Stories about East Asia from December, 2017
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."
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..."
In 2017, Stories of Resilience, Creativity and Love Were Plentiful
Injustice abounds, but the human spirit is alive, kicking, and as beautiful as ever. Take a look at these highlights of Global Voices' coverage in 2017.
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.
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.
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..."
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.
The Chinese Communist Party Forbids Members From Celebrating Christmas, Calling It a Festival of Humiliation
This year, the anti-Christmas campaign has been marked by the circulation of an article that recites the history of Western military invasions in China, arguing that Christmas represents Chinese humiliation.
Thailand's Military Junta Wants to Promote Nationalism With a Soap Opera Called ‘Love Missions’
"It’s delusional to think this is enough to alleviate the people’s sorrow and disappointment with the military in the real world."
All about ‘osechi ryōri’, Japan's traditional New Year's food
If you're ever invited to spend New Years in a Japanese home, you can impress your hosts with your knowledge of the meanings of the various traditional New Year's dishes.
Tropical Storm Unleashes Deadly Destruction on Philippines Four Years After Super Typhoon Haiyan
"We would never have thought the storm would cause evacuation-efforts spanning three regions or paralyzed the economy of close to three provinces in Eastern Visayas."
With Legislative Changes, Some Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Activists Fear ‘Article 23 Is Coming to Town’
Article 23 refers to a controversial part of Hong Kong's mini-constitution that compels it to pass national security legislation against treason, secession, sedition or subversion against the mainland Chinese government.
The Story Behind China’s Online Literature Boom
China is experiencing a boom in online e-book sales which is changing the landscape of publishing and literature in the country.
‘Love Wins for Today’ as Indonesian Court Rejects Petition to Criminalize Gay Sex
"Thank you the five Supreme Court justices who thwarted another effort to persecute Indonesia's LGBT people. Our fight for equality is not over, but for today #lovewins."
The Hypocrisy of the Philippines National Police Human Rights Mobile App
"The ‘Know Your Rights’ app is a perfect example of hypocrisy because the only application that is known to the PNP is the application of torture..."
Twitter Japan is Not a Safe Space for Minority Users
"Of respondents who reported they found it unpleasant when coming across discriminatory articles online (as described above), 19.8% said they would refrain from using the Internet."
A Legislator in Taiwan Risks a Recall for Supporting Same-Sex Marriage
Some in the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan are campaigning to recall a legislator because he supports same-sex marriage, generating a furious debate and calls for reform.
‘Recalcitrant’ Activist Charged by Singapore Police for Organizing ‘Illegal Assemblies’
"We do not understand why the State is pursuing the seven charges against Jolovan Wham for events which were all peaceful and non-violent."
Indonesian President Jokowi Leads Citizens in Condemning Donald Trump's Jerusalem Declaration
"Trump is dragging the USA and the world to the frontline of religious extremism."
A Local Newspaper's Full-Page Feature on Nuclear Radiation Survival Stirs Panic in China
"The whole page feature on nuclear radiation precaution is believed to be a reaction to the risk of warfare in the Korean peninsula."
The Fall of Chinese Internet Czar Lu Wei
If Lu Wei's censorship measures were viewed as selective, Chinese netizens will now find themselves facing a more "comprehensive" online content control system.
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