Stories from May, 2016
Turkey's President and the ‘Treason’ of Family Planning
He is done with abortion, now its birth control and population planning. Next in line: how many times a night we can have sex, God willing.
Hindu Religious Leader Tells Child Marriage Critics in Trinidad & Tobago to ‘Mind Your Own Damn Business’
"That’s exactly the sort of idea that, if you let bounce around in your head for a bit, leads to an aneurysm."
When Immigrants in Spain Can't Find Work, Some Resort to Selling Beer on the Street
"I don’t like selling beer because I have no job, but I need the money for sending [home to my family]."
Some in Trinidad & Tobago Are Royally Sceptical of the Tourism Ministry’s Soca Cruise Idea
One Facebook user called the plan a "Ship of Fools", while another wondered, "An investment has returns. What are the returns on this shit?"
Mexico and the World Meet at the Festival of Friendly Cultures
More than 90 nations are converging at Mexico City's Zócalo. France is the special guest country.
Farewell to Holly Betaudier, a Man Who Dedicated His Life to Promoting Trinidad & Tobago's Cultural Diversity
"He created the bridge between successive generations and offered [...] the experiences of many of our early artists who painted the tapestry of life in Trinidad and Tobago!"
Professor and Political Pundit Kidnapped and Shot in Mozambique’s Capital
Expressing opinions about political life is an increasingly dangerous activity in Mozambique. Yet another academic, José Jaime Macuane, has been kidnapped and shot—but thankfully not killed—in the streets of Maputo.
Europe Expects Big Progress From Angola Following Prisoner’s Liberation
The liberation of the Angolan activist, Marcos Mavungo, could be the start of the Angolan government respecting human rights, says an EU spokesperson.
Global Voices Seeks NewsFrames Project Director
Global Voices seeks a Project Director to manage a new, two-year project with the working title of Global NewsFrames, and to support the Global Voices community to design and run...
Peru Has Not One, but Two Tours Dedicated to Nobel Laureate Mario Vargas Llosa
The tours, which take place in Miraflores and Arequipa, are dedicated to Vargas Llosa, whose works include the novels Conversation in the Cathedral and Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter.
Vietnam's Growing Number of Pet Lovers Are Challenging the Meat Industry's Treatment of Dogs
Việt Nam is still a long way from becoming a safe and friendly country to pets, but changes are happening.
Russian Newspapers Are Now Warning Readers About Russian TV Networks
A newspaper in Russia's regions targeted by a defamatory investigative report on a pro-Kremlin television network is hitting back with a warning to its readers.
Giant David Bowie Mural Unveiled in Sarajevo
The mural recognises Bowie's participation in humanitarian efforts during the siege in the Balkan city in the 1990s.
Ghanaians Oppose Shutdown of Social Media Platforms During Elections
"This kind of thinking is unacceptable."
Recent Rhino Translocation in Nepal Hints at Bright Future for the Vulnerable Animals
Conservationists around the world have a reason to smile– a baby was born to a rhino translocated few months ago to Bardia National Park from Chitwan National Park in Nepal.
How a Hmong Song Tradition Is Kept Alive in the American Midwest
Kwv txhiaj has its origins in southern China and Southeast Asia, is several centuries old and is kept alive through its singers. One of them calls the US Midwest home.
Myanmar Wants the World to Stop Using the Word Rohingya for Persecuted Ethnic Group
"Rather than arguing over terminology, it is crucial to initiate a dialogue between the Buddhist majority and Muslim minority and negotiate a lasting solution."
Uproar, Victim-Blaming on Brazilian Social Media After Gang Rape Video Shared on Twitter
"This reveals a society that is criminal and violent against women, which sees that a woman’s body as made for man's consumption."
In Afghanistan, Social Media Gives Rise to Hate Speech
"Pashtun zealots, water-carrying Tajiks, porter Hazaras and raw-brained Uzbeks, good morning!"
How a Single Blog Post Changed the Life of a Somali Single Mother of Eight
A fundraiser springing from the massive public response to the story raised over $4,000 in the space of a single day.
Some Moroccans Are Tired of Getting the Hollywood Treatment
Moroccan cities and desert locales have served as stand-ins for many movies set in other Middle East countries. Some in Morocco would like their country to play itself more often.
