3 May 2011
Stories from 3 May 2011
Russia: Who is Restricting the Russian Internet?
Russia's position in American non-profit organisation Freedom House's report "Freedom on the Net 2011" ratings has dropped from the previous findings in 2009. The report analyses freedom of access to the Internet in 2009-2010 in 37 countries. According to author Marina Litvinovich, to "liberate" the Internet and raise Russia's position in Freedom House's ratings, the Russian community must turn its attention to Article 282 and start a campaign to have it repealed.
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Ukraine: World Press Freedom Day Sparks Discussions on the State of the Media
On World Press Freedom Day, Tetyana Bohdanova translates from online discussions about the state of the media in Ukraine and the possible reasons behind the shrinking of press freedom in the country.
Portugal: Adrift, With a Bailout in the Works
The crisis scenario in Portugal, worsened by the fall of the Government in mid March, and consequently the opening of the doors to the "troika" for an international financial bailout, has left the Portuguese judging the path taken over the past three decades, one towards the idea of an open and joined-up Europe.
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Arab World: Questions and Closure Follow Bin Laden's Death
Saudi terror mastermind Osama bin Laden was killed in a United States CIA operation in Abbottage, Pakistan, yesterday. Netizens from around the Arab world have reacted to the news. On Twitter, reactions flowed all day, with some cheering his death and others mourning the demise of the Al Qaeda's 54-year-old head, whom they called a martyr.
Zimbabwe: Mixed Reactions to Osama Bin Laden's Death
The news of the death of “the world's most wanted man” was received by Zimbabwean netizens with mixed reactions. Perhaps the reactions were somewhat to be expected as Osama was killed by the American government, which some Zimbabweans say is responsible for their country's problems.
Arab World: “2011 is a Year That Will Be Marked in History”
It may only be May but a lot has happened in the last few months across the Arab world. After news of the operation in which Saudi terror mastermind Osama Bin Laden was killed was announced yesterday, tweeps are left reflecting on the year that was.
Tweeting Bin Laden: Have US Journalists Become Citizen Reporters?
When news of Osama bin Laden's death broke on May 2, 2011, journalists in the United States were tweeting and using social media to report what they saw on the streets. It marks an interesting contrast to how 9/11 itself was reported in 2001 when social media was still only a nascent technology. Have journalists finally become citizen reporters?
Colombia: Following the ‘Lleras' Law
The bill to regulate infractions on author's rights on the Internet, known as the "Lleras" Law, has continued generating reactions and debate, as recently covered on Global Voices. Juan Arrellano reviews recent reactions to the law and shares three videos of original interviews about the topic.
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==> As Africans we need to let go of our victimhood, inferiority complex & acceptance of the mediocre. We deserve...