Stories about East Asia from December, 2014
Protests, Blackouts, and a Bill of Rights for the Internet: Advox in 2014
In 2014, the Global Voices Advox team covered more stories than ever before. From Egypt to Ethiopia to Tajikistan to Turkey, our authors wrote what they saw on the ground,...
Thailand’s 12 Tumultuous Months in 2014
Thailand in 2014: Street protests, martial law regime, media and web censorship, and the rise to power of a junta-backed government. Will 2015 bring change?
Chinese Authorities Weren't Feeling the Christmas Spirit This Year
For many young Chinese, Christmas is simply a lighthearted diversion that has little to do with religious faith, but authorities see the Western festival as a threat.
With Protesters Under Threat, Hong Kong Must Increase Transparency on Personal Data Requests
Protester arrests highlighted the opaque practices under which the city's law enforcement agencies and online service providers handle Internet user data.
Post-Umbrella Revolution's Politics Reflected in the Newly Launched Stand News
With tensions still sky-high in Hong Kong, the newly-formed Stand News may seek to chart new political and journalistic territory.
Air Asia Plane Carrying 162 People from Indonesia to Singapore Reported Missing
Indonesian authorities are focusing on the Bangka Belitung islands off the east coast of South Sumatra to find the missing plane.
More Than 120,000 Evacuated as Malaysia Hit by Worst Flooding in Decades
Heavy rainfall caused flooding in Malaysia's eastern states. Netizens used social media to monitor impact of the flood disaster and to coordinate relief efforts.
One Dead, Dozens Injured as Myanmar Farmers Continue to Oppose Chinese Copper Mine Project
Clashes over a controversial mining project in Myanmar have claimed the life of a 56-year-old farmer and protester, who reportedly died after being shot in the head by police.
Internet Memes Protest Killing of Anti-Mining Villager in Myanmar
Those outraged by the shooting death of a woman protesting the mining project have used popular Internet memes to point out the absurdities of the case.
Defying Hacker Threats, Sony Releases Film The Interview on Google Play and YouTube
Earlier this month, Sony pulled their planned release of the political comedy, succumbing to threats by a hackers group that the US claims is linked to North Korea.
Mainland Chinese ‘Bad Behavior’ Abroad Is a Strategy for Success at Home
Following a recent brawl on a flight from mainland China to Hong Kong, a Singapore news website argued that a 'fierce' attitude is necessary to succeed living on the mainland.
#IAm26: Open Letter Inspires Malaysians to Speak Out Against Religious Intolerance
Twenty-five retired senior officials, who came to be known as the "prominent 25", urged the Malaysian government in a widely supported open letter to review the country's Islamic laws
Harrowing Tohoku Tsunami Stories, Translated Into English
The Kahoku Shimpo, a major newspaper in Tohoku, is publishing English translations of its unique first-hand accounts of the March 11, 2011 "triple disaster" with the help of Harvard University.
A High-Rise Condo Tower Is Photobombing the Philippines’ National Hero
The 49-storey Torre de Manila has been dubbed the "Terror de Manila" by critics for allegedly ruining the view of the Rizal monument in Luneta Park.
Hong Kong Police's Arrest of Teen ‘Shopping’ Protesters Sparks Concern
Human rights activists worry that Hong Kong police are targeting minors participating in "shopping" pro-democracy protests. Young activists may not be aware of their legal rights.
Anti-Coup Activist Says Thai Officials Threatened Her with Rape
She was detained at an International Human Rights Day event in Bangkok after she and another person made the three-fingered "Hunger Games" salute, which is banned in Thailand.
VIDEO: How Palm Oil is Causing Environmental Destruction in Indonesia
The team of Coconuts TV went to south Sumatra in Indonesia to document the impact of the burning of peatlands and forests to make way for the expanding palm oil...
Serbia Arrests 11 Foreign Human Rights Activists Ahead of Protest
Amnesty International has requested that Serbian authorities release eleven activists from Bulgaria, Finland, and Slovakia who were in Serbia to hold peaceful protests during the CEE-China Summit in Belgrade.
Southeast Asia's Public Transport Woes in Photos
Motorbike riders without helmet, overloaded jeepneys, and train passengers on roof carriages are some of the common public transport spectacles we see in the streets of Southeast Asia.
Small Fries, Big Problems for Japan's McDonald's
A port strike in the U.S. is causing a potato shortage in Japan and affecting McDonald's menus. But the company has more to worry about than just French fry rationing.
Have the Japanese Become ‘Numb’ to Earthquakes?
Following a strong 6.8 earthquake in November, Twitter users noticed that the Japanese seemed to brush it off easily, only three years after the 3.11 Tohoku Triple Disaster killed thousands.