Stories from December, 2017
If You Spent 2017 in the Caribbean, This Was The Kind of Year You Had
2017 was a bit like a rollercoaster for the Caribbean archipelago, complete with incredible highs and stomach-churning lows.
Massive Protests in Iran as People Weigh in on Its Origins
Here is a look at what is happening in Iran, how it differs from 2009's protests, and why there is a lot more to this situation than meets the eye.
Incarceration of Left-wing Japanese Newspaper Editor Sparks Fears of Threat to Free Speech
"We are very concerned that these types of suppression against citizens by the police will expand. The whole purpose of [conspiracy law] is to repress citizen movement and the press."
Brazil Introduces Tougher Regulations on ‘Fake News’ Ahead of 2018 Elections
A committee with members of the army, the federal police, and the Brazilian Intelligence Agency will monitor and possibly order the blocking of false news reports on social media.
Survivors of a Deadly Mall Fire in the Philippines Share Harrowing Testimonies on Social Media
"Simultaneously, the lights went out. There was no electricity. It was dark, people started screaming. Smoke was starting to cover us. I maintained composure..."
From Political Icon to Tyrant: President Duterte, According to Philippine Protest Effigies
The many protest effigies during President Rodrigo Duterte's first two years in power reflected the evolving position of left-leaning activists and rights advocates towards the new administration.
7 Global Voices Stories That Resonated With Readers in 2017
They spanned topics like memes, tattoos, and injustice, and focused on countries as diverse as Syria, Brazil, and Macedonia.
Despite Regime Change, Macedonian Civil Society Is Still Reeling from Political Persecution and ‘De-Sorosization’
Will Macedonia's new government keep its promise to respect the role of civil society?
The Good Cop? Uzbekistan Readies for Another Year of Major Changes
2017 was a honeymoon year for Uzbekistan and new President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, but challenges loom in the distance.
Ghana's President Says Africa Must Quit Its ‘Mindset of Dependency’ on Western Aid
President Nana Akuffo-Addo's declaration was criticized as dangerously inaccurate or as being the empty words of a politician. Others, however, found his statement empowering.
Teenage Abuse Victim Faces Online Criticism, Accused Granted Bail
"The case mirrors a repeated pattern which tends to dissect a sexual abuse victim's language and dress while giving the accused a pass under the 'Boys will be boys' mentality."
Macedonia's Former Government Tried to Cover Up Its Own Wiretapping Operation, With Help from a Foreign Company
New revelations show the depths of manipulation perpetrated by the populist propaganda machine of Macedonia's former government.
Difficult Moments, Alleged Negotiations and Protests from the Latest Political Crisis in Peru
References to comic characters and underhanded dealings during Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski failed impeachment process that ended up in ex-President Alberto Fujimori being pardoned has marked recently Peruvian politics.
Don't Call “Xi the Bun” — Chinese Netizens Are Being Jailed for Chatroom Jokes
Three recent cases indicate that chatroom conversations in China are under surveillance and can be used as evidence in criminal prosecution.
Bleak Christmas in Oil-Rich Nigeria as Fuel Scarcity Disrupts Holiday Commute Home
Christmas frenzy ground to a halt in Nigeria as Nigerians were unable to power their vehicles and businesses.
#TogoDebout: Demonstrations Against President Gnassingbé Continue Despite International Indifference
A popular joke has been shared in Togo following the fall of Zimbabwe's President Mugabe: "We pray for Togo, and God answers in Zimbabwe".
Photos: Days Before Christmas, Tropical Storm Tembin Batters Southern Philippine Island of Mindanao
"Let’s also include in our prayers the families residing in Pagalungan, North Cotabato who are affected...they don’t have their evacuation center and as of the moment, no relief goods..."
In Memory of Aleppo
"We are alive, we will keep going, and the dream will be realized"
How Some Musicians Are Reshaping the Image of Chile's Music Scene
"Before being music producers, we're 100% music fans."
Wayang Wahyu: Preaching the Bible Through Indonesian Javanese Puppets
Indra Suroinggeno has been conducting workshops among young Javanese to preserve and promote Wayang Wahyu, a narration of Bible stories through the use of puppet characters.
Two Salvadoran Theater Productions Explore Themes of Violence and Forced Disappearances
Theater actors and directors devote efforts to understand, denounce and remember a forgotten ramification of violence in El Salvador -- forced disappearances.