Stories from December, 2022
What did the outside world in the 1930s know about the Soviet famine and the ‘Holodomor’ in Ukraine?
Many Ukrainians used social networks to raise awareness of the 1932-1933 Soviet famine as they see the ongoing Russian aggression against their country as a continuation of the same imperial repression.
Data privacy rights advance in Tanzania under new law, but obstacles remain
While the Data Protection Act offers in safeguarding the privacy of personal data, it raises serious concerns in key areas, such as security breaches and the independence of the Data Protection Commission.
The journey of Trinidad's parang music, in one informative podcast
"Parang is not just a music of joy at the birth of Christ, but also tells part of the story of conquest and conversion."
Violence reached an unprecedented level in Brazil's 2022 election, says survey
In one of the most violent elections in the country's history, Agência Pública's report mapped and verified attacks against voters, candidates, journalists, and workers at research institutes.
The climate crisis and the environment in Central Asia — Is there hope?
The states of Central Asia are facing severe environmental challenges, which are being further exacerbated by climate change. Can the regional governments come together to address the problem?
Russia is waging an information war in Latin America
Russian media leverages Latin America's will to move out of the shadow of the U.S. to position its anti-Western narratives.
Indonesia's new penal code revisions don't just threaten sexual freedoms
Indonesia's recent penal code revisions threaten journalists, free speech, bodily autonomy and more — severely undermining democracy in the region.
Former president of Georgia facing health problems
Despite treatments at the medical facility since May, Imprisoned former president's health continued to deteriorate medical reports say.
In Turkey, local court hands popular mayor a jail sentence
The court's decision is largely viewed as the ruling party's attempt to sideline any potential competition ahead of the general election in June 2023.
Colmena: an open source media platform connecting Indigenous and rural communities
"The name 'Colmena', for me, represents a commitment to diversity."
Hong Kong national anthem mixup causes chaos at international sporting events
The Hong Kong government vows to ensure the search results of Hong Kong's national anthem point to China's anthem, “March of the Volunteers,” rather than the protest song, "Glory to Hong Kong."
The effects of internet shutdowns on public mobilization
Internet shutdowns are not a surprising new phenomenon within authoritarian regimes. In fact, there is a considerable tendency for authoritarian regimes to restrict internet access, though at different levels.
Rasha Azab and her friends: Seven days off-script for three Egyptian journalists
Three women journalists staged a sit-in to remind the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate of its role in relation to political discourse and freedom of expression under President Abdel Fattah
‘How the fuck is it possible?': Russian rapper releases anti-war album
Vladi, a lead singer of popular rap music group, now prohibited in Russia, released a new album, “February Lasts and Lasts.” It describes how incomprehensible and horrifying the Russian invasion of Ukraine is.
Azerbaijan arrests prominent political activist ahead of International Human Rights Day
Prominent activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev is facing a possible three-year jail sentence if found guilty on two separate charges — hooliganism and contempt of court. Activists say the arrest is politically motivated.
Undertones in Pakistan: Military, Women, Blasphemy
Researchers share some of the strongest narratives that have circulated in Pakistan this year
Australian PM Anthony Albanese adds to growing political pressure to #FreeJulianAssange
The Australian PM has finally talked about Julian Assange ... and while distancing himself from Assange’s well-motivated actions, has said he has raised it with representatives of the US administration.
A Caribbean debrief of COP27 that goes beyond the historic loss and damage fund
I had a vested interest in the outcome of COP27 which [...] was touted to be one of “implementation.” But was this achieved? Where do we go from here?
In defense of whom? Protesting Jordan’s perpetual state of emergency
Human rights groups challenge Jordan's Defense Law but the government wants to keep it in place until the World Health Organization has declared the pandemic finished.
Latin Americans still invest in cryptocurrency despite crisis
These assets are considered to provide a safe haven of value in the face of unstable economies.
Does Messi speak Spanish or ‘Argentine’?
Focusing on a "stammering" Lionel Messi returns Americans to the colonial status of children.