Laignee Barron

Recent Articles

Thai Activist in the Crosshairs of Feared Lesè-Majesté Law

“If we are fighting for democracy, then we must fight for [all] oppressed," says Tattep Ruangprapaikitseree, 23

By Laignee Barron

Bangladesh Begins Relocating Refugees to Island

Critics of the plan have dubbed Bhasan Char an "island detention center," noting its isolation and allegations that families were being compelled or even financially enticed to go there.

By Laignee Barron

Jailed Joshua Wong Vows Hong Kong's Struggle Will Continue

The prominent activist was handed a sentence of 13.5 months but shouted “We will hang in there" as he was whisked away

By Laignee barron / Hong Kong

What Is the Future of Hong Kong's Democracy Movement?

The exit of opposition lawmakers from the legislature deepens anxieties about the territory's political future.

By Laignee Barron / Hong Kong

Top Poll Monitor Is an Optimist About Future U.S. Elections

There continues to be voter "confidence in the electoral system,” says Dame Audrey Glover

By Laignee Barron

Lesson for the U.S. From Contentious Elections Abroad

“The U.S. is an extreme outlier in the way it administers elections”

By Laignee Barron

The Milk Tea Alliance Is Uniting Pro-Democracy Activists

Beginning life as a humorous hashtag, the Milk Tea Alliance is now becoming a cohesive movement

By Laignee Barron / Hong Kong

Meet the Lawyer Trying to Reform the Thai Monarch

“I want my daughter to grow up in a society where she can enjoy her freedom," says 36-year-old Arnon Nampa

By Laignee Barron

Why Are Thai Protesters Risking Jail to Criticize the King?

A new wave of Thai activists is publicly airing frustrations with the existing system of governance, including their king's role in it.

By Laignee Barron

Lessons From Hong Kong's Decision to Postpone Elections

Local authorities cited the pandemic as the reason for postponing polls for a year—without consulting their own medical experts

By Laignee Barron / Hong Kong

How a Security Law Transformed Hong Kong in 1 Month

Throughout July, Beijing's national security law featured prominently in a sustained effort to quell political upheaval in Hong Kong

By laignee barron / Hong Kong

The Chilling Effect of Hong Kong's New Security Law

Since the enactment of the law at the end of June, a sense of fear and uncertainty has taken hold in Hong Kong

By Laignee Barron / Hong Kong

Crackdown on Free Press Speeds Up in Asia

Press freedom was already under attack. Then came the pandemic

By Laignee Barron

Maria Ressa Convicted of Cyber Libel in Philippines

Ressa was sentenced to between six months and six years in prison, but will not immediately go to jail pending an appeal

By Laignee Barron

Hong Kong Is Caught in the Middle of the Great U.S.-China Power Struggle

The protesters didn't expect to be back on the streets so soon. Life in Hong Kong had only just started to resemble a new normal after the threat of the pandemic subsided. But there they...

By Laignee Barron

'Saddest Day in Hong Kong's History'

Calls for flash mobs appeared on social media channels, an indication that mass protests could soon reemerge

By Laignee Barron / Hong Kong

Coronavirus Poses Fears for Hong Kong's Sanitation Workers

Discarded masks, wipes and other disposables are piling up amid the health crisis, potentially exposing trash haulers to infectious waste.

By Laignee Barron / Hong Kong and Hillary Leung / Hong Kong

What We Can Learn About Coronavirus From Abroad

All three territories have kept their COVID-19 cases low despite strong links to China

By Laignee Barron / Hong Kong

Here’s Why Malaysia’s New Leader Could Inflame Racial Politics

"He is likely to steer the country in a more conservative, and a more Malay, Islamic way."

By Laignee Barron

Experts Fear Virus Undetected in Southeast Asia

As coronavirus cases continue to soar globally, in at least one region a steady façade of optimism persists. Southeast Asia’s foreign ministers have joined hands with China and declared their intention to “stay strong!” Yet...

By Laignee Barron
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