Stories about Human Rights from January, 2015
Grindr in the Kremlin: Gay and Online in Putin's Russia
Russia's "balanced" anti-homosexual legislation has turned the Internet from a safe haven into a battleground in Kremlin’s assault on the Russian LGBT community.
As a Drone Captures Global Voices at 10, a Few Thoughts from Cebu
I was blogging and tweeting frenetically, trying to capture the conversations in panels and halls, soaking up as much news and perspective as I could from friends around the world.
Iranian Women's Rights Advocate Mahdieh Golroo Released From Jail
Last October, a wave of acid attacks against women created a public uproar in Iran. When police failed to respond, protests and online campaigns against government inaction swept the nation.
36 Killed, Internet Shut Down Briefly in DR Congo as Protests Flare Against President Kabila
Violent clashes between police and protesters against Kabila's electoral reform have resulted in 36 deaths in DR Congo over the past few days.
A Tajik Bazaar Director Accused of Beating an Orphan to Death Faces Public Fury
People in Tajikistan are questioning human life's worth after a 17-year-old orphan was seemingly beaten to death for stealing just over $70 and some food.
Japanese PM's ‘Triple Disaster’ Response to ISIS Ransom Demands
The prime minister dispatched a notably pro-Israel Japanese lawmaker to Jordan to deal with the crisis and delivered his response to ISIS's demands standing in front of an Israeli flag.
Israel's Arab Sector on Strike Over Alleged Police Brutality
The "unintentional" deaths of two men from the Bedouin city of Rahat has brought to the fore tensions over "the conduct of the police in confronting Arab citizens."
Indonesia's Pick for Top Cop is a Suspect in a Bribery Scandal
The police chief nominee also made suspicious bank transactions as a police officer, according to the country's anti-corruption agency. Many Indonesians think this makes Budi Gunawan unfit for the job.
Eight Years After His Death, Turkish-Armenian Hrant Dink Still Cannot Rest in Peace
Eight years ago today ethnic Armenian journalist Hrant Dink was murdered by a nationalist teenager in broad daylight. The rest of the story remains untold.
Five Issues that Matter to Kyrgyzstan's Girl-Activists
Kyrgyzstan's 'Devochki-Activistki' are young girls fighting for gender equality in schools and within families. Meet them ahead of their appearance at the Global Voices 2015 Summit in Cebu.
‘I Am Shuhrat': Tajiks Come to Jailed Lawyer's Defence on Facebook
Shuhrat Qudratov, a Tajik lawyer with a reputation for defending politically endangered clients, has been sentenced to nine years in prison on charges many citizens feel are bogus.
Civil Liberties vs. Terrorism: What Are We Willing to Give Up?
European Union Interior Ministers are considering measures to combat terrorism in the region, which many have branded as draconian.
A 16-Year-Old's Death Is Forcing Ethiopia to Confront Its Sexual Violence Problem
Hanna Lalango was 16 years old when she was kidnapped while riding home from school, gang-raped and left severely injured on an Addis Ababa street.
Sketch Comic Faces Accusations of ‘Glorifying’ Terrorism in Spain
The day after the attack on Charlie Hebdo in France, a Spanish judge summoned satirist Facu Díaz for questioning about a satirical sketch broadcast on his online TV show.
They Are Not Charlie: They Torture, Jail and Kill Journalists in Their Own Countries
The presence of world leaders at the forefront of the Paris rally drew much criticism online, especially since some of those leaders were among the world's worst free speech offenders.
The Spirit of Henri Young: A Bahraini Prisoner Tries To Take His Own Life
Bahraini Ali Altaweel, 25, has been in solitary confinement for over three years. He attempted suicide twice: once by cutting his veins, and more recently by trying to hang himself.
Should Prisoners Enjoy Full Labor Rights?
Prison inmates in Argentina now have full protection under the country's labor laws. Laura Schneider tries to wrap her head around the issue.
Saudi Blogger Raif Badawi Flogged for His Liberal Ideas
Saudi liberal blogger Raif Badawi was publicly flogged today in Saudi Arabia after being convicted of founding an online forum for public debate and for "insulting Islam."
Venezuelan President Would Free Opposition Leader if US Frees Oscar López Rivera
Puerto Rican Oscar López Rivera has been in prison for 33 years in the United States. He has been called the longest held political prisoner in the Western Hemisphere.
What Drives Blasphemy Charges in the Middle East? (It's Not Just Religion)
Sentenced to death for his online writing, Mauritanian blogger Mohamed Cheikh Ould Mohamed is yet another victim of a repressive government using “apostasy” pretexts to crack down political speech.
Your Guide to Sri Lanka's 2015 Presidential Election
Incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa faces off against his former health minister, Maithripala Sirisena, in a presidential contest rife with electoral violations, social media manipulation, and constitutional stakes for Sri Lanka.
