Featured stories from July 2017
Stories from July, 2017
Crisis in Maldives Parliament: Rejection of the ‘No-Confidence Motion’ Sparks Lockdown
The country is tilting toward authoritarianism as growing accusations mount against President Yameen for silencing dissent and imprisoning political opponents including former President Nasheed, under allegedly made up charges.
Why Are Russians Indifferent to the Syrian Conflict?
"At a minimum, the numerous problems with rights and freedoms in Russia suck up a lot of time...which doesn’t leave energy for problems taking place far from Russia."
Greenpeace's Taiwan Map Error: Oversight or Consequence of China's NGO Management Law?
"In Taiwan, it is very easy...to chant the slogan of independence...but in China, the price is that the dozen people in the office would disappear the next day.”
Young Kyrgyz Music Star Rejects Appointment to Head Museum After Online Backlash
"We are tired of officials’ spouses and kids who get into managing positions.”
Tajik Parliament Plans to Monitor Citizens Who Visit ‘Undesirable’ Websites
The legislation also represents a shift in strategy for the Tajik government, which has historically opted to censor controversial websites and services.
Apple Removes Apps Offering Virtual Private Networks from Its China Store
"It represents the most drastic measure the Chinese government has taken to block the use of VPNs to date, and we are troubled to see Apple aiding China’s censorship efforts."
The African Community Reacts to Emmanuel Macron's Comments on Birth Rates in Africa
"Here is the question that we must ask: is it up to a non-African president to tell our women how many children they should have?"
Brunei Government Employee Complaining About Halal Certification Charged with Sedition Over Facebook Post
"Anyways that guy that's being charged with speaking out against the govt is a reminder that we don't have freedom of speech," wrote a Twitter user.
The Kyrgyz “Dancing Kelin” Protests Early Marriage By Calling Attention to the Harsh Realities of Rural Brides
“Life in the village is round-the-clock work. Brides finish one chore and start another. They work 24/7.”
The Rise and Fall of a ‘Patriotic Investment Charity’ in China
Despite the government crackdown, many Shanxinhui’s members insist that Shanxinhui is a legitimate patriotic business.
Videos Document Torture of Ruby Miners in Mozambique
In the images shared on social media, flagged by Facebook as sensitive, the seriousness of the torture the miners were subjected to in Namanhumbir’s ruby mines is obvious.
Philippines: On Facebook's Free Version, Fake News is Even Harder to Spot
Free Basics' limitations leave poorer users at a loss, giving them less access to useful information -- and little capacity to determine whether news is reliable or not.
As Kenyans Go to the Polls on August 8, Here Are the Things to Watch
After avoiding a repeat of 2007 with peaceful elections in 2013, "the odds this year appear once again stacked against the smooth running of the polls."
In Macedonia, Geeks Create Free Accommodation Platform In Reaction to Hotel Price Hike for Super Cup Fans
A bunch of geeks who call themselves 'WeTalkIT' offered Manchester United and Real Madrid fans the means to find a free place to stay during Skopje's UEFA Super Cup.
Netizen Report: New Research Tests Facebook’s Digital ‘On Ramp’ for Developing Countries
Global Voices Advocacy's Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
What Do Election Results Signal About Women's Political Participation in Iran?
Iranian election results, although mixed, signal hope for an Iran where women’s voices matter on both national and local levels.
In Paraguay, Poverty Creates a Cycle of Women Caring for Other Women's Children
Thousands of Paraguayan women are forced to move to Argentina and Spain as caregivers while leaving their own families behind to be cared for by other women.
Vietnamese Activist Trần Thị Nga Sentenced to 9 Years for ‘Propaganda’
The 40-year-old Trần Thị Nga, also known by her pen name “Thúy Nga,” is a prominent advocate for migrants and land rights.
Facebook’s Free Basics Doesn't Connect You to the Global Internet – But it Does Collect Your Data
Regardless of whether they log into Facebook, users of Free Basics are constantly sharing their data with Facebook.
In Uganda's Parliament, the Arc of the Moral Universe Bends Toward Sexism
"The parliament that once roared with socially progressive legislators...is now a circus where one can refer to imaginary studies to deny the experiences of victims of violence, with little opposition."
Is Free Basics Really Bringing More Africans Online? A Case Study From Ghana
A group of Global Voices contributors tested the Free Basics app in six countries across the globe this spring. Here's what we found in Ghana.
