GMF: Digitalization and democracy

HSBC is under fire from British lawmakers for allegedly "aiding and abetting" Beijing's repression of the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. We tell you more. Also, New York pension funds divest from fossil fuels and Paris rents are on the decline.

As the Horn of Africa nation struggles to reach a consensus on this year's general election, the country's controversial clan-based indirect voting system is under scrutiny.

Criticizing the monarchy is a serious crime in Thailand. But a popular chatroom app is giving reform-minded Thais a forum to discuss politically sensitive topics.

Police shoot rubber bullets and use water cannon and tear gas against pro-democracy protesters in Bangkok, at a rally outside a military barracks where the Thai Prime Minister's residence is located. The movement, which is demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister, had lost steam in recent months, but outrage was revived after the recent detention of four prominent protest leaders on royal defamation charges.

A court in Hong Kong has found seven activists, including media tycoon Jimmy Lai, guilty of unauthorized assembly.

Around the world, students are suffering from a year of pandemic restrictions, exacerbated by the lack of a comprehensive strategy to lift schools into the digital age . Germany is no exception.

The dust is far from settled in Chad. Ten days after longtime strongman Idriss Déby died after being wounded on the battlefield, more protests have broken out in the capital after Déby’s son was named the head of a transitional military council. We discuss the deadly crackdown on those banned demonstrations. We also take a look at France’s firm condemnation of the violence. The former colonial power cannot afford to see anti-French sentiment grow there at a time when Chad remains the centerpiece of Paris-led regional efforts to combat jihadist insurgencies.

Nigeria, with an estimated population of about 200 million people, celebrates 21 years of returning to democratic rule on what is now known as inauguration day today June 12. GuardianTV takes a look at how far and how well the Nigerian democracy has come after 21 years after returning to civil rule.

Until June 6, 2018, Nigeria’s Democracy Day was held yearly on May 29, the exact date the military handed over power to an elected civilian government in 1999. The new date– June 12– announced by President Muhammadu Buhari on June 16, 2018, was later backed up by an Act of the National Assembly last year in honor of Nigeria’s outstanding hero of democracy, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. GuardianTV brings you sights and sounds of Nigeria's democracy day 2021.

Hong Kong pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily is to cease its print and online operations on Saturday. Its publishing company cited "the current circumstances prevailing in Hong Kong."

Pro-democracy protesters in Thailand call for the premier to resign as they march on the 89th anniversary of the Siamese Revolution -- an uprising that transformed the country from absolutism to a constitutional monarchy. They took to the streets despite warnings from authorities not to gather because of soaring coronavirus infections.

The White House announced plans to hold a virtual summit for democracy in December. Leaders of the world's democracies are set to take part.