Stories from May, 2017
First- and Second-Generation Dutch Wonder Whether They'll Ever Be Considered Locals
Identity, integration and Islam were critical issues in the Dutch spring elections in the Netherlands. At the heart of the debate was who belongs in the Netherlands.
Viral Video Triggers Debate Over Patriotic Education in China, Again
"My kids do not need to follow so-called 'heroes' who killed their fellow countrymen. They should learn how to love the environment, recycle used items, act in a civilized manner."
Japanese Committee Clears Path for Vague and Controversial Anti-Conspiracy Bill
The legislation will cover nearly 300 crimes if it passes. Critics have argued personal liberties are at stake.
Have You Heard of ‘Cash for Keys'? Many Elderly Immigrants in Los Angeles Have—and Are Fighting It.
How one community group is helping low-income residents — many of them immigrants — realize their tenant rights.
Argentines Rally Against Ruling That Could Shorten Prison Sentences of Dictatorship-Era Criminals
"Argentina cannot go backwards on human rights issues. The message of impunity cannot invade our streets”
Azerbaijan Blocks Independent Media (And Actually Admits it)
"This was one thing we had left and they have taken it too. May God punish them. All they think about is how to shut people up."
For Some Mexicans, a Presidential Hopeful Bears Worrying Similarities to Venezuela's Maduro
"It's no wonder people continue to believe in AMLO, if in Venezuela there are still those that continue believe in Nicolás Maduro, there are naive people everywhere"
‘Cyber Warrior’ Group Threatens to Extort Indian Women on Facebook
Threats of character assassination and extortion can carry severe real-life consequences, especially for women.
President Maduro Threatened This Venezuelan Journalist on Twitter, Then His Passport Was Suddenly Declared “Invalid”
César Miguel Rondón was detained at the airport, and his whole family's passports were declared invalid.
Netizen Report: Chelsea Manning and the Power of Transparency
This week, Chelsea Manning was finally released from prison, Ukraine censored Russian web platforms and Thailand threatened legal action against Facebook.
#FreeThe5KH Campaign Seeks Release of Five Detained Human Rights Activists in Cambodia
The five have been recognized as among the finalists in the prestigious Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders in 2017.
Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients in Australia Raises Discrimination and Privacy Concerns
"The overwhelming Twitter response to the plan to drug test welfare recipients: drug test politicians and their staff too"
Meet the Alliance Managing Mexico's Mayan Rainforest
“Alianza Selva Maya,” which includes five communal lands and 1,250 families, promotes rural development based on good forest-resource management.
Cybercrime Charges Against Jamaica's Tambourine Army Founder Dropped
Jamaica's Director of Public Prosecutions has dropped all three charges against activist La Toya Nugent, under the country's Cybercrimes Act.
Political Bad-Mouthing in Trinidad and Tobago Sullies Opening of Stadium Named for Cricketer Brian Lara
Politics and sport may be inextricably linked, as evidenced by the online commentary following the opening of the Brian Lara Stadium in south Trinidad.
Iran Elections 2017: Hassan Rouhani Ran on Openness. But What Did He Actually Achieve?
Hassan Rouhani has been both the candidate and President of "hope and moderation" for Iranians. Article 19's report assesses how this has had an affect on freedoms online.
Among First Nations Youth, Hip-Hop Is a Tool for Self-Expression and Cultural Preservation
"This is the day you’ll hear our scream / cause we lost our way in life as youth / but I believe that one day we will rise."
To Take a Stand for Love, Beirut Pride Had to Overcome Hate
A hotel where the first event was scheduled canceled on organizers after facing pressure from religious groups. But that hasn't stopped Beirut Pride from going forward.
Beirut Activists Launch Heritage Watch Day to Defend Threatened Historical Sites
The laissez-faire privatization and development frenzy in Lebanon’s capital has destroyed much of the country’s heritage. Activists are determined to stop that trend.
Palestinian Prisoners Remain ‘Determined’ One Month Into Hunger Strike Against Israeli Prison Conditions
Thirty days have passed and over 1,500 Palestinian political prisoners in Israeli prisons continue their mass hunger strike.
The Russian State Media: Champion of Internet Freedom. (From Now On.)
With millions of Ukrainians now at risk of losing their beloved online services, Russia's state media did what it often does in unexpected geopolitical situations: it suddenly changed sides.
