Stories from May, 2019
Russian website attempts to impersonate established news outlet covering the Balkans
"The purpose of publishing under the name Balkanist in Russian is to confuse readers at home, in Russia and elsewhere into questioning our sincerity, what and who we support."
North Macedonia vows to remedy injustices against NGOs, closes legal loopholes abused by former government
"NGOs were penalized and unjustly fined for mistakes they had not made," said Deputy Prime Minister Radmilla Šekerinska.
Kenyan writer, Binyavanga Wainaina, who taught the world ‘how to write about Africa,’ dies at 48
"There is only one Binyavanga Wainaina. He is an ancestor now. Let us celebrate his life." The world mourns the loss and honors the prolific life of Kenya's leading writer.
Inflatable Tank Man sculpture appears in Taiwan ahead of Tiananmen Massacre anniversary
"I think it is important to the Taiwanese people to continue discussing this topic – preventing people from forgetting this event"
Taiwan's same-sex marriage bill is a half-victory for rainbow families
Taiwan has officialized same-sex marriage and granted new rights to the queer community, yet for LGBT parents with children, the battle continues.
Afghanistan's ‘Art Lords’ on painting change at street level
"The common people like this work. The art is for them."
‘Big tech companies won’t solve the problem for us. We can do it ourselves.’
My 92 year old grandfather, like Nigerians of his generation, can read and write in Yorùbá. But since they are not 'literate' in English, they are digitally excluded.
India's Lok Sabha 2019: Results are in after a weeks-long election process
People have taken to Twitter to vent out their anticipation. Many have taken the exit polls results to be completely reflective of the actual results and have started congratulating Narendra Modi.
Kami Rita Sherpa breaks record as he climbs Mount Everest for the 24th time
Defying all odds, the Nepali Sherpa guide climbed the world’s highest peak twice in a week this year – making 24 ascents to Mt. Everest.
Afghanistan's Mina Mangal: ‘A strong, self-made woman’ gunned down in broad daylight
The prominent journalist-turned-parliamentary advisor hinted that she needed protection. No one stepped in to provide it.
Love wins: same-sex marriage law fully endorsed by Taiwan’s legislature
Taiwan is the first country in Asia to recognize same-sex marriage, now officially voted by the parliament. The first weddings are expected on May 24.
The beauty of Afro-Peruvian women through Ayleen Díaz's illustrations
"By drawing different body types and different hair textures, I want people to learn how everything is beautiful."
Angola cancelled a public tender after suspicions of fraud, indicating divisions in government
The company Telstar was created in January 2018 with capital stock of 200,000 Kwanza (600 US dollars), and the majority shareholder is the general Manuel João Carneiro.
Mozambican contestant won world bodybuilding competition in Hong Kong
Saraiva is a renowned figure for bodybuilders in Mozambique.
A tale of two parents: Georgian drag artist on hostility, acceptance and learning to love life
"There is nothing modern about the idea you should love your child."
Western Balkan countries look at the past and the future at the Venice Biennale 2019
Among the participants at the Venice Biennale are the Western Balkan countries, which see it as an excellent opportunity to showcase the art and promote their artists, beyond their borders.
Why are Colombian indigenous peoples protesting against President Ivan Duque?
Indigenous people in Colombia have organized national protests against President Duque's new development plan, joining forces with other civil society groups like afro-Colombians, small-scale farmers, labor unions and students.
Jamaica’s ‘Voices for Climate Change’ spreads its message with music
One forward-thinking NGO is promoting smart environmental practices by harnessing artistic talent to do outreach and raise awareness about climate change.
Netizen Report: Amid WhatsApp attacks, advocates launch legal challenge against Israeli malware maker
Spyware makers exploit a security flaw in WhatsApp, Singapore bans false information and Somalia plans to shut down social media during school exams.
Brazilians took to the streets to protest Bolsonaro's education cuts
From São Paulo to the Amazon, thousands of Brazilians went out on May 15 to defend public education.
30 years after the Tiananmen Massacre: An interview with survivor Zhou Fengsuo
"It is becoming more and more difficult to demand responsibility for June 4th. Do you still have any hope?"