Stories from January, 2023
Sweden and Turkey relations sour after far-right politician burns the Koran
Following the torching of a Koran, a series of protests were held outside the Swedish Consulate General in Istanbul where participants burned the Swedish flag and chanted slogans against Sweden.
“Black Race Trophy” celebrates anti-racism work in Brazil and beyond
In November 2022, a ceremony was held to award the ''Black Race Trophy'' to celebrate personalities active in the fight against racism and for the Black population.
Cut from a different cloth: Former Nepali migrant worker is now an entrepreneur
Former migrant worker Krishna Raj Timilsina returned to Nepal and started his own garment business; now he is providing jobs for many fellow Nepalis.
Undertones in Myanmar: Junta, Buddhism, Youth
Researchers from Myanmar expect heightened tension as the country heads towards military-led elections this year.
May 14 will determine the future of Turkey
Pundits who have been watching the country's political turmoil brought by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) describe the upcoming May vote as crucial.
Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen orders police to find Facebook beach ‘insulter’
Cambodian prime minister's Facebook post attracted more than 19,000 comments, mostly fawning deferentially to the prime minister. But Facebook user “Ver To” went against the tide.
Over 40,000 tons of neurotoxin were stored without any protection in North Macedonia
Skopje primary schools used the area for day trips "in nature" for years, until watchdog journalists uncovered the dark secret lurking under the green meadows: toxic waste from the 1970s.
‘Joy and wonder’: Morning affirmations in preparation for Trinidad & Tobago Carnival
Breathing in joy and breathing out restriction, writer and cultural worker Attillah Springer puts people in the right head space for the first Trinidad and Tobago Carnival in two years.
The band that Lukashenka declared extremist sang ‘Zhyve Belarus’ (Long live Belarus!)
Rarely covered by the international media, Lukashenka’s regime is using Stalin-like repression on its citizens. Dissidents are detained and prosecuted and, in many cases now, their family members are too.
Lusophone African countries condemn attacks against democracy in Brazil
After their leaders spoke out, some citizens pointed out parallels to the situation in Brazil and their own countries.
Tanzanian President Suluhu ends six-year ban on political rallies, promises more reforms
The president’s announcement came against the backdrop of a meeting with leaders of nineteen opposition parties at the State House in Dar es Salaam.
How Tanzanian boxer Karim Mandonga hyped the sport back into the hearts of Kenyans
A darling to the media for his quips, Mandonga's tactics are reminiscent of the legendary Muhammed Ali — arguably one of the greatest boxers and sportspersons of our time. Ali started hyping his fights after turning professional in 1963 as he prepared to face Sonny Liston.
How Belize’s bright biodiversity is inextricably linked to blue carbon
Leveraging blue carbon will require ambitious, conservation-forward policies to maintain and restore coastal and marine ecosystems in order to mitigate the crippling effects of the climate crisis.
‘We are asking for forgiveness that we know we will never receive': In Russia, people are bringing flowers to monuments of Ukrainians
In at least 17 cities of Russia, people are bringing flowers and photos of the destroyed house in Dnipro, Ukraine, hit by a Russian missile on January 14, 2023, to spontaneous memorials.
Are youth in India, now more than ever, disinterested in politics?
It is challenging for millennials and gen-Zers to claim an "interest" in politics when the system is rife with corruption, nepotism, and chauvinism.
Usain Bolt and many other Jamaicans have been the victims of major financial fraud—and now they want answers
The fact that of Usain Bolt is one of its victims has made this fraud scandal personal for many Jamaicans.
Anthony Joseph is the second Trinidadian in three years to win the T.S. Eliot prize for poetry
The judges of the prestigious prize called Joseph's collection "luminous," adding that it "celebrates humanity in all its contradictions and breathes new life into this enduring form."
In Russia, video games are unsafe for kids. But not for the usual reasons
Nikita Uvarov, a teenager from Siberia, is serving a five-year jail sentence for planning to build the FSB building and blow it up in Minecraft.
“I will forever be the enemy of the Russian regime” says TikToker in Moldova
This is the first case of a TikToker formerly based in Russia openly standing against the Russian regime and supporting Ukraine.
Tensions over Lachin Corridor linger with no breakthrough in sight
Azerbaijan's government denies any involvement in the blockade. Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of orchestrating the protest, while authorities in Karabakh accuse Azerbaijan of forcing remaining Karabakh Armenians into submission.
Azerbaijan's forgotten schools
According to available statistics, there are 4,427 primary and secondary schools in Azerbaijan. 900 of them are in the state of emergency, either requiring renovation or full reconstruction.