Stories from 3 June 2011
Armenia: Not so SuperJet
Russian LiveJournal user Zyalt [RU] posts photographs and comments on his arrival in Yerevan, Armenia. In particular, though, the blogger notes that furnishings inside the new Sukhoi SuperJet 100 he flew on were falling apart at the seams. Local online media publication ePress carries an English translation of his comments...
Syria: Reports of Internet Blackout
Reports are continuing to pour in on Twitter of a possible Internet blackout in Syria today, as Syrians continue to protest against the Al Assad regime and atrocities committed against Syrians. This Friday's protests are to condemn the attacks on Syrian children. While some report a total Internet shutdown, others note that the Internet is out in some places.
Does Malaysia Need a Youth Parliament?
The Malaysian Prime Minister has proposed the creation of a Youth Parliament in order to inspire and mobilize young people to contribute in the governance of the country. Bloggers share their thoughts on this issue.
Russia: Apocalyptic Video of Ammunition Blast Near Izhevsk City
YouTube user Malsagoff publishes a shocking video [ru] of ammunition blast on Pugachevo military base near Izhevsk city. So far 48 people hospitalized, unofficial sources report [ru] 18 dead.
Iran:”Anonymous steals 10,000 Iranian government emails”
Anonymous says it has hacked into Iranian government servers and procured over 10,000 email messages from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Morocco: Pro-Democracy Movement Faces State Repression
When earlier this year a small group of Moroccan activists launched a Facebook campaign asking people to demonstrate in the streets, no one could predict that the call would drive a nationwide movement for change. Three months and a dozen marches, sit-ins and rallies later, the Moroccan blogosphere is asking where should the movement go from here and what new strategies to adopt in face of the mounting police repression.
China: Anhui teenager sells kidney for an iPad 2
A 17-year-old boy in Anhui had his kidney removed for 22,000RMB in order to buy an iPad 2. (more from Shanghaiist)
Philippines: Debate on Divorce Bill
With Malta's approval of divorce, the Philippines is now the only country in the world that prohibits it. There is now a raging debate on whether it is time to pass a divorce law which is being fiercely opposed by the powerful Philippine Catholic Church.
Brazil: Transport Price Increase Leads to Protest
Brazilian students have demonstrated [pt] against the increase on the price of public bus tickets and have blocked the streets in the centre of the city of Vitoria. Outraged with police repression on protesters, many college students have joined the movement, which has spread through the city and also on...