Stories from September, 2017
Speaking of Independence Is Getting Harder for Hong Kongers
"The universities can say they don’t support Hong Kong independence, but students and teachers should have the freedom of speech to discuss Hong Kong independence."
Evidence of Government Surveillance in Mexico Continues to Mount
Intrusive technologies used to intimidate and silence dissent continue to be used in Mexico.
German Anti-Immigrant Party Targets Russian-German Voters With a Xenophobic Ad
The ad was highly criticized. One German woman wrote, "...because I'm all for fighting for our country, I’m considering suing you and your 'party' for incitement of ethnic hatred..."
Steven Seagal Rediscovers Celebrity in Central Asia, and the Implications Are Alarming
Is there a Genghis Khan film starring Seagal in the pipeline? Let's hope not.
In Ukraine, Fears of ‘Technological Terrorism’ Cause Free Expression to Decline
State of Internet freedom in Ukraine is a reflection of challenges brought to free speech and independent reporting under the conflict settings, explains legal expert Olga Kyryliuk.
For Some Stunning Photos of Japan, Check Out Tokyo Camera Club
Whether you live in Tokyo or not, anyone can submit an image to be considered for Tokyo Camera Club's feed, as long as the photo is of someplace in Japan.
Indigenous Rappers from Brazil Are Using the Internet to Bring Their Message to the Masses
“I speak the truth, I don't want to be like you/I sing about various issues and with that I am showing/That indigenous voices are the voices of today.”
The Conflict in Eastern Ethiopia, Explained
The latest conflict in Ethiopia killed at least dozens of people and displaced thousands. The cause of the violence again was scarce water and land resources.
A Conversation with Paraguayan Artist Enrique Collar and His Search for Identity
"Art is uncomfortable, you can never feel comfortable," says Paraguayan artist Enrique Collar who is now living in The Netherlands.
Mexico's Appeal for an Impartial Federal Prosecutor General
Mexico's ruling party wants one of its members to become the Federal Prosecutor General. Many believe this represents a conflict of interest.
Exploring Identities: Kazakhstan's Planned Shift to the Latin Alphabet
"Arguments against the adoption of Latin are inherently grounded in imperial Russian or Soviet ideology."
Vending Machines Around the World that Japanese People Find Surprising
Japan is often considered to have some of the world's most unusual vending machines, but there are a few in other countries giving them a run for their money.
Estonian President Warns of ‘Self-Occupation,’ Prompting Praise and Political Spin
Estonian president's remarks against close-minded nationalism received different political interpretations abroad, obscuring her focus on the real challenges -- technological change, including the globalization of workforce.
Netizen Report: Online Supporters of Myanmar's Rohingya Face Censorship, Legal Threats
Salvadoran journalists face violent threats on social media, Japanese activists stomp on hateful tweets and Chile doubles down on data retention.
Thousands of Indians Take to Streets Seeking Justice for Murdered Journalist Gauri Lankesh
"There has rarely been a period of such constructed, deliberate terror and hatred. We are up against the largest machine of hate."
Adopted Georgian Journalist Launches Bid for City Assembly in Capital Tbilisi
"The problems of Saburtalo – chaotic construction, urban transport and lack of green cover – are the problems of the city as a whole."
What's the Value of Human Rights? According to the Philippines House of Representatives, $20.
The lower house voted to slash the Commission on Human Rights' budget to just 1,000 pesos, accusing the body of protecting "criminals" over victims in the country's war on drugs.
Among a Rising Tide of Extremism in Syria, Women's Freedoms Hang in the Balance
Extremist groups like ISIS, Hezbollah and al-Nusra are undermining the freedoms that Syria’s women and girls enjoyed, which were a longtime strength of Syrian society.
Teen Killings Show How Vulnerable Communities Suffer the Brunt of the Philippine Government's ‘War on Drugs’
"This could happen to anyone as Duterte continually encourages the police to kill without due process, plant evidence, and cover up in the course of his bloody 'war on drugs'."
Ugandan Police Investigate a Serial Murder Spree Targeting Women
"It is so saddening that we have not got the actual suspects. The manner in which some of the women are being killed is very terrible and humiliating."
The 17th-Century Peruvian Saint With a 21st-Century Social Media Presence
"We have more than 100,000 likes and 100,000 followers on Facebook! Let's keep sharing!"