Stories from December, 2022
Another attack on LGBTQ+ center in Podgorica highlights the need to protect human rights in Montenegro
Six young thugs armed with metal bars attempted to break into an LGBTQ+ Drop In center in Podgorica. In previous days similar groups of young men issued threats to the staff.
Documentary about the 1920s Volga famine is prohibited in Russia but broadcasted on YouTube
A Russian documentary covering the 1921–1923 famine in the Volga region is banned by the Russian government for unclear reasons, but made available online on YouTube.
Transgender women are despised, like the Virgin Mary in her day
"I am a mother raising her child. There was no conception in my womb, but for me, it's really a miracle."
Undertones in Afghanistan: ‘Taliban 2.0,’ Women, Resistance
Researchers share some of the strongest narratives that have circulated in Afghanistan this year
A fact-check of India’s socio-political undercurrents: the case of Zubair
The reactions and subtle usage of language and labelling by and of different actors in the Indian ecosystem symbolise the undercurrents in Indian society.
Woman dubbed ‘Messi's grandma’ goes viral in Argentina following World Cup win
The tune "Abuelalalalalalala" became Argentina's World Cup anthem
Art curator Mark Pereira's murder during a home invasion leaves Trinbagonian netizens nervous about crime
Trinbagonian art dealer Mark Pereira was shot and killed on December 19, apparently during an attempted robbery. The loss has plunged the art community into mourning and reignited concerns about crime.
What is Hong Kong role in Russia's sanction evasion?
The latest reports out of Hong Kong indicate that Russian-affiliated corporations in Hong Kong had evaded western sanctions by exporting chips and even military drones to Russia.
Australia explores ways to combat widespread greenwashing of carbon emissions
"As consumers become increasingly interested in purchasing sustainable products, there are growing concerns that some businesses are falsely promoting their environmental or green credentials."
Hong Kong launches a national security legal battle against media tycoon Jimmy Lai
"Jimmy Lai, a 75-year-old media tycoon, is PRC's no.1 national enemy in Hong Kong...He may not be able to get out of prison alive."
The Venezuelan diaspora in London seeks ways to save lives in Venezuela
"It is as if the heaviness of migratory grief for so many losses and even regrets has been transformed into a source of honor and an impetus of solidarity and brotherhood."
Cartoonist Kianoush Ramazani: Hope in Iran during turbulent times
Award-winning political cartoonist and activist Kianoush Ramazani offers his thoughts on the Iranian people's resilience during the current demonstrations and the place of political cartoons among other forms of expression.
No good news for media freedom in Kyrgyzstan as government arrests journalists, activists, and bloggers
In the meantime, the government continues its practice of freezing media outlets’ bank accounts and blocking websites, publicly harassing journalists and social media activists.
The climate crisis is a water crisis in the Himalayas
Climate change is heating up the Himalayas faster than the global average, disrupting this water cycle. The rains are becoming more erratic, groundwater is depleting, and glaciers have shrunk.
Addressing the changing nature of Twitter and emerging social media landscape
With Twitter's downfall, there is an absence of safe and ethical social platforms, which has created a vacuum and an opportunity for emerging platforms such as the open-source Mastodon.
World Bank land giveaway in Cambodia marred by problems
The World Bank wanted to give land and opportunities to Cambodia’s rural poor. Instead, they have left former residents in disarray without their farms or community forest.
Why does South America not seem to care about corruption issues in the World Cup?
A brief analysis shows that media in the Global North covers much more corruption and human rights issues in Qatar compared to South American media
Did 2022 see the Caribbean become more ‘gay-friendly'?
While Barbados is the latest regional territory to deem its "buggery" laws unconstitutional, there has been some confusion — and even legal reversals — over LGBTQ+ rights in other Caribbean nations.
Twitter Space: What’s next for the Aragalaya movement in Sri Lanka?
Read excerpts from our Twitter space on Sri Lanka's notable Aragalaya movement. Find the full audio here.
Call to Action on International Migrants Day: Stop forced labour and restore workers’ agency
Domestic workers in the GCC countries are majority migrant women. Employers have full control over their work and lives. This article echoes their requests and explains the exploitation.
In the midst of Trinidad & Tobago's parang season, calypsonian Singing Francine passes on
Her music had a melodious quality, with strong hooks that encouraged listeners to sing along, no matter how serious the topic — a mellifluence that helped her seamlessly transition to parang.