Stories from June, 2017
Peruvian Sportscaster's Racist Comments Trigger Outrage Across Two Countries
"The media has a great responsibility in society, to not repeat stereotypes, not amplify them, and not to replicate racist actions."
The Sad State of Tajikistan's Online Opposition
"While one [fake account] should play the role of an “angry bird” and mercilessly bomb everyone who speaks against you, another one should use softer, more diplomatic language."
Beatles Memorial Day Marks the Anniversary of the Iconic Band’s First Visit to Japan
The 1966 visit by the Beatles to Japan is regarded as a turning point in Japanese postwar culture.
Netizen Report: Venezuela's Conflict Moves From the Streets to the Screen
Global Voices Advocacy's Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Fall Armyworms Are Ravaging Crops in Many African Countries
"They've finished eating the wild plants and are now going into the villages where there is more vegetation. They eat everything in their path. All plant life is at risk."
A Nepali Wildlife Photographer Uses His Camera to Raise Awareness About Conservation
Sagar Giri's photos carry the logo: “i click for conservation.”
Cardinal George Pell, Vatican's Third Highest-Ranking Official, Charged With Sexual Assault Offences in Australia
The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney has indicated that Pell will return to Australia to try to clear his name.
Mumbai Locals Transform the Versova Shore With Their ‘World's Largest Beach Clean-Up’
"Couldn't believe this is exactly the same beach which I visited last year and my friend was like, man, its so dirty."
A Czech Nuclear Plant Held a Swimsuit Contest to Choose Its Next Female Intern
The move quickly faced accusations of sexism: "What a joke! Do we make men pose in swim suits to get hired as interns?"
Vietnamese Blogger Phạm Minh Hoàng Detained, Stripped of Citizenship, and Exiled to France
"I wrote blogs and continued to express my views on issues like democracy, corruption, territorial sovereignty. This is something that anybody could do, and to be honest, everybody should do."
At Thailand's Request, YouTube Blocks Video Clip of Charlie Chaplin’s ‘The Great Dictator’
"Juntaland's dictator blocking Charlie Chaplin's satirical film mocking dictator is hilariously insane and dictatorial," wrote a journalist on Twitter.
China's Great Firewall Grows Ever-Stronger As Virtual Private Networks Disappear
"If one day I cannot climb over the wall, will you miss me?"
Colombians Send Love Letters to Guerrilla Fighters to Welcome Them Back Into Society
"The reality of the country hurts, but it is comforting to realize that all human beings, including those who have [...] caused so much damage, have something to teach us."
Salvador Adame Is the Seventh Journalist Murdered in Mexico in 2017
"Truth is not killed when a journalist is killed."
Satirical Cartoonists Take Aim at Bulgaria's Media Distribution ‘Monopoly’
"When holding this newspaper is a reason for jealousy. There is expression, but no freedom. #Prass-Press"
A Win for Citizen Activism After UNESCO Asks Macedonia to Stop All Construction Projects on Lake Ohrid
Lake Ohrid in Macedonia is the oldest lake in the European continent but the previous Macedonian government wanted the natural heritage area to be converted into a mega resort.
In China, an Antagonistic Anti-Refugee Stance Finds Support Online
Netizens bullied Yao Chen, a famous Chinese actress who is the UN Refugee Agency’s first Goodwill Ambassador in China, and rejected the idea of taking in refugees.
Iran's Revolution In Waiting
Without the active presence of justice in all its forms, it will remain impossible for any Iranian government to achieve coexistence among all of the country’s ethnic nations.
Mexico's Drug War Makes Everyone a Target
The rise in use of digital surveillance tools has become part and parcel of Mexico's ongoing internal armed conflict.
An Angolan Governor Loses His Job After Criticizing His Own Political Party in an Interview
Isaac Maria dos Anjos, ex-governor of the Angolan provínce of Benguela, is famous for his criticisms of the ruling MPLA party.
Is the End Near for Telegram in Russia?
Blocking Telegram in Russia would surely decrease its popularity, but there is no guarantee that it will help stifle communication among violent extremist groups.