Stories from May, 2017
When Journalists Are Attacked, Macedonian Authorities Are Dangerously Slow to Act
Some media workers who were targeted during mob violence at Macedonia's parliament in April haven't filed reports with police because they don't believe anything will come of them.
In the Age of Trump, Fewer Lenders in the US Want to Provide This Med Student With Student Loans
Just 160 out of 11,300 applicants were accepted to Loyola’s medical school. But that’s not the only hurdle for undocumented students who get a coveted spot.
Egypt Ups Systematic Efforts to Silence Independent Media
In an environment of persistent conflict, free and independent media that cover events in the public interest — not in the interests of politicians — is more important than ever.
An Interview With Anna Veduta, Russian Activist, Expert, and Feminist
RuNet Echo speaks to Anna Veduta about her work for Russia’s anti-corruption crusader, her relocation to the United States, and her experience as a regional expert and feminist.
Aussie Tennis Icon's Star Fades Over Opposition to Marriage Equality
Australian tennis great Margaret Court is at the center of an angry tweetstorm after refusing to fly with Qantas airlines because of its support for same-sex marriage.
Ethiopian Protester Sentenced to Six Years Behind Bars for Facebook Posts
The 30-year-old activist has been an outspoken opponent of government’s violent response to the popular protest movement. And he is not alone.
‘Untranslatable’ Blog Shines a Light on the Unique Vocabulary of Small Languages
Do you know what "vakasteglok" in the Mwotlap language means? How about "kwadi" in the Hunsrik language?
In India, Medical Treatment and Justice Remain Elusive for One Survivor of Domestic Violence
“Her in-laws demanded 50,000 rupees. I couldn’t afford it. So her husband attacked her,” Rajvati's father said. Rajvati herself cannot speak because her larynx was left severed.
The Male Romper Gives the Caribbean Blogosphere a Lot to Ponder
Male rompers + the Caribbean = social media gold? Here's a glimpse at some of the discussion happening around Romphims in the regional blogosphere.
After Reelection, Iran's President Rouhani Abandons Promise to Free Green Movement Leaders
President Hassan Rouhani refused to commit to ending the more than six-year extrajudicial house arrests of three opposition leaders—a pledge he made during his first presidential campaign.
Kaqchikel and Other Guatemalan Languages Gain Momentum Online Thanks to Digital Activism
The Digital Activism Meeting for Indigenous Languages took place in Guatemala and brought together important initiatives for the visibility and strengthening of Mayan languages through technology.
Netizen Report: In India and Jamaica, Women Face Threats for Resisting Misogyny Online
In Malaysia and Azerbaijan, officials go after media for political coverage. Meanwhile, with major social media sites banned, Kashmiris have turned to local platform KashBook.
The Election of Dr. Tedros as WHO Director-General Isn't Exactly Uniting Ethiopians
"You won a free election, congratulations. Now, why don't you try that here in #Ethiopia?!"
The Long and Winding Road of Chile's Gender Identity Law
After four years of parliamentary process, Chile's Gender Identity Law goes to the Senate. And there are some big problems with the legislation.
Iraqi Parliament Slammed for Bill Restricting Free Speech, Right to Protest
Instead of working to ensure stronger protections for freedoms, the Iraqi parliament is rather seeking to pass a repressive law.
Cries of Impunity as Macedonia's ‘Bloody Thursday’ Parliament Attackers Get Suspended Sentences
According to members of the security forces who spoke anonymously to journalists, the attackers planned to execute people, but were deterred by the eyewitnesses filming the event on their phones.
‘We Can Finally Get Married!': Taiwan to Become First Asian Country to Recognise Gay Marriage
Taiwan's constitutional court ordered the legislature to either amend the Civil Code or introduce new provisions to recognise same-sex marriage within two years.
Is the Belt and Road Project the Answer to China's Economic Woes? Some Aren't So Sure.
"...the risk for bad debt is huge. While other countries can easily back down from the initiative, as the leader of the initiative, China will be the last to quit."
Following Uproar, Shia Leader Tries to Make Amends With Iraq's Christian Community
Past comments by Alaa al-Moussawi sparked a number of lawsuits by Christian Iraqi families for disturbing the plurality of Iraq. He has since apologized.
When a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Wrong Words
The story of how a photo of a horrific accident in the Democratic Republic of Congo seven years ago took on a life of its own. WARNING: Contains violent images.
Trinidad & Tobago Ministers Rack Up Big Bills—and Social Media Outrage
Trinidad and Tobago netizens are tired of public officials wantonly spending taxpayers' money, especially in a sluggish economy.