Stories from January, 2019
Netizen Report: How Venezuela’s political crisis is playing out online
As Venezuelans continue to face internet censorship, Turkmenistan is blocking Google Play, Lebanon is blocking Grindr and Brazil is chipping away at is FOI law.
Dota 2 stormed Kyrgyzstan's state opera house and left a trail of destruction in its wake
A theatre boss looked to a cybersport tournament to generate much-needed revenue and got sacked for his troubles.
DigiGlot Newsletter: Welsh-language rock music finds a place on streaming music platforms
Rising Voices' DigiGlot Newsletter provides a summary of initiatives, discussions, and breakthroughs related to the intersection of languages and technology around the world..
Surveillance is a key concern for foreign journalists working in China, survey shows
Mobile phone surveillance and physical spying were top concerns for foreign correspondents in China in 2018.
The Spiny Babbler, Nepal's only endemic bird, fascinates ornithologists and bird lovers alike
Spiny Babbler, found only in Nepal, has fascinated ornithologists and birders all-over the world. It is threatened by the clearance of scrub for agriculture and the expansion of urban areas.
Mining disaster in Brazil shows that Bolsonaro's pledge to loosen up sector regulation is totally insane
On his inauguration, Bolsonaro criticized the mining regulators and vowed to loosen up the Ministry of Mines and Energy.
Once-beloved youth magazine is accused of whitewashing legacy of Serbian Nazis
How did a magazine that enjoyed a cult status all over Yugoslavia seems to have betrayed its progressive values.
Amid civil unrest, internet shutdowns are making Zimbabwe's economic crisis worse
"It's not the fuel price increases, it's not the looming hunger. The most scary thing is that these guys in government are convinced that they are doing a good job."
Displaced farmers’ coalition reclaims their road to sustainable livelihoods 9 years after Haiti’s devastating earthquake
"We had nothing to fall back on, nothing to sell at the market. [...] What we suffered through the most was the loss of our dignity."
Why are Armenian displaced persons still living in a hotel, 30 years after fleeing Azerbaijan?
"Every year we are told that a house will be provided for us next year."
Uganda deports three senior telecom employees citing espionage
The police stated that at least two telecom employees used their offices to access information and tap calls which compromised national security. A third was accused of supporting the opposition.
Guinea has struggled under President Condé, but Russia backs his quest for a third term
"The question of political succession is a question of sovereignty. And sovereignty belongs to the people. It is not part of an ambassador's role to dictate Guinea's fate."
Nigeria's retired military generals battle for influence in 2019 presidential elections
Olusegun Obasanjo, former military head of state and later Nigeria’s democratically elected president, has consistently criticized successive governments in Nigeria.
How will propaganda shape Nigeria's 2019 presidential elections?
"Propaganda may help you win elections but [it] can’t help you govern," said former Nigerian President Jonathan Goodluck about recent campaign tactics.
Reports of internet blocks and media censorship as power struggle tensions escalate in Venezuela
Internet access is being blocked intermittently and radio stations are being censored as Venezuela's political crisis intensifies.
Russia's isolationist ‘sovereign internet’ bill worries experts and users alike
Experts have pointed to the colossal costs associated with building the infrastructure required, and lamented that this would only lead to further monopolization of the Russian internet provider market.
Sri Lankan tea estate workers take to the streets to demand fair wages
'Companies say they don't have profit, govt says it doesn't have money, ministers make so many promises[...] workers want only Rs. 1000 daily basic wage for the work they do'.
Caribbean nations hesitate to recognise Venezuela's Guaidó
"If the regional powers break Venezuela, guess who picks up the pieces? Neighbouring countries, that's who."
Old age, hate speech, press freedom: Critical issues in Nigeria's 2019 presidential elections
Amid the cacophony of Nigeria's electoral campaigns — both online and offline — here are the key issues that may get lost in the noise in this year's elections.
‘Nobody knows what will come next': Venezuelans rally in strongest challenge to Maduro yet
"In 2014, having the security services pull the plug on the Maduro regime was a fantasy. In 2017, it was a hope. In 2019, it’s the plan"
Kazakh leader's grandson complains he is passportless after stint in ‘private Russian jail’
Aisultan Nazarbayev has a history of surprising compatriots with sensational social media posts.
