Stories from February, 2015
Iran Reacts to the Latest Snowden Leak on SIM Card Hacks
Iran's Minister of Information and Communication Technologies told Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency that he urges all state employees and ordinary Iranians to rely on their landlines for most communications.
Imported Bollywood Films Have Become Quite a Drama in Bangladesh
Popular Bangladeshi actor Shakib Khan joined protests against Indian movies being screened, arguing it would hurt the country's struggling film industry. Film distributors and cinema owners then banned his films.
Students in Amsterdam Form ‘The New University’, Demanding Reforms
Students at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) launched a protest under the name of The New University to demand the democratization of education.
Russian Opposition Politician Boris Nemtsov Shot and Killed in Moscow
Boris Nemtsov, a prominent Russian opposition politician and one of Vladimir Putin's top critics, has been shot and killed in Moscow.
French Teenagers Speak a Language All Their Own. Confused? Here's a Guide
Did you know "2m1" means "tomorrow"? Or that "C'est de la balle" means "That's great"? For anyone lost, we've collected some tips to help you understand the lingo.
Parliament Watchdog Connects Ugandans to Women MPs Through Twitter
Parliament Watch Uganda organized the #MPsEngage Twitter chat with women members of parliament to discuss the topic 'Making Women Count in Legislative Processes'.
Libyan Kids Have Been Out of School for Months, so One Woman Is Bringing the Classroom to Them
Haifa El-Zahawi, a Libyan who lives in New York, has given kids in her home country access to education for the first time in months thanks to a Skype connection.
Renowned Chinese Human Rights Lawyer Still Detained After 10 Months
A human rights lawyer who has defended clients ranging from Ai Weiwei to communist party officials, Pu Zhiqiang is now facing criminal charges over his postings on Weibo.
Bolivia Might Have the World's Most Devoted ‘Simpsons’ Fans
Across Bolivia, people took to the streets in protest after a local TV network shuffled the 'The Simpsons' out of its normal time slot for a reality TV show.
The Political Violence in Bangladesh Is Claiming Too Many Lives
I close the windows of my car, and think of buying a fire extinguisher. [Then], if a bomb is thrown inside my car, I'd be able to douse the fire.
Oil and Water Don't Mix—Except in Trinidad
Residents noticed a strong smell of oil coming from their taps - but why was was the water supply still operational if authorities could not contain the threat?
Whoever Said Japanese Students’ Indoor Shoes Had to Be Boring?
Parents and children alike are personalizing students' "uwabaki", or indoor shoes. Students, teachers, and visitors are all required to remove their street shoes before entering the school.
5 Bills Threatening the Amazon That Brazil's Congress Might Consider in 2015
Demarcation of indigenous lands and mining in protected areas are among the subjects that will be discussed in the Brazilian legislature this year, experts told Infoamazonia.
Mexico's Missing Ayotzinapa Students, Day 137
The Ayotzinapa case is no longer just about the pain of the victims and calls to end to violence; it's now also about exasperation with the authorities.
How I Helped Get Zoja's Law Approved By Serbia's Parliament
Vuk Visnjic is too young to vote. But when politicians in Serbia's National Assembly ignored a law that would help sick children, he found a way to make a difference.
Anonymous Twitter Account Blows the Whistle on Wounded from Ukraine in Russian Military Hospital
An anonymous account on Twitter claiming to be a Russian soldier at a military hospital in Russia is providing undercover reports on the wounded brought from the frontlines in Ukraine.
Venezuela's Military Can Now Legally Use Firearms Against Demonstrators
A new measure in Venezuela that authorizes the military to use firearms against demonstrators drew condemnation from the opposition, human rights activists and citizens.
Banksy Visits Gaza, Calls on World to Act
Famous British street artist Banksy went undercover in Gaza and released a series of thought-provoking graffiti as well as a mini documentary, calling on the world to act.
Why Did Egyptians Tie and Behead a Dog as Onlookers Watched?
News of the public "slaughtering" of a dog in Cairo as onlookers watched has sent shock waves around the world, with many questioning how people have become this violent.
Police Raid the Lesbians Who Trolled Russia's Leading Anti-Gay Politician
Being gay is dangerous business in Russia, but it’s especially risky when you troll the country’s leading opponent of gay rights.
Did Germany’s Süddeutsche Zeitung Newspaper Let Advertisers Dictate Its Content?
Former contributor Sebastian Heiser accused Süddeutsche Zeitung on his blog of letting advertisers influence editorial content, saying he witnessed it happening firsthand when he worked on the services supplement desk.
