Stories from April, 2016
Here's a Map That Shows You What the Japanese Really Think of Europe
According to Japanese stereotypes, which country in Europe has the most luxurious prisons? And which country in Europe is full of stupid people? And why can't Latvians eat potatoes?
European Union Slams China Over Missing Hong Kong Booksellers
"The case involves a serious violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms and raises grave concerns about the rule of law under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle..."
Indigenous Echoes, Broadcasting the Voices of Mexican Diversity on the Web
A Mexican initiative brings the indigenous radio to the Internet and to the world.
Mexico’s Controversial ‘Telecom Law’ Is Now in the Supreme Court’s Court
"In a country with a serious democratic deficit and in which public officials are responsible for attacks on journalists and dissidents, these measures could be used to pursue uncomfortable opinions."
Arrests Add Fuel to Anti-Impunity Protesters’ Fire in Macedonia
"We have shaken the regime! But we must not yield or surrender! The fight is not over! We must go to protests in mass numbers."
Imprisoned Iranian Cartoonist Hadi Heidari Goes Free
"By the grace of God, I was released from Evin Prison tonight after serving time. Thank you all for the kindness," Hadi Heidari wrote on Instagram.
Xulhaz Mannan, an LGBT Activist in Bangladesh, Is the Latest Victim in a String of Brutal Killings
Since 2005, at least 23 bloggers and activists have been killed and scores of others attacked or threatened with death for their progressive and secular views.
French Activists Say If You Are Harassed or You See Harassment on the Street, Speak Up
One 2014 study revealed that 85% of women in Paris "have little faith" that anyone would come to their aide if they were assaulted on the metro.
Russian Prosecutor General Accuses ‘Right Sector’ of Using Social Media to Overthrow the Kremlin
The Russian Prosecutor General claims that Ukrainian nationalist group "Right Sector" used the Russian social network VKontakte to organize "mass riots and unsanctioned public events."
After Weeks of Scorching Heat, Myanmar Is Hit by the Worst Hailstorm in 50 Years
Strong winds struck Mandalay, Sagaing, and the states of Shan and Chin, while hailstones as big as golf balls rained down on these regions.
Latin America's Women Confront Sexual Harassment By Sharing Their Stories of Abuse
Over the past few days, tens of thousands of women across Latin America have shared harrowing testimonies of their first (and often not their last) experiences with sexual harassment.
Ecuadorians Come Together Online to Help Those Affected by the Earthquake
"Citizens have taken charge of all the organizing and the collaboration, there was no need for Rafael Correa in this country."
Iranian Cartoonist Atena Farghadani's Prison Sentence Reduced From 12 Years to 18 Months
"To my cartooning colleagues around the world: let's keep watching and speaking out for Atena Farghadani."
A University Professor Is Hacked to Death, Another Victim of Deadly Intolerance in Bangladesh
Rezaul Karim Siddique joins a long list of intellectuals, bloggers and foreigners who have lost their lives in similar killings purportedly carried out by Islamist militants.
The ‘Urabá Diaries’ Lay Bare the Struggles and Hopes of Young People in Colombia's North
Stories of the Urabeños who, despite armed conflict, the government's indifference, and education systems lacking tolerance, refuse to let history define their future.
Journalist Zoran Božinovski's Supporters Fear Extradition to Macedonia Puts Him at Risk of Torture
"The Serbian government will bear responsibility if Božinovski is exposed to inhuman treatment in Macedonian prisons."
Puerto Ricans Take Heart in ‘Hamilton’ Creator Lin-Manuel Miranda's Success
While Puerto Rico is in the midst of a financial crisis, dramaturg Lin-Manuel Miranda's success has brought happiness and hope.
Japan Gets Ready to Plant Rice During ‘Golden Week’
"Flooding the fields before planting really makes this a representative scene of Japan. The call of the Japanese nightingale echoes throughout the valley. I am entranced by the scene."
The Next Attack on Russia's Free Press Comes Into Focus
Someone in Russia desperately wants people to think a billionaire is preparing to sell off two particularly important assets: the energy company Quadra and the media holding group RBC.
Three Brave Women Launch Campaign to Encourage Reporting Acts of Sexual Violence in Mexico
With the confidence that "when one of us is touched, we all respond", the "Don't remain silent" campaign encourages reporting acts of sexual violence committed daily against women in Mexico.
Azerbaijan's Hunger Games: Independent Media on the Brink
"We declare yet again, by opening this absurd criminal investigation the government of Azerbaijan is creating barriers to freedom of speech, and journalism activity."
