Stories from 16 March 2017
Going to University in Paraguay Can Be a Life-or-Death Decision (Part Two)
"I envy the opportunities they have on the the other side of the river. For us, this is another world."
The Amazing, Endearing PSAs of the Belarusian Ministry of Emergencies
The Belarusian ministry in charge of managing disasters and national emergencies has produced a cartoon show. The series features animals in Looney-Toons-style misadventures, and teaches children how to stay safe.
Life Inside a Leprosy Colony in Myanmar
Pyay Kyaw visits patients at the St. Joseph Cotto Legnos Leprosy Colony, home to people like Maya, who once was forced to live in her town’s cemetery due to stigma.
UAE Court Sentences Jordanian Journalist Tayseer al-Najjar to Prison
UAE authorities took issue with a Facebook post that Tayseer al-Najjar published before he had even moved to the country.
Netizen Report: Azerbaijani Bloggers Targeted with Legal Threats, Spearphishing
Censorship is up in France, China is censoring scientists (again), and Facebook tells developers to stop using network data for surveillance.
British Cruise Ship Destroys Pristine Coral Reefs in West Papua
"This damaged area could take hundreds of years to re-grow. Noble Caledonia need to take responsibility for this and help rebuild this reef!"
A Syrian Activist's Japanese-Language Message to the People of Japan
"Syria is witnessing a revolutionary call for freedom and dignity for its entire people." Will Japan help?
Guatemala Mourns Dozens of Girls at a Children’s Shelter Left to Die in a Fire
“The girls rebelled and set fire to their mattresses so they would be allowed out of their rooms.” But they weren't.
St. Petersburg Investigators Agree to Review Ballot Stuffing Allegations
It doesn't happen often in Russia, but police have agreed to investigate a case of potential voter fraud from last September's elections in St. Petersburg.
