamentalism and extremism will win."
#Justice4Morocco: 7 Defenders of Free Expression Face Trial
Since the mid-2000s, the regime of King Mohammed VI has systematically targeted and persecuted Moroccan citizens working to hold their government accountable to its people.
17 Children Killed by Authorities in Ethiopia Land Protests
Most children killed were between the ages of 12 and 17 years old. Citizen media reports also show that many more school children have been injured in the protest movement.
