Stories from 19 July 2017
A Water Weed Is Damaging Ethiopia's Largest Lake and Putting Livelihoods at Risk
The lake has become a symbol of the dire state of Ethiopia’s natural resources at a time when Ethiopia’s fast-growing population needs more of everything.
How the Assault on Independent Media in Bahrain Silenced a Trusted Regional Watchdog
"Freedom of expression is under sustained attack here. With the shuttering of Al Wasat, there is no real journalism left.”
Is the Legalisation of Marijuana in Trinidad & Tobago an ‘Idea Whose Time Has Come'?
"The only ones benefiting from keeping marijuana illegal are the drug gangs and they will be forced out of business by legitimate dealers..."
China's Xinjiang Residents Are Being Forced to Install Surveillance Apps on Mobile Phones
Local netizens reported that police officers at check points are randomly searching residents' devices to see if they have installed the surveillance app.
Ethiopia's Music of Resistance Stays Strong, Despite Repression
Amid wide-scale protests and a violent government crackdown, Afan Oromo musicians have begun to rise as a visible — and audible — driving inspiration for the opposition movement.
Poles Rally to Defend the Independent Judiciary From Ruling Party's Reforms
"Warsaw rally for #democracy and #ruleoflaw in #Poland continues... Candles symbolise hope for freedom and a better future."
Lost in Translation in Central Asia: Keep it in the Family
'Tuuganchylyk' has already jettisoned two Kyrgyz leaders and their kin into lives of exile. The Trumps clearly weren't paying attention.
Mexican-American Researchers Reclaim Heritage to Radically Change the Way We Eat
"Decolonizing our diets is a political stance, one that rejects white supremacy and Eurocentrism as the organizing narrative of “healthy” food and recognizes cultural knowledge held by our immigrant communities."
In Bangladesh, Fear Drives Headline-Making Spate of Snake Killings
"The mainstream media is spreading the news with enthusiasm. This is leading to more people being interested in killing these animals."
