Stories from January, 2020
Farewell to Lina Ben Mhenni, Tunisian blogger and human rights defender
We mourn the passing of Lina Ben Mhenni, a prominent Tunisian blogger, human rights defender, Global Voices contributor and one of the brightest voices of the 2011 Tunisian revolution.
Data shows trend of fewer Hungarians attending public protests
Prior to a new law governing public assembly which came into effect on October 1, 2018, public demonstrations in Hungary were well attended. Now, though they still happen, attendance is down.
Red palm fruit flourishes in Côte d'Ivoire, despite national shortage
In the sprawling markets of Côte d'Ivoire, red palm oil is sold in open-air stands in recycled plastic bottles by women. The original red palm tree originates in West Africa.
Justice elusive for nine victims of funk party police raid in São Paulo favela
Nine residents of São Paulo favelas died during a military police operation in Paraisópolis in early December 2019.
Citizens from Chinese city on lockdown roar ‘Beijing has abandoned Wuhan!’
Over 11 million residents in Wuhan, China, are now in a state of shock and panic, given the lack of appropriate medical response and credible information regarding the coronavirus epidemic.
A sea of red: Celebrating the Chinese New Year
The 2020 Lunar New Year, which began at midnight on January 24, will last for several days.
This Nigerian human rights lawyer wins second order of restraint against government
Lawyer Gloria Ballason has experienced ongoing intimidation and harassment by Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, amid a growing crackdown on freedom of expression and dissent in Nigeria.
A regional security intervention in Nigeria sparks ethnic, political tensions
Amotekun may be the litmus test that defines the restructuring of Nigeria's federalism.
Morocco intensifies crackdown on freedom of expression
Morocco has a dire record of cracking down on freedom of expression, independent media and press freedom media.
The real reasons people are fleeing Honduras
Hondurans live in a narco-state whose leadership is supported by the United States and which suffers from widespread corruption, gender violence, gang control, land-grabs, and the effects of climate change.
Conservationists decry Sri Lankan decision to arm local groups against elephants
"Will Sri Lanka, where magnificent elephants have now been demoted from National Treasure to vermin, be the paradise isle that modern tourists dream of?"
For the first time, clouded leopards have been found high up in Nepal's Himalayas. But can they survive climate change?
Clouded leopards, one of the most elusive cats, were found for the first time at an altitude of 3498 meters (11476 feet) above sea level in the Langtang National Park of Nepal.
Malawi opens the first drone academy in Africa
The African Drone and Data Academy officially opened this month in Malawi — the first of its kind in Africa.
What's in a ‘Japanese Adult Cream Pie'?
"Didn't McDonald's Japan understand how bad it sounds in English?" was a common reaction. "What were they thinking?"
Another #SexForGrades scandal — and the birth of a movement against sexual harassment in Nigeria
In the last few years, Nigerian women have become ferociously vocal against sexual assault of female students. This is growing into a movement with extraordinary on- and offline impact.
Editor of environmental news platform Mongabay arrested in Indonesia for alleged visa violation
"I am surprised that immigration officials have taken such punitive action against Philip for what is an administrative matter."
Pakistani director halts release of award-winning film after receiving threats
"They are holding a film hostage for all the wrong reasons and there is nothing we can do about it."
Kazakh family of writers and musicians caught in the Xinjiang vortex
The Oralbai family had a happy and productive life in China before a state purge targeting ethnic minorities tore them apart.
In preparation for the Lunar New Year mass migration, China finally gets serious about the Wuhan coronavirus
Initial rumors of a new form of coronavirus are being confirmed globally and, albeit reluctantly, by Beijing.
Yorùbá loanwords: How languages evolve
Using Yorùbá words in their original forms helps ensure that culture — kept alive through language — continues to thrive.
Redemption Song: My journey to marijuana activism
"Ganja has been a source of inspiration, meditation and medication on my journey as a mixed-race, working-class Caribbean woman trying to make a way in this capitalist world."