Matthew Bremner is a journalist based in Burgos, Spain. He is fluent in Spanish and has filed reports and features from places such as  Argentina and Japan. His work has appeared in the Financial Times, the BBC, VICE, Slate, The Daily Beast, Roads and Kingdoms and ESPN.

You can find examples of ...

In Lima’s poorest districts, bands of citizens have assembled through social media to fight crime, often employing brutal tactics. But are they any different than the gangsters they target?

13 Dec 2016  |  Roads & Kingdoms  |  English  |  Vigilantism

The article discusses the rise of vigilantism in Lima's poorest districts, where citizens, organized through social media, have taken crime-fighting into their own hands. It focuses on GREVA, a community organization in La Victoria, led by Elmo Ramos Acosta, which captures criminals and hands them over to the police. GREVA, comprised of reformed ex-convicts, was founded to combat crime exacerbated by Peru's drug trade. The article explores the blurred lines between vigilantes and criminals, particularly in the case of an assassination attempt on Acosta by Marco Luigi Socola Farfán, a hitman from the Los Piuranos gang, which is linked to the criminal organization La Gran Familia. The article also touches on the broader context of Peru's crime rates, police corruption, and the public's mistrust in authorities, leading to the emergence of vigilante groups like GREVA. It delves into Acosta's past, his involvement with the MRTA, and his vision for a non-violent social revolution. The article concludes by questioning whether groups like GREVA are replicating the corrupt system they oppose and suggests that structured collaboration with the police could be a solution.

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Vigilantism Crime in Peru Social Media and Crime Fighting Drug Trade in Peru Police Corruption Vigilante Justice

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Bulgaria's vigilante migrant 'hunter'

30 Mar 2016  |  BBC  |  English  |  Vigilantism

Dinko Valev, a Bulgarian trader and semi-professional wrestler, has gained national fame for patrolling the Turkish border to 'hunt' migrants, a move that has polarized public opinion. While some Bulgarians support his actions, others, including human rights organizations like the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee, are deeply troubled. The Bulgarian media and public officials have been criticized for inflammatory anti-migrant rhetoric. The situation reflects broader societal issues such as corruption, poverty, and historical trauma, with migrants becoming scapegoats for various grievances.

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Vigilantism Migration Crisis Anti-Migrant Sentiment

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Miroslava Germanova is a journalist based in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Vigilantes Patrol Parts of Europe Where Few Migrants Set Foot

11 Jun 2016  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Vigilantism

Extremist groups in Central and Eastern Europe, such as People’s Party-Our Slovakia and Hunyadi Border-Guard Unit, are patrolling public spaces to protect against perceived threats from migrants, despite the low number of migrants in these areas. These groups, driven by xenophobic and anti-Muslim sentiments, have gained some political traction and media attention. Authorities in countries like Slovakia, Hungary, and Bulgaria are concerned about the potential dangers posed by these vigilante actions, although government responses vary. The article highlights the tension between state functions and the actions of these self-styled patrols.

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Vigilantism Migration Extremism

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Hi! I'm Ethan Huang, based in Taipei, Taiwan

About me -
Skills: Programming, Video Production, Content Writing and Researching
Past Experience: Radio Station News Assistant (Radio Taiwan International), Non-profit Organization Intern (Forward Alliance)

Crashed Rider

23 Nov 2024  |  Descent Magazine  |  English  |  Vigilantism

In the bustling streets of New Kowloon, a mysterious vigilante known as Le Loup emerges as a protector, navigating the city's dangers and saving lives. Despite his heroic actions, he is perceived as a monstrous figure, both feared and revered by the public. His journey is marked by a series of dramatic rescues and confrontations, culminating in a personal revelation of his own humanity amidst his monstrous facade. The narrative explores themes of identity, heroism, and the blurred lines between savior and monster.

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Vigilantism Heroism Urban Life

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I am a freelance journalist, based in Turkey. I mainly cover Turkey's national news, the Syrian war-related issues, the refugee crisis, and Turkey's foreign policy towards Middle East, Africa and Central Asia. I've been contributing to international media outlets as a reporter. Besides, I've been ...

In fire-hit southern Turkey, vigilantes search for alleged arsonists

10 Aug 2021  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Vigilantism

In southern Turkey's Antalya, villagers are on high alert, forming vigilante groups to protect their homes from wildfires and alleged arsonists, whom they believe to be Kurdish militants from the PKK. Despite a lack of evidence, this belief is widespread, fueled by social media and a mysterious group called Children of Fire. Ethnic tensions are rising, with some villagers accusing Kurds and pro-Kurdish political party HDP of being sympathizers. The Turkish government has arrested individuals suspected of starting fires, and President Erdogan has linked them to the PKK. The situation is exacerbated by economic struggles and the impact on tourism, with locals expressing frustration and fear.

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Vigilantism Wildfires Ethnic Tensions

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I am a multimedia journalist based in New Delhi, India. Most of her work has been published in organisations such as France 24, Himal Southasian, The Diplomat, Religion Unplugged and more.

Following an assault by cow vigilantes, three Muslim men from Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad district lost their livelihood and their hopes for ever getting justice.

05 Apr 2023  |  TwoCircles.net  |  English  |  Cow Vigilantism

The article by Naila Khan for TwoCircles.net covers the story of Haji Aslam Qureshi and his workers, Mohammad Ashim and Mohammad Amir, who were victims of an assault by cow vigilantes in Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad district. On August 23, 2018, during Eid-ul-Adha, their vehicle was stopped, they were attacked, and the vehicle was set on fire. Since then, Qureshi has been unemployed and dependent on others, while his workers have been living in fear. The article highlights the failure of the police to support the victims and the rise in bovine-related violence in Uttar Pradesh since the BJP came to power. It also mentions a similar incident involving Mohammed Shakir, another victim of cow vigilantism. The article discusses the broader context of religious violence and the targeting of Muslim beef traders in the region.

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Cow Vigilantism Assault Religious Violence Justice System Hate Crimes

Shajid Khan is a journalist based in Guwahati India.His works  have appeared in The New York Times,The Telegraph,FirstPost Sabrang India,Counter currents.org . His areas of interest include issues of human rights,wildlife,conflict reporting,social issues.

My name is Edgar Maciel and I'm 30 years old. I have my major in Journalism at Pontifice University Catolic of Rio Grande do Sul. My mother tongue is Portuguese and I also speak Spanish and English fluently. I started my career in radio. I worked at Rádio Gaúcha and, recently, at Rádio CBN, the ...

Residents in Brazil's major cities organize to combat street crime

15 Dec 2023  |  Voz de América  |  Spanish  |  Vigilantism

Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, the two largest cities in Brazil, are experiencing a wave of insecurity and violence. The population has even started to form vigilante groups to confront thieves.

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Vigilantism Crime Public Safety

Faisal Mahmud is a journalist with over a decade of experience in working with three national English daily newspapers of Bangladesh—The Independent, Dhaka Tribune and The Business Standard.  Before switching his career to professional journalism, Faisal worked in the IT industry for two years. He ...

‘Hercules’ vigilante kills suspected rapists in Bangladesh

05 Feb 2019  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Vigilantism

A series of vigilante-style murders of rape suspects in Bangladesh has sparked concerns over extrajudicial killings amid rising rape cases. Three suspects were found dead with notes confessing their crimes, signed by a vigilante named 'Hercules.' Local police have not identified the perpetrators, and families of the victims allege police involvement. Human rights activists highlight the alarming increase in rape cases and criticize the government's record on extrajudicial killings. The government is urged to conduct proper investigations to prevent further unlawful killings.

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Vigilantism Rape Extrajudicial Killings

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Martin Mwaura is a journalist based in Mombasa, Kenya.

Angry villagers lynch two suspected livestock thieves

30 Dec 2023  |  nation.africa  |  English  |  Vigilantism

Two suspected livestock thieves were lynched by residents of Gakonya village, Kiharu, in Murang'a County, Kenya. The suspects were caught ferrying stolen cows and were attacked with crude weapons before being set on fire. The police and fire brigade arrived to find the suspects dead and their bodies burnt beyond recognition. The incident has been confirmed by Murang’a East Sub-county police boss Mary Wakuu, who has urged residents to provide information. The villagers expressed frustration with the ongoing livestock theft and the lack of effective police action, leading them to take matters into their own hands. Local authorities are investigating the incident.

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Vigilantism Crime

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Matthew Omonigho is a journalist based in Warri, Nigeria.

Angry mob set two suspected kidnappers ablaze in Delta community

13 Feb 2025  |  Daily Post Nigeria  |  English  |  Vigilantism

In Mosogar Community, Delta State, an angry mob set two suspected kidnappers ablaze after they attempted to abduct a female victim. The victim's alarm attracted passersby who captured two suspects, while two others escaped. The Delta State Police confirmed the incident.

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Vigilantism Crime

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mohsin saleem ullah is a journalist based in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Anatomy of blasphemy

03 Jul 2024  |  The Express Tribune  |  English  |  Vigilantism

Pakistan faces a critical challenge with the misuse of blasphemy laws and rising mob justice, often resulting in violence against individuals accused of blasphemy. The state struggles to control extremist groups, leading to a culture of vigilantism, particularly in Karachi. The article highlights the need for structural reforms, including education system changes and socio-economic bridging, to foster a moderate society and reject terrorism. Recent incidents underscore the urgency for the government to prosecute those involved in mob violence and address the root causes of extremism.

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Vigilantism Blasphemy Laws Religious Violence

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Shaifal Sayyed is a talented digital marketer and freelance journalist hailing from Mumbai, India. His journalistic journey began during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in India, where he ventured into the heart of ground stories and covered a myriad of compelling events during the lockdown....

Murder in the Name of Cow: License to Murder

23 Aug 2024  |  www.linkedin.com  |  English  |  Cow Vigilantism

Aryan Mishra, a 19-year-old student from Faridabad, Haryana, was tragically killed by cow vigilantes who mistook him for a cattle smuggler. This incident highlights the growing menace of cow vigilantism in India, where religious extremism and communal hatred are manipulated by certain groups, often with tacit political support. Aryan's father criticized the Modi government for allowing such violence. The article, written in a satirical tone, outlines the societal and political mechanisms that enable such vigilantism and calls for collective action to condemn violence, promote legal recourse, raise awareness, demand accountability, and support victims.

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Cow Vigilantism Religious Extremism Communal Violence

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I am a journalist, content writer, and editor based in Mumbai, India. 

I write about travel, culture, and social justice. My essays and journalism have appeared in BBC Culture, Bon Appétit, CNN, Explore Parts Unknown, HuffPost, The Independent, South China Morning Post, The Sydney Morning Herald,...

India’s ‘watchman’ campaign is a dangerous face of Hindu nationalism

28 Mar 2023  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Vigilantism

The article critiques the 'chowkidar' campaign by India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the general elections. It discusses how the campaign, which encourages citizens to consider themselves as watchmen of the country, has gained popularity on social media. However, the author raises concerns about the campaign's implications in an environment where Indian identity is increasingly associated with Hindu nationalism. The article highlights the rise in hate crimes and vigilantism, particularly against Muslims and Dalits, since the BJP came to power in 2014. It also touches on the negative impact of cow vigilantism on the beef export trade and job losses. The author urges voters to demand more from their elected officials, emphasizing India's secular and democratic values.

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Vigilantism Indian Politics Elections Nationalism Hate Crimes

Sarah Souli is an independent journalist based in Athens, Greece. She focuses on narrative-driven, in-depth pieces that connect individual stories to a bigger picture, be that politics, economics, the environment, culture, or human rights. 

Her print work has been featured in Vice, The Guardian, ...

How to Be a Superhero

03 Nov 2018  |  Medium  |  English  |  Vigilantism

Mamoudou Gassama, an undocumented Malian Muslim in Paris, became a hero after rescuing a child from a balcony, earning him the nickname 'Le Spiderman' and French citizenship. The article explores the concept of real-life superheroes, highlighting various individuals and groups who don costumes to perform community service and vigilante duties. It delves into the moral complexities and potential dangers of extrajudicial justice, citing historical and contemporary examples. The narrative also touches on the darker side of vigilantism, including its association with racism and discrimination in the U.S., and the case of a woman in Ciudad Juárez who targeted bus drivers amid a femicide crisis.

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Vigilantism Heroism Social Issues

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ํYiamyut Sutthichaya is a journalist.

What Thai media has learned from teaming up with vigilantes, exposing monks and cults

20 May 2022  |  Prachatai English  |  English  |  Vigilantism

The Thai media's collaboration with vigilantes to expose monastic malpractice and cults has led to significant ethical concerns and public backlash. The scandal involving the wrongful accusation of Luang Pu Saeng, a revered monk with Alzheimer's, highlighted the media's desperate struggle for ratings at the expense of professional ethics. The incident resulted in the dismissal of reporters from multiple media outlets and sparked a broader discussion on the need for stronger editorial control and adherence to ethical standards. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and media associations are urged to find ways to incentivize ethical journalism and balance content regulation with press freedom.

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Vigilantism Media Ethics Religious Scandals

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I am a multi-award-winning photojournalist and filmmaker based in Cape Town, South Africa. I focus on social issues in South Africa and abroad – particularly crime and conflict. My work has appeared in publications such as The Guardian, VICE, Al Jazeera, TIME, Roads & Kingdoms, Rolling Stone SA, ...

Drugs is a fight that we will never win

01 Oct 2023  |  groundup.org.za  |  English  |  Vigilantism

Operation Wanya Tsotsi, a vigilante group in Galeshewe, faces significant challenges in combating the local drug trade, which is a major driver of crime in the area. Despite some successes, the group struggles with limited resources, lack of state support, and allegations of police corruption. Similar issues are seen in other South African communities, such as the Cape Flats, where groups like PAGAD have also taken the law into their own hands. The article highlights the complexities and limitations of these community-driven efforts to address crime and drug abuse.

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Vigilantism Crime Drug Trade

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I'm an award-winning journalist working as an independent reporter and multimedia producer in southern Africa. I am currently based in Cape Town.

I have worked as a correspondent for global news agency AFP and Johannesburg's leading daily paper The Star, filing dispatches from the Central ...

The SADC Wrap: DRC elections still on hold, Mugabe launches cybersecurity ministry – and ‘vampires’ murdered in Malawi

16 Oct 2017  |  www.dailymaverick.co.za  |  English  |  Vigilantism

The Democratic Republic of Congo's electoral commission has announced a further delay in elections, likely until 2019, extending President Joseph Kabila's rule past his term expiration in 2016. This has raised fears of increased violence and protests. Zimbabwe has created a new cybersecurity ministry, led by former finance minister Patrick Chinamasa, which has raised concerns among free speech activists. In Lesotho, former army chief Tlali Kamoli is being questioned by police regarding events during his leadership. Malawi has experienced vigilante murders over vampire accusations, resulting in seven deaths and prompting the UN to pull staff from affected districts and the government to impose a curfew.

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Vigilantism Elections Cybersecurity

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Anchal Vohra is a Beirut-based TV and Print journalist. She is a freelance Correspondent for AJ English and a writer on the Middle east for Foreign Policy. She also contributes to the Times, the Atlantic, the Telegraph, the New Statesman, and Berlin Policy Journal. Ms Vohra has been Deutsche Welle ...

India mob lynching: Vigilante victims seek justice

02 Sept 2019  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Vigilantism

A doctor has been killed in the latest case of mob lynching in India, where at least 44 people have died in vigilante attacks between 2015 and 2018, according to Human Rights Watch. Most victims were Muslims accused of slaughtering cows, which are considered sacred by Hindus.

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Vigilantism Mob Lynching Human Rights

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I cover political parties, labour, education policy, science and research, minorities, and human rights for The News International.

Pakistan’s Intelligentsia Does Not Properly Understand Blasphemy Vigilantism

03 Jul 2024  |  The Friday Times  |  English  |  Blasphemy Vigilantism

Blasphemy vigilantism in Pakistan, rooted in historical events like Ilm Deen's murder of Mahashe Rajpal, remains a significant issue, perpetuated by hardline Barelvi clerics. Despite the Pakistani intelligentsia's disconnect, this form of vigilantism is a tool for asserting sociopolitical identity among marginalized groups. The government's hesitance to address this trend stems from past violent repercussions, leaving the country grappling with ongoing religious violence. Effective mechanisms to manage and protect against such incidents are urgently needed.

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Blasphemy Vigilantism Religious Extremism Pakistani Politics

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