Stories about Middle East & North Africa from July, 2013
A Sustainable Ecovillage in Sidi Amor, Tunisia
Nolwein Weiler and Sophie Chapelle reports on the remarkable development of an ecovillage in Sidi Amor, Tunisia [fr]. The project aims to protect the environment while providing a site for economic and social growth for local workers as explained in this video [fr].
#FreeSafy – Bahrain Arrests Blogger in Dawn Raid
Bahraini blogger Mohammed Hassan was arrested at dawn today. His telephone and computer were confiscated. Netizens call for his release.
Kuwaiti Emir Pardons Jailed Tweeters
Under Kuwaiti law, lese majeste is prohibited as the Emir's stance "cannot be violated." Some argued those convicted and imprisoned were exercising their freedom of speech.
Serbia, Turkey, Slovenia and Brazil on Winning Streak at Girls’ U18 Volleyball World Championship
As the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) blog reports, the Serbian, Turkish, Slovenian and Brazilian under-18 girls’ national volleyball teams showed outstanding results on the weekend of July 27-28, some with a perfect win-loss ratio. Full stats and results are available and regularly updated on the Federation's website.
Why Contribute to GV in Arabic ?
Ahlam Safi from Saudi Arabia explains [ar] what motivated her to translate for Global Voices in Arabic and what she has gained from her contribution. She blogs: وفرّ لي موقع الاصوات العالمية فرصة نادرة لاكتساب خبرة في الترجمة ما كنت لأجدها في أي مكان آخر، وتعرفت عن طريقه على مجموعة من...
Ecuadorian Football Star Christian Benítez Dies
Football fans are saddened by the unexpected death of the Ecuadorian "Chucho" Benítez, current champion with Club América [Mexico].
Saudi Security Forces Burn Down House and Cars in Awwamiya Raid
Abbas Al-Mazraa and six of his brothers were arrested in Awwamiya today. The raid resulted in the burning of the family's house and cars.
Cairo: “Non-stop Sound of Gunshots”
Egyptian blogger Mosa'ab Elshamy was at Rabaa Al Adawiya, where 100 people were killed and 1,500 injured during clashes at a pro-Morsi sit-in in Cairo.
Saudi Website Founder to be Imprisoned, Lashed
Free Saudi Liberals website founder Raif Badawi was charged with "setting up a website that undermines general security" and ridiculing Islamic religious figures.
In Egypt, Young Men “Die for Nothing”
Egyptian blogger Zeinobia shares photographs and a video of an 18-year-old revolutionary artist Eissa Essam. Essam was killed during clashes on July 26 with Muslim Brotherhood supporters camped in the Rabaa Al Adawiya neighbourhood in Nasr City. Zeinobia describes Essam as the liberal son of an MB member, who was...
Bogus Doctors Apply for Qatar Hospitals
Group Qatari blog Doha News reports: Some 66 percent of job applicants for nursing positions at state hospitals last year were found to have forged their educational qualifications, the Supreme Council of Health has said. Some 13 percent of people applying for jobs as doctors and 21 percent up for...
Qatari Doctor Detained in UAE for Muslim Brotherhood Ties
On Doha News, Shabina Khatri shares the story of a Qatari doctor Dr Mahmood Al Jaidah, detained in the neighbouring UAE under suspicion of having ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. Doha News reports: According to his lawyer Abdullah Tahir, who has been tweeting about the case, Al Jaidah has also...
State Funeral for Tunisian Opposition MP as Protests Continue
A state funeral has been held for opposition Tunisian MP Mohamed Brahmi, shot dead outside his home on July 25. His assassination has sparked angry street protests.
Sudanese Refugee Detained for Owning a Bicycle in Israel
Darfuri asylum-seeker and actor, Babaker (Babi) Ibrahim was arrested by Israeli police for not having a receipt for his bicycle, which was thus presumed to be stolen. His detention without trial sparked outrage and an online and offline campaign to release him.
Saudi Arabia Jails Seven Facebook Users for Calling for Protests
Political dissent is not tolerated in Saudi Arabia, an absolute monarchy. Seven men are now behind bars, accused of disturbing public order and calling for protests on Facebook.
Is the New Lebanese Family Violence Law Enough?
A new family law to protect women from violence was approved yesterday and amended to include all family members. Netizens argue it is not enough.
Visit to Israel Gets Filmmaker “Cleansed” from Iran's Cinema Museum
Mohsen Makhmalbaf accepted an invite to the Jerusalem Film Festival in the name of peace, courting controversy in his native Iran.
Iranian Mountain Climbers Missing in Pakistan
According to the head of a Pakistani mountaineering club, the search for three missing Iranian climbers has been called off, as of Sunday July 21, 2013. The mountain climbers sent a call for help on Thursday July 18, on their way down from Broad Peak after successfully reaching the 8,051-meter (26,414-foot) summit....
Saudi Crackdown on Muslim Brotherhood Supporters
Two prominent Islamic preachers have reportedly been detained in Saudi Arabia as part of what is being called a crackdown on anyone with connections to the Muslim Brotherhood.
Pro-Morsi Women Protesters Killed in Mansoura
A pro-Morsi protest was attacked in Mansoura by thugs, killing at least three women and injuring dozens. Netizens react to the attack.
Egyptian Journalist Menna Alaa Attacked by Pro-Morsi Protesters
Blogger and video journalist Menna Alaa was attacked by angry pro-Morsi supporters today. She shares her testimony, in English, in this post on Egyptian Chronicles. She writes: A smack on my face, a bruise, and a stolen camera won't stop me from reporting. I report what I see and I...
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