Colonial

Displacement of Indigenous Bajau Laut Sparks Outcry as Malaysian Government Uses Colonial Laws to Silence Critics

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — In June, the Malaysian government faced backlash after authorities destroyed the homes and boats of the Bajau Laut, an indigenous group in Borneo dependent on the sea for their livelihoods. The actions displaced families, leaving them without shelter or means of support. The destruction drew widespread criticism, particularly after videos of the incident circulated on social media. In response to the public outcry, the government arrested Mukmin Nantang, a human rights advocate who highlighted the plight of the Bajau Laut, charging him with sedition under a colonial-era law from 1948. Sedition … Read more

“The Flowers Stand Silently, Witnessing” Clinches Grand Jury Prize at Sundance 2025 for Profound Colonial Reflection

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Park City, Utah – At the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, a poignant short film exploring the impact of colonialism through a unique lens claimed the grand jury prize. Titled “The Flowers Stand Silently, Witnessing,” the film is the work of Theo Panagopoulos, a filmmaker of Greek-Lebanese-Palestinian origin based in Scotland. Panagopoulos crafted this work using archival material that depicted Palestinian wildflowers, weaving a narrative that intertwines nature, history, and personal identity. Director Theo Panagopoulos, also a Ph.D. researcher, employed Scottish archival footages to offer a reflective look at the colonization effects in “The Flowers Stand … Read more

From Colonial Times to Modern Days: The Evolution of Blasphemy Laws in the U.S. and Their Impact on Freedom of Speech

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In the global landscape of laws that govern religious expression, 79 countries hold onto blasphemy statutes, with some, including Afghanistan, Brunei, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, imposing the death penalty for violations. The presence and enforcement of these laws bring to light a complex intersection of religion, free speech, and human rights. Historically in the United States, though currently free from blasphemy laws, the track record tells a different story that traces back to the establishment of American colonies. These early laws primarily protected the Christian faith, often excluding or penalizing other religious expressions. … Read more