Stories from 5 February 2024
A report about the lives of imprisoned LGBTQ+ people in Brazil raises the alarm
" ... [I]n prisons, LGBTQ+ people are overloaded with crimes: in addition to the crime committed, they also pay for the social and symbolic crime of their sexuality and gender identity."
The Suriname book prohibition in a global context of free expression
Suriname's book ban on corruption exposure is more than a local issue; it's a global wake-up call for the defence of free speech and press freedom against authoritarianism.
Portraits of exile: Musical resistance to oppression from Iranian singer Faravaz
Faravaz defied borders and societal norms, moving from early recognition in Iran to facing backlash, exile, and activism in Germany. Her journey is a testament to the resilience of Iranian women against oppression.
How Rwanda's literary giants promoted their country's rich culture through their work
Alexis Kagame, the first and last Rwandan intellectual with direct access to the original sources of the country's history, contributed significantly to preserving oral history, and the indigenous language, Kinyarwanda.
Why is Kenya grappling with an increase in femicides?
"Despite strong laws and policies against gender-based violence, activists argue that government policies are ineffective and the justice system is slow and corrupt, leaving many perpetrators unpunished."
What a Messi! Hong Kong disappointed by Messi’s no show in Miami CF’s friendly against local
On social media, many Hongkongers slammed the football exhibition as the “scam of the century” and questioned the Hong Kong government’s sponsorship decision.
The battle of Bashkir people: Why the largest protests in wartime Russia happened in Bashkortostan
"Russia is stepping on ethnic rakes. The Bashkirs have their own land. At the heart of everything that happened is a word that is now distorted — patriotism."
Turkey earthquake : A year on, empty promises, broken lives
According to the Environment and Urbanization Ministry only 46,000 out of promised 300,000 homes have been finalized thus far, leaving many earthquake survivors in temporary shelters, containers and tents.
In Moldova, asylum was denied to five representatives of the LGBTQ+ community from Russia
In all five responses published this week, Moldovan imigration agency claims that 'some individuals have certain obligations to protect their country, and their avoidance of military service in Russia does not pose a risk of persecution.'
‘The bass is the backbone': Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett, bass player for Jamaica's iconic ‘Wailers’ band, passes away at 77
"[T]he world lost not just an iconic musician and the backbone of The Wailers but a remarkable human being whose legacy is as immense as his talent."
