As Nationalism Grows, Hygessivini's Government Sparks International Outrage

A former colonial nation rising to become an economic power, this could have been Hygessivini's story, instead the nation is facing the possibility of sanctions internationally, and isolation from the global community. What has caused this outrage, and what is the response of the Hygessivinian Government.

On a hot and humid summer day we walked down the streets of Kandutari perusing the local market that offered various goods for sale: vibrantly colored rugs, fragrant spices, and delicious foods all crammed onto this busy packed street in one of the largest cities in the world. If you were to look at this city as an outsider, you would feel almost at peace as the locals and shopkeepers speak kindly, and are very hospitable.

But beneath this image lays a darker truth, being propagated out of the National Assembly building not just 15 minutes from here.

The Hygessivini Nationalist Party has gained control of parliament in recent elections, and wielding their absolute majority they have made changes to the nation that outsiders have criticized as undemocratic, and violating civil liberties. Laws such as legalizing the recognition of arranged marriages, banning homosexual marriages and imprisoning LGBT members, shuttering the temples of Otlamic and Haoist believers, and ramping up military tensions with a massive rearmament of the Hygessivinian military. All while stoking nationalist sentiment which resulted in the murder of a group of Shantu students last week which the government called "an unfortunate consequence of protecting our national integrity".

President Gurdeep Mulani and his nationalist party have justified their policies by labeling all outside criticism as "international attempts at neo-colonialism" and promising to protect the nation's sovereignty.

"The Arganorhans the Aesurdahans... they think they know what is best for our cultural heritage" claimed Mulani at a rally while we were there. "I have one thing to say to them... Imperialism is over. Colonialism is over. The Hygessivinian people have the right to determine their own destiny." A call which elicited cheers from the crowd.

This government has not just made waves at home, but also abroad. Most notably, he called the Avanoran Prime Minister, Alis Barnier, several slurs, and insinuated that she could not get a husband because of her weight, something women's rights activities in Hygessivini and abroad slammed him for.

"These comments were out of taste, and frankly undiplomatic" said Barnier at a government conference "I hope we can still work together in the future, however."

People in Hygessivini appear to be split on the issue. Some view Mulani as a patriotic defender of traditional Hygessivinian values and battling the evils of Arganorhan imperialism with his laws. Others view him as a tyrant, one who threatens the lives of minorities in his own country and threatens world peace.

We ask some of the shopkeepers their opinions on Mulani.

"I think he is fighting for our rights abroad" says Zymal Naik, as she stands in front of her store "I think we were being ignored by Arganorhans nations and patronized. I think its good we have someone who will stand up for us."

"Even if that means minorities suffer?" we ask her.

"I don't think they suffer that much" says Naik. "I think the colonialist media overplay the violence."

Several other vendors on the market street share her sentiments. They believe that Mulani is restoring Hygessivini's place on the international stage, and the negative press he receives is overblown: published by fake colonialist newspapers who are out to get him for speaking out against the globalist system.

We spoke to opposition lawmaker Jagvi Parekh of the Democratic Party.

"Why do you think people are so enamored with Mulani and his policies?" we ask him.

"I think there are many people here who have struggled with social inequalities and the inability to really move up the social ladder - largely because of the traditionalist structures we have in place" says Parekh. "Rather than look at the cultural values they believe in and see them as the problem, the nationalist elements in our society look outwards, and try to find enemies in the night - even if the enemy is their own shadow."

"Do you think minorities: women, LGBT members, racial minorities... do you think they are at risk?" we ask.

"Yes" he says frankly. "I think Mulani means to purge elements he deems unworthy of existence".

Mulani's rhetoric has caused shockwaves in Arganorh. At a recent meeting in Alscheid, Avanoran Prime Minister Alis Barnier called for international sanctions against Hygessivini for their abuse of human rights, something Slovecia and Boevia have so far blocked due to their working relationship with the country. After the rejection, Barnier decided to go on her own.

"We must protest the horrible actions taken by the Mulani government" said Barnier in a session of the Estate-General. "You cannot abuse your citizens, using past abuses as an excuse. It is sad to say the days of tyranny and suffering may soon be upon us."

It is unclear what sanctions could be passed, as Barnier's government also wants to discuss such a move with other partners such as Davintharia, the Midlands, and Trivii before taking any action. Still, as they mull their choices, millions in Hygessivini will continue to suffer under the policies of a man driven to fight an imaginary colonialist threat.

Policies that could prove his country's undoing.