Stories about Western Europe from April, 2015
Following Hundreds of Deaths at Sea, a ‘Die-In’ in France Calls for EU Migrant Reform
The number of migrants killed while trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe have increased dramatically. Still the European Union's priorities don't seem to be about saving lives.
Eritrean Man Recalls Near-Death Journey Across Mediterranean, Says He Wouldn't Do It Again
"We are not trying to make our lives better, just sleep in a better bed...it’s a basic question about basic human rights," says Daniel Habtey.
Millions of People Around the World Commemorate the Armenian Genocide
Millions of Armenians and supporters around the world commemorated the Armenian Genocide Centennial.
Angola: Award-Winning Journalist Faces Trial Over ‘Blood Diamonds’ Investigation
Jonathan McCully contributed to this report. Last month, Rafael Marques de Morais was awarded the Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Award for Journalism for his “impactful, original, and unwavering investigative journalism” in his home country of Angola. Tomorrow, he will face trial on multiple charges of criminal defamation because of...
What Do Africans Think of the Film ‘Timbuktu’ About Life Under Islamic Militants?
In Africa, opinions are divided on the Mauritanian film "Timbuktu." Some love it, others think external factors are the reason for its success.
Lesbian Fleeing Persecution in Cameroon Finally Receives Asylum in Spain
Although Spain is one of the world's more tolerant countries in regards to LGBT rights, its governmental institutions are not as inclined to granting asylum.
In Finland's ‘Open Prisons,’ Inmates Have the Keys
How did Finland move from having the highest incarceration rate in Europe to having one of its lowest? Part of the answer lies in its open prisons.
France Launchs National Campaign to Curb Racist and Anti-Semitic Acts
On April 17, the French government unveiled a national campaign to combat racism and anti-Semitism in France. The objective of the campaign is to fight all prejudices, raise awareness and get citizens engaged in the conversation. One hundred euros will be allocated over three years to educate and promote cultural diversity. The...
The European Union Won't Give e-Books Reduced VAT
On March 5, 2015, the European Union Court of Justice ruled that the reduced value-added tax (VAT) established for printed books should not apply to digital books, considering everything distributed or delivered electronically or via Internet as a service. Amalia Lopez questions the resolution on the Blog Sinerrata Editores: Lo que más me...
Inside Amsterdam’s ‘New University’ Student Occupation
Journalists and photographers Roberto Pizzato and Nicola Zolin offer a glimpse behind the scenes of the "New University" movement's two-month student occupation at the University of Amsterdam.
Another Shark Attack Claims a Teenage Surfer on Reunion Island, Post-Attack Policy in Effect
A 13-year-old boy was killed by a shark on April 12 near Les Aigrettes on Reunion island. Elio Canestri was a promising surfer and a member of the local surfing club. The local community is shocked by the tragic news. A Facebook page was set up to commemorate his life, with...
How Not to Write About Smartphones and Spain
In defense of Spain's right to be portrayed accurately—and as smartphone-addicted as everybody else.
#JesuisKenyan Trends in Francophone Social Media to Show Support for Garissa Victims
147 people were killed by gunmen on the campus of Garissa University in Kenya. The world and specifically the french speaking world after Charlie Hebdo, shows support to the victims
