Global Voices » Updates

Tunisia: Spoiling the Revolution

Lova Rakotomalala — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:54:58 +0000

Jolanare is weary of where the Tunisian revolution is heading to in terms of women's rights [fr]. She writes: ”A young man verbally attacked me because I was wearing red lipstick. He shouted at me : “these are the so-called women of the democracy.” I replied that it is thanks to the democracy he makes fun of that he can open his big mouth.”

Iran: No Access to Email

Fred Petrossian — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:42:31 +0000

Several bloggers reported for last two days they have had no access to emails including gmail, hotmail and yahoo.
Hese Penhan says [fa] dictators attacked internet again. Even Tor and Psiphone3 do not work.

China: Half of the journalists imprisoned are Tibetan or Uyghur

Oiwan Lam — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:36:58 +0000

The Committee to Protect Journalist (CPJ) reports that more than half of the 27 journalists imprisoned in China are ethnic Tibetan or Uyghur.

Southeast Asia: Restoring Historic Towns

Mong Palatino — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:42:50 +0000

Dr. Apiwat Ratanawaraha writes about several projects in Southeast Asia that seek to restore historic towns and promote cultural tourism. Some of the ongoing projects are located in Singapore’s Boat Quay, Malaysia’s Georgetown, and Thailand’s Chiang Mai

Argentina: Stand Up Comedian on Women and Catcalls

Juliana Rincón Parra — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:16:08 +0000

Argentinean stand up comedian Malena Pichot, best known for her webshow “La Loca de Mierda” has a new series, Cualca! and on this first episode[es], she shares her perspective on how women really feel when they receive unwanted attention from strange males like catcalls and genital exposure on the street.

Southeast Asia: Climate Change and Smallholder Farmers

Mong Palatino — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 01:56:16 +0000

The World Agroforestry Centre has released a study on the climate change adaptation options for small farmers in Southeast Asia.

Saudi Journalist Detained in Malaysia for ‘Offensive' Tweet

Mong Palatino — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:51:33 +0000

Saudi journalist Hamza Kashgari was stopped at Malaysia's airport after Saudi Arabia ordered his arrest. The journalist is accused of sending a twitter message that ‘insulted' Prophet Mohammad

Reporter Found Dead in West Papua

Mong Palatino — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:32:56 +0000

Reporters Without Borders condemns the killing of a journalist in West Papua and the attack on local reporters in Indonesia.

Cuba: Prisoner of 18 Years Released

Janine Mendes-Franco — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:55:57 +0000

“After almost 18 years as a captive in the Castro gulag, Rafael Ibarra Roque on Thursday was released from jail“: Uncommon Sense says that “his release represents a victory for Ibarra, his family and the Cuban opposition.”

Jamaica: Journalist “Mutty” Perkins Dies

Janine Mendes-Franco — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:52:26 +0000

Girl With a Purpose mourns the death of controversial Jamaican journalist and radio talk show host, Wilmott ‘Mutty' Perkins, who passed away this morning, saying: “We hope, ‘Mutty', that Jamaicans will truly be free to understand that Jamaica is for Jamaicans and those who love her and not for those who would abuse politics to destroy her.”

Barbados: “Insultingly Low” Sentence

Janine Mendes-Franco — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:46:05 +0000

Barbados Free Press publishes a letter from a reader, expressing outrage at the minimun sentence for a man that claimed self-defense in his ex-girlfriend's murder: “At the same time we are all discussing Raul Garcia who got 15 years for his offense. So if this murderer had weed in his possession at the time, he would get more time for the weed than for killing this woman?”

Jamaica: Go Easy on the Guns

Janine Mendes-Franco — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:41:18 +0000

The United States is sending “a donation that comes with a message” to Jamaica, supplying the island's police force with “batons, handcuffs, pepper sprays and equipment belts for approximately 6,500 frontline officers” - which prompts Jamaica Salt to ask: “With a culture of impunity within the police…and in a country which is awash with guns – mainly shipped in boats from – guess where – oh, yes, that’s right the USA, then you tell me what are a few batons going to do?”

Trinidad & Tobago: Implementation Key in DNA Bill

Janine Mendes-Franco — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:35:26 +0000

The TnT River says of the amended DNA Bill, which was recently passed “after a 14 hour sitting of the Senate”: “It is a positive step in the right direction, but this action definitely needs proper planning and stringent execution for continued success.”

Germany, France: Disparities in Policies Regarding the Integration of Foreign Students

Abdoulaye Bah — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:09:41 +0000

Elsa Doladille writes [fr] on the Educators Without Borders blog : ” While the Guéant Bill in France aims at toughening the conditions for foreign students to obtain a work permit, Germany encourages the integration of students from abroad in their workforce.”

France: How Are PACS and Marriage Different?

Laura Charron — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:57:47 +0000

Pierre Vicari [fr] had this to say about the results of a survey [fr] which appeared on the site Lefigaro.fr, “To the ignoramuses who say that PACS and marriage are the same thing: No! A PACS does not provide any of the same rights as marriage! In addition, you intolerant people who do not want equality for all human beings, please tell us why because so far, despite the years that this debate has been going on, nobody has been able to put forth any real arguments.”