Stories about East Asia from June, 2019
‘Stand with Hong Kong': Appeal to G20 leaders on extradition law crisis appears in major international newspapers
Proposed legal amendments would allow Hong Kong residents to be extradited to mainland China's judicial system. Protesters are appealing to G20 leaders for support.
Netizen Report: Conflict triggers internet shutdowns in Mauritania, Myanmar and Ethiopia (again)
Struggles for political power in Myanmar, Mauritania and Ethiopia led to widespread shutdowns of internet services this week.
Myanmar unites against anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination after tragic death of a young gay librarian
Kyaw Zin Win wrote in his last note, "[Myanmar] is a country that mocks the identity and existence of a person".
What will it take to combat digital authoritarianism in Southeast Asia?
"Applied to the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia, digital authoritarianism refers to how the internet has been weaponized in aid of existing authoritarian regimes."
China's censored histories: The evolving blacklist on Tiananmen Massacre
The blacklist shows an ongoing struggle between those vowing never to forget and authorities attempting to erase this piece of history from collective memory.
Kim Kardashian's ‘Kimono’ clothing line causes consternation in Japan and around the world
Kardashian's line of lingerie bears no similarity to its Japanese namesake garment.
Myanmar disables internet access in conflict areas of Rakhine and Chin states
The government and operators did not specify when access to the internet will be restored.
Parents, students threaten to sue Bhutanese employment agency after ‘learn and earn’ debacle in Japan
Many students became sick from physical and mental stress. There were also reports of forced labor, and passport theft and illegal wage deductions by employers in Japan.
New documentary explores the roots of Myanmar’s persecution of the Rohingya community
"I wish people in Myanmar see this film, since it is not only about Rohingya, it is about all ethnic minorities, who have faced persecution for years."
Hong Kong anti-extradition protesters paralyze government and police operations
Among the demands made by Hong Kong's anti-extradition protesters is an independent investigation of police brutality in relation to the clashes on June 12.
Is China headed towards another Cultural Revolution?: An interview with Professor Xu Youyu
"Justice has not been served to those who were killed, suppressed and jailed. Those who were exiled still can not return to their homeland."
Hong Kong police remove ‘riot’ label from June 12 protests, but citizens still demand justice
A coalition of civil society groups has called for an independent investigation into the excessive use of force by police during the June 12 protests.
Hong Kong press watchdog calls for investigation into police abuse against 26 journalists during protests
"Journalist watchdog recorded 10 cases of police officers firing tear gas bombs at close range towards reporters, 3 of whom were hit on the head."
‘Step down, Carrie Lam!': Two million rise up once more against Hong Kong extradition bill
Having flouted due process and ignored public criticism of an extradition bill amendment that could put Hongkongers at serious risk, Chief Executive Carrie Lam is paying the price.
Surprise victories in the 2019 midterm Philippine elections offer hope to the opposition
Despite being fiercely attacked by state-supported elements during the election season, the opposition succeeded in disrupting local political dynasties in some key cities.
#JBF2019: Japan's Lego Brick Festival 2019 takes to Twitter
More than 270 Lego fans displayed their creations, and the thousands of people who attended Brickfest over the weekend shared photos on Twitter using the hashtag #JBF2019.
Indonesia’s post-election riots led to free speech violations
"While we understand the government’s intention to stop the distribution of false information and protect the public, the decision has also inadvertently restricted public’s access to factual information."
In Hong Kong, authorities arrest the administrator of a Telegram protest group—and force him to hand over a list of its members
A list of members of the group-- which numbers between 20,000 and 30,000 people--, as well as all the messages exchanged in the secure chat, have been exposed to the police.
Why are Hong Kong authorities labelling the anti-extradition demonstrations as “riots”?
As the majority of protesters were peaceful and had not engaged with violent acts, a large number of civic groups slammed the “riot” label as ludicrous.
#KuToo: Japan petition against high heels in the workplace gains worldwide support
In Japan, employers are legally entitled to demand female employees wear uncomfortable high heels or pumps.
Thousands of anti-extradition protesters block roads surrounding Hong Kong government headquarters
On the morning of June 12, protesters were able to postpone debate on the controversial extradition bill by the Legislative Council.
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