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Dictators throughout the world are taking advantage of the pandemic. For example, the Prime Minister of Hungry has all but declared himself a dictator. He can now rule by decree with no limit on how long his new powers remain. The uprising in India against laws that intentionally target Muslims has been quashed. India's Hindu government used a March 15 meeting of Muslims to incite more hatred of Muslims. Accusing Muslims of infecting 1000 people.
Azerbaijan's president is using this pandemic to selectively 'socially isolate' all political opposition. Same in Togo and Serbia. Cambodia's new powers permit unlimited surveillance of private citizens. Citizens must now justify why they are going out and where - to get permission. Zimbabwe is using 'fake news' lies to suppress news about government corruption. Thailand's Prime Minister says "health over liberty". And then has stifled information necessary to be an informed and healthy public. A Thailand artist was arrested for simply complaining that nobody was available to take his temperature at the airport. Bolivia's president can now unilaterally decide what news stories are unacceptable.
El Salvador has arrested 2000 people for violating social distancing rule. Putting them in crowded cells. At least eight journalists in Turkey have been arrested for stories relabeled as 'misinformation'. Uganda is raiding shelters for gays and transgender people. Philippines' Duterte has ordered the army to shoot anyone who violates social distancing. Fortunately the army has decided to not shot. Knowing that the opposition cannot campaign in Poland, the ruling party will conduct elections in May. Guinea's president Conde has advised his nation to inhale methanol and drink hot water to stay healthy. The Chinese quietly rounded up democracy leaders in Hong Kong.
84 countries have declared a 'state of emergency' giving many autocrats more power. With so much concentration on one story, how many have heard any of this?
Its a good time to be a despot.
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