Freedom of speech

KAMPALA – Press freedom in Uganda has once again come under international scrutiny after the country’s military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, ordered the closure of two of Uganda’s largest independent media outlets. The decision, announced on Sunday (June 28, 2026), has sparked concerns over growing restrictions on freedom of expression. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is […]

MEDAN – The vibrant spirit of Malay culture once again illuminated the heart of Medan as the 11th Gelar Melayu Serumpun (GEMES) 2026 officially opened with a spectacular ceremony at Lapangan Merdeka on Saturday evening (June 27). The annual cultural festival, widely recognized as one of Medan’s premier tourism events, drew thousands of visitors eager […]

BALI, April 8, 2026 — A series of sexual violence cases involving foreign tourists in Bali over the past few days has sparked serious concerns about safety in one of the world’s leading travel destinations. At least three foreign nationals have reportedly become victims of alleged rape and sexual harassment in major tourist areas, including […]

MAKKAH, Saudi Arabia – Saudi security forces have detained an Egyptian umrah pilgrim after he raised a Palestinian flag near the Kaaba at the Masjidil Haram in Makkah, according to reports and widely circulated social media footage on Sunday (July 27). Videos shared online show the man shouting “Wa Islamah!”—an Arabic expression conveying anguish when […]

BALI – Marking Indonesia’s National Waste Awareness Day (HPSN) 2026, environmental organization Sungai Watch led a large-scale coastal clean-up at Kedonganan Beach, Badung Regency, on Saturday (February 21, 2026). The initiative underscored a tangible commitment to addressing marine debris while supporting the government’s National Movement Indonesia ASRI (Safe, Healthy, Clean, Beautiful). The action brought together […]