Stories from August, 2017
Okinawans Protesting US Military Base Asked If They ‘Understand Japanese’
"Okinawa has historically been discriminated against because of its dialect and has suffered under American occupation. It's hard to forgive such language."
Is Cameroonian Journalist Ahmed Abba’s Imprisonment Because of Security, or Is It an Attack on the Press?
"This is an attack on the press. It's as if they want to criminalize journalism as an occupation in Cameroon. All they're accusing Ahmed Abba of is being a professional."
India’s Latest Internet Shutdown Hits Haryana and Punjab
According to the New Delhi-based Software Freedom Law Centre, India has seen 106 internet shutdowns since 2012.
Amid a Teacher Strike, a Powerful Image Shakes Up Peruvian Social Media
"The single gesture of caressing this petite lady on the face makes him –magically– a tender giant".
From Afro-Spanish Identity to De-colonial Studies in Anthropology
"Today I want to believe that we are in a different phase, with greater empowerment, visibility, and recognition of African descended populations, although there is still a lot of ignorance."
Netizen Report: Vietnam Targets ‘Illegal Cyber Information’ — and Political Speech
Global Voices Advocacy's Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in internet rights around the world.
‘Massacre’ of Suspected Gang Members Has Mozambicans Asking: What's the Role of Police?
Police maintained their intention was "to neutralize" the men, who died in a shootout. Some Mozambicans were quick to say police shouldn't be in the business of killing people.
India’s Supreme Court Says Privacy Is a Fundamental Right. How Did This Happen?
A series of citizen petitions attempting to challenge the implementation of India's Aadhaar biometric ID system preceded the historic court decision.
An Indian Transgender Couple Receives Death Threats After Announcing Plans to Marry and Adopt
"We too have the same rights to live in this world, as you all are having...We aren't disturbing anyone else. In fact, we've to fight a lot to survive itself."
Rape Conviction of an Indian Cult Chief Leaves Millions of Followers in Limbo
As the chief headed to court in Panchkula with a convoy of 700 cars, thousands of followers gathered on the streets of Haryana and Punjab in support of their 'godman.'
Guatemala's Top Court Rules President Can't Expel Anti-Corruption Commissioner
Guatemalans headed back to the streets to celebrate the court's decision and demand that the president step down.
Provisional Election Results Show Angola's Longtime Ruling Party Is Staying Put
On 23 August, more than 9 million Angolans were called to elect the new president.
One Year On: Uzbekistan's Unhappy Ex-Ruling Family
A year has passed since despot Islam Karimov died, following 27 years in power. He left behind feuding relatives and a toxic regime.
The Evolution of China's Great Firewall: 21 Years of Censorship
Technically speaking, circumvention technologies have outwitted the Great Firewall. Yet the new legal regime has changed the rules of the game.
Russia's Blind Footballers Overcome Underfunding and Doping Scrutiny to Become European Champions
The victory comes a year after the team was disqualified from the Paralympic Games due to the ban levied as part of the wider doping scandal.
Thousands of Rohingyas Fleeing Violence Are Stranded on the Bangladesh-Myanmar Border
"Desperate scenes at Bangladesh's border as Border Guard try to prevent entry to fleeing #Rohingya"
Guatemala’s Battle Against Corruption Reaches a Critical Tipping Point
On a rocky road toward more transparency, Guatemalans are back on the streets to protest corruption and demanding their president to step down... again.
New Zealand Artists Launch ‘We Are Beneficiaries’ Social Media Campaign to Highlight Welfare Concerns
My wish for Work and Income New Zealand is that they treat our older citizens with deep respect, especially if they are caring for grandchildren."
Nigeria's President Surprises With a Speech Not About His Health, but About Ethnic Tensions
President Muhammadu Buhari finally returned after three months in the UK on medical vacation, and his first public address flagged online comments that "question[ed] our collective existence as a nation."
30km Protest ‘Swim’ from Tobago to Trinidad Turns Into ‘Another Post-Colonial Tale’
"Those Tobago transport woes are real. Maybe it's a PR stunt, but it's a bold move to draw necessary attention to travel challenges between Trinidad and Tobago."
Shanty Towns in Conakry and Freetown: Mismanagement and Vulnerability in Africa's Booming Capitals
For several days now, bulldozers have been demolishing houses in Démoudoula, Conakry, leaving men, women and children on the streets.
