The Caribbean

Cuba releases dissident graffiti artist

Cuban street artist Danilo Maldonado AKA "El Sexto" was released after 10 months in prison for "disrespect toward government officials"—which holds a penalty of three years.

Iraq

Iraq: sectarian terror in battle for Baiji

After taking the oil refinery city of Baiji from ISIS, Iraqi Shi'ite militias reported the discovery of some 20 mass graves—said to contain the bodies of over 350  ISIS fighters.

Southern Cone

Argentina: police repression of anti-mine protest

A peaceful march against a gold mine in Argentina's La Rioja province was dispersed by police using tear-gas and rubber bullets to enforce a court order barring protests at the site.

South Asia

India: writer’s revolt over Hindutva terror

Over 40 Indian writers have returned their awards to the National Academy of Letters in protest of a wave of deadly attacks on secularist and rationalist writers and activists.

The Andes

Ecuador: victory for Kichwa sovereignty

Ecuadoran border authorities allowed an indigenous leader to enter the country on a passport issued by the Kichwa Nation, hailed as an "historic precedent" for the hemisphere.