Stories from September, 2018
Riverbank erosion disaster in Bangladesh leaves thousands homeless
"The devastating erosion of the Padma River is ongoing for the last couple of years, no initiative to build a dam or embankment was taken by the local administration."
Arrested for fact-checking: Kazakh court fines Ukrainian journalist after police break up media workshop
The incident highlights authorities' aversion to discussions of Ukraine in Kazakhstan and a long-running battle with a local newspaper.
Three days behind bars for the ‘crime’ of journalism: Diary of a Nigerian journalist
Investigative journalist Samuel Ogundipe spent three days in detention on spurious charges and was denied access to his lawyer. Now free on bail, he is telling his story.
Japan moves to accept more workers from abroad, but public opinion remains divided
Japan may have little choice but to accept more workers from abroad to cope with an expected shrinkage in the working population caused by an aging and low birth rates.
At the peak of the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season, Jamaicans remember ‘Wild Gilbert’
Jamaicans can't recall a storm worse than Gilbert in 1988 -- and as this year's Atlantic hurricane season gets active, they hope they won't have to.
In Syria, regime loyalists use art as a tool of war
"Since the early days of the revolution, the Syrian regime has idolized and romanticized a military state"
Kyrgyz artist calls on girls to ‘create our own freedom’ in breakout song, *drops mic*
Zere's debut hit 'Kyz' comes after years of debate over how women in the Central Asian country should dress and behave.
In a blow against impunity, Guatemala's top court rules in favor of the return of UN anti-corruption commissioner
"The eyes of the world should be put on Guatemala as the country goes through a key moment of their history"
Nigerian Twitter has an impersonation problem — and the platform is failing to take action
The inaction of Twitter and the Nigerian government are worrisome particularly with Nigeria’s general elections coming up in 2019.
‘Crimes of solidarity’ in Europe multiply as 11 stand trial in Belgium for helping migrants
Activists in Belgium claim the trial is aimed at dissuading people from helping migrants by establishing an intimidating judicial precedent.
Protestors artfully demand the release of Shahidul Alam, Bangladesh's prisoner of conscience
"When a regime is governed by nothing but fear, it is often a sign that the regime might have lost its plot."
One Syrian's harrowing journey to freedom
"For the first time in years we saw streets undamaged by missiles, sidewalks unmarred by shrapnel, and walls unblemished by war."
Netizen Report: Internet taxes are sweeping sub-Saharan Africa — and silencing citizens
The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Indigenous telecommunications network in Mexico to provide telephone and internet services via satellite
The first indigenous telecommunications network to provide mobile and Internet services in Mexico's rural communities will expand its services via satélite technology, enabling it to reach the most remote areas.
Japan’s vending machines strike again—this time with pizza and crepes
There is one vending machine for every 23 people in Japan and they still never fail to surprise.
‘Bien Chabacano’ blog preserves and promotes Asia's only Spanish-based creole language
"Unless more aggressive preservation efforts will be implemented, the day will come when Chabacano will only be spoken inside the home."
Meet Ujwol Dangol, founder of Kathmandu's first skate park
Despite skate's growing popularity around the world -- even set to debut in the summer Olympics in 2020 in Tokyo --, in Nepal, it is still somewhat associated with criminality.
As online spaces for sexual harassment proliferate, Hong Kong authorities struggle to keep up
"There is currently no law specifically to tackle upskirting, and from what we read from media reports about the crime, the punishment tends to be light"
Under Austria's right-wing government, ‘ethical’ principles for journalists could hijack media rights
If the current draft is adopted as it stands, it will provide for an extra layer of strict control that aims to silence the critique and dissent.
Pakistan government's pro-minority stance questioned as Ahmadi economist's appointment is revoked
The appointment of Ahmadi Muslim economist Dr. Atif Mian to a government Council sparked a social media smear campaign, and right-wing religious parties threatened nationwide protests.
Cubans can now join public debates on new Constitution through digital platforms
"In a space like this no one has to ask to speak up, there is no schedule for debate."