Stories from June, 2019
Trinidad & Tobago walks the talk for World Conversation Day
For the first time, Trinidad and Tobago took part in World Conversation Day via a series of offline talks about topics from creativity to aging — all streamed online, of course.
‘Silence and invisibility hide under the sham that is Mexico’s racial intermixing’
"Intermixing as biopolitics denied the existence of black communities in this land."
Hong Kong anti-extradition protesters paralyze government and police operations
Among the demands made by Hong Kong's anti-extradition protesters is an independent investigation of police brutality in relation to the clashes on June 12.
‘Is vagina a dirty word?’ Ugandan feminist Stella Nyanzi's court battle continues
Nyanzi battles for her freedom of expression. Besides this case, Nyanzi still faces charges other charges of cyber harassment and offensive communication.
For Albania and North Macedonia, are the European Union's doors half-open or half-closed?
Both Western Balkan countries were hopeful for a positive outcome from the EU foreign ministers' meeting on June 18.
Netizen Report: Lawyers seek court challenge against Ethio Telecom over internet shutdown
Pakistani bloggers face threats for online speech, Algeria shuts down social media and Indonesian police say they’re "cyber patrolling" WhatsApp.
Years after eviction by an oil extraction project, a Ugandan community waits for justice
Uganda’s oil reserves can potentially bring in revenue of over US$50 billion over 25 years, but extraction projects are happening in areas where land rights and tenure are not clearly defined.
Bangladeshi surfer girls are pushing back against conservative gender norms
Surfing has not only allowed them to retain a piece of their childhood but they now confidently dream of securing a bright future for themselves – dignified jobs, a good education.
Is China headed towards another Cultural Revolution?: An interview with Professor Xu Youyu
"Justice has not been served to those who were killed, suppressed and jailed. Those who were exiled still can not return to their homeland."
Hong Kong police remove ‘riot’ label from June 12 protests, but citizens still demand justice
A coalition of civil society groups has called for an independent investigation into the excessive use of force by police during the June 12 protests.
I won't climb Everest: a graphic travel journal
"From our eyes shine excitement and the (heavy) cultural baggage of the West around the legendary 'roof of the world'."
Handcrafting behind bars: Women inmates in Albania create ‘made in prison’ accessories
"I feel like a normal person again. I have been sentenced 3 years in prison and everything was hard, but now you are helping me to see a hopeful life."
Hong Kong press watchdog calls for investigation into police abuse against 26 journalists during protests
"Journalist watchdog recorded 10 cases of police officers firing tear gas bombs at close range towards reporters, 3 of whom were hit on the head."
Public pressure forces Trinidad & Tobago government to drop amendment to Freedom of Information Act
"...people should be very proud of a democracy that obviously is quite healthy—that civil society came together quickly and comprehensively as it did, and that government was sufficiently responsive."
Mozambicans celebrate after the state's infamous ‘hidden debts’ are declared null
On 4 June, Mozambique’s Constitutional Council, declared null the guarantees from the Mozambican state for debts acquired by public companies following a petition by civil society organizations.
On displacement
"Displacement has no particular citizenship. It comes on a slow, malarial boat, or dropped from the sky on small islands buffeted by storms in the Caribbean, our common sea."
‘Step down, Carrie Lam!': Two million rise up once more against Hong Kong extradition bill
Having flouted due process and ignored public criticism of an extradition bill amendment that could put Hongkongers at serious risk, Chief Executive Carrie Lam is paying the price.
Surprise victories in the 2019 midterm Philippine elections offer hope to the opposition
Despite being fiercely attacked by state-supported elements during the election season, the opposition succeeded in disrupting local political dynasties in some key cities.
Demolition of a 150-year-old building highlights government neglect of Bangladesh's heritage sites
"The building had such remarkable designs which were rare to find in other buildings in the old parts of Dhaka. So [it] needed to be saved."
As battle for Istanbul reaches fever pitch, Turkey's ruling party regrets its pop culture problem
As the clock ticks down on the rerun Istanbul municipal election, the tension is getting unbearable.
Social media goes blue for Sudan
"My people can not die in vain, cannot die in silence." Social media users turn their profiles blue in solidarity with Sudanese protesters calling for civilian rule in Sudan.