Stories from 9 June 2016
How Russians Learned to Laugh About the End of Money
Spontaneous encounters with ordinary citizens are always difficult for politicians, and Dmitry Medvedev—whose greatest political asset has been his absence of charisma—handled a recent incident as awkwardly as you'd expect.
Body Shaming on the Floor of Pakistan's Parliament: ‘Someone Make This Tractor Trolley Keep Quiet’
"The weakest of the weak; the ones who have no clue what intellect or intelligence is...usually indulge in name-calling or nasty jibes."
Colorful, Human-Powered Rickshaws Rule the Road in Bangladesh's Capital Dhaka
"...aside from the sound of car-horns, the constant sonic backdrop is a chorus of tinkling bicycle bells and the tin carcases of empty rickshaws rattling over the uneven roads."
Popular Sports Website Goes Offline in Uzbekistan in Wake of Fan Controversy
"Football and show business were the only areas where criticism was allowed and tolerated. And now even here they are choking the voice of the public."
Mexico, on the Mountaintop, or in the Abyss?
Forced disappearances, mass graves, widespread impunity, a devaluing currency, economic crisis. Does anyone still think Mexico is on the right track?
The Difficulty and Uncertainty of Life in Turkey as a Syrian Refugee
"Employers discriminated against us. I met people who were forced to do hard labor for little money. They lived like robots. I didn’t want that."
Pakistan's Censor Has a Thing or Two to Say About ‘Immoral’ Television
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority recently issued a "show-cause" notice to a TV channel regarding a drama series that portrays the issue of sexual abuse against children.
No Country for Gags? Politicians Go After Indian Comedian Over Snapchat Video
Indian right-wing political parties armed with police complaints have threatened comedian Tanmay Bhat for posting a parody video on two prominent Indian celebrities.