Stories from May, 2018
While some Iraqis boycott ‘futile’ elections, others vote to shake up parliament
Sairoun’s win demonstrates that Iraqis don't have to vote strictly on ethno-sectarian lines and future politicians will need to do more to impress voters.
Malaysia’s new government urged to implement media reforms
"These are the principles that have now evolved after much pain and argument in most modern democracies and Malaysia would do well to join them."
Tunisian journalists say police union attacks are having a chilling effect on press freedom
Impunity for abuses committed by security forces and police unions "is almost becoming a norm," according to the syndicate of Tunisian journalists.
What were Global Voices’ readers up to last week?
During the week of May 14-20, 2018, our stories and translations attracted readers from 211 countries. Number 109 on the list? Gabon. And number 13? Germany.
Making Japan's hot springs more friendly for LGBT folks
"This is the first time I've entered a communal bath in 13 years. It made me so happy!”
Photo essay: Stateless in the former Soviet republic of Georgia
"Citizenship is all I need to heal the scar of not belonging."
Netizen Report: What do Iran, Pakistan and Russia have in common? They all ban Telegram.
The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in internet rights around the world.
Asunción, Paraguay: A city in transformation that is excluding its residents
"They do not want us here. They want an alternative Asunción, one where those in need are not in sight."
Cuba's parliament now has three black vice presidents. How come that didn't make the news?
"For opponents everywhere [...] everyone is so equally oppressed that racial discrimination is unworthy of special attention. These dynamics hijack the discussion and keep us from moving forward."
Hungary’s regime is exporting instability and propaganda to the Balkans
An investigation by Macedonia's Nova TV has uncovered strong financial and ownership ties between a number of Macedonian right-wing news outlets and associates of Hungary's ruling party.
Was Bangkok Post editor Umesh Pandey fired for mismanagement or political pressure?
"I rather lose my position than to bow my head."
In the fight against pro-Kremlin bots, tech companies are suspending regular users
Tech companies' one-size-fits-all approach to bot-hunting seems to have dragged a number of innocent victims in its nets.
Kazakhstan's hunt for supporters of tycoon Ablyazov gets absurd and goes abroad
From blue balloon scares to arrests in neighbouring countries, the chase gets more farcical as it gets more serious.
Yangon police and a group of ‘nationalists’ violently dispersed a peace march in Myanmar
"Who were those self-proclaimed “citizens” and why did the police officers present turn a blind eye when they attacked?"
Greece's parliament passes bill allowing child fostering by same-sex couples
The bill seeks, generally, to reduce the red tape which resulted in candidate parents and children trapped for years in bureaucratic limbo.
Venezuelans who hope for government change face dilemma — to vote or not to vote?
"The government picks all the candidates, sets the rules of the game, forbids any scrutiny [...and] blackmails voters with food and medicine..."
Pakistan Chief Justice's notice produces some hope for Hazara protections
"Finally voice of Hazara people heard. Army chief gives assurance of security and safety. Chief Justice takes notice of the killing of Hazara. Took us several years. Extremely shameful."
Japanese high school girls wear badges warning would-be train gropers: ‘I'm not going to take it!
"We want the idea that 'you must have been doing something to attract a chikan' to stop!"
Nepal’s Kami Rita climbs Mount Everest for a record 22nd time
"Summiting Everest? It's just like another daily chore."
Following pressure by security forces, Beirut Pride 2018 is “suspended for the time being”
"Lebanon has always been known for respecting diversity and claims to be an inclusive country for ALL its citizens, despite their differences."
What were Global Voices’ readers up to last week?
During the week of May 7-13, 2018, our stories and translations attracted readers from 207 countries. Number 61 on the list? Kazakhstan. And number 19? Indonesia.