Turkey’s Kavala life sentence: A president’s revenge Published: 6 May 2022 Commentary On Monday 25 April 2022 in Istanbul, Turkish philanthropist and civil society activist Osman Kavala was sentenced to life in prison, marking a new low in Turkey’s downward slide into authoritarianism since at least 2013. By Kristian Brakel
Statement on the ban of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung in Russia Published: 11 April 2022 Press release By banning the work of German political foundations, the Russian leadership is purposefully trying to block an essential, independent channel of communication between our societies. We deeply regret this further escalation by the Russian authorities. We will maintain contact with all those who are working courageously, creatively, steadfastly and with conviction for a different, peaceful and democratic Russia. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
Nicaragua bans "Centro Humboldt", partner organisation of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Published: 22 March 2022 Press release The National Assembly of Nicaragua has abolished by decree the legal personality of the partner organisation of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung "Centro Humboldt" and other 24 non-profit civil society associations and organisations, effectively banning them. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
Laptop generals and bot armies: The digital front of Russia’s Ukraine war Published: 1 March 2022 Analysis Digital technology plays a key role in the armed conflict in Ukraine – as a tool for cyberattacks and digital protest, and as an accelerator for information and disinformation. By Sabine Muscat and Zora Siebert
It’s time for the Green family to show its support for Ukraine Published: 1 March 2022 Commentary Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine is a tragedy of an unprecedented scale. The struggle for independence of the Ukrainian society will go down in history, and the heroism and determination of the resistance movement will be remembered by successive generations of Europeans. Since the protests on Independence Square in Kyiv commenced in 2013, thousands of Ukrainian citizens have given their lives for the European dream, standing firmly for democratic future of the country. These values are also dear to our Foundation. We are convinced that people who support our activities also want to help Ukraine. There is more than one way to do it. By Dr. Andriy Korniychuk
The right to protest in the UK comes under further attack Published: 9 February 2022 Commentary An attempted crackdown on protest in the UK has suffered a partial defeat in the House of Lords, writes Ros Taylor. But the government is still determined to make it more difficult for Britons to organise and take part in public protest, and hand substantial powers to the police – just as their authority has come under new scrutiny. By Ros Taylor
Natthapan Saengtab: Leading the fight for land rights in Southern Thailand Published: 9 February 2022 Photo story At the age of 18, Natthapan Saengtab crashed her motorcycle into a stranger's car. It set off a chain of events that would see her parents lose their land, sending the family on a downward spiral. But against all odds, the fateful accident set Natthapan on the path to becoming a prominent land rights defender in southern Thailand. By Paritta (Mai) Wangkiat and Luke Duggleby
Thailand’s Alisa Bintuna: Believing in the young generation’s power to change the world Published: 9 February 2022 Photo story Alisa, who goes by the nickname Fon, went to a high school located right at the beach, prompting her to develop a deep interest in the coastal communities of her hometown. She then became inspired to pursue a career in law, hoping to bring the voices of local communities into the country's environmental laws and regulations. Today, the young activist is one of the pioneers of encouraging young people in Thailand's South to raise their voices for change. She became one of the few youth representatives in national politics dedicated to community struggles in the country’s coastal areas. By Wanpen Pajai and Luke Duggleby
Songseang Supanya: A rising voice of empowerment for the slums of Bangkok Published: 9 February 2022 Photo story Until the second grade, Songseang Supanya did not see a problem with commuting to school in a saleng, a three-wheeled cart her parents used for scavenging in the streets of Bangkok. Then, in third grade, she switched to a school van, supervised every morning by teachers. "One day, I overheard a teacher talk about picking me up from home. 'She lives in a slum!' she said. I felt terrible. I questioned whether living in a slum meant I was not a [good] student," Songeang recalls. By Siyoree (Joyce) Thaitrakulpanich and Luke Duggleby
Transformation or stagnation? How digital media is changing student activism in Indonesia Published: 9 February 2022 Analysis Indonesia, like its neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia, has a long history of student activism; from the participation of indigenous and Islamic students to end Dutch colonial rule and a wave of protests in the 1970s against corruption, student movements became a strong force in Indonesia’s democracy. With the changing landscape of technology has also come a shift in how students and youth in Indonesia become politically engaged. By Renee Karunungan