Stories from 18 July 2011
Pakistan: Pictures Of The Alleged MQM-ISI Joint Death-squad
Habib R. Sulemani at the Terrorland posts two photographs as proofs of the alleged MQM-ISI joint death-squad working in Karachi to execute targeted political killings.
Kuwait: Bloggers Fight Internet Companies
In the past two months, Kuwaiti bloggers have campaigned against Internet companies in Kuwait which are enforcing a policy of limited bandwidth, steeply raising prices in the past year by agreeing between each other on the same prices, and killing the competition in the Internet market. Mona Kareem expands on this protest.
Brazil: Belo Monte March in Images
Renata Takahashi published dozens of photos of a march – #MarchaBeloMonte - that took place on July 17 in São Paulo, and in six other Brazilian cities, against the Belo Monte Dam and the New Forestry Code. The protest ended with a sit-in in one of the main avenues of...
Iran: Summer Heat Gives Way to Crackdowns on “Improper” Clothing
In many places, summer means sun, sea and holidays. In Iran, summer means at least one more thing: crackdowns on women wearing improper or “un-Islamic” clothing.
Serbia: Disgruntled Community Vs. Disgruntled Politician on Twitter
Serbia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vuk Jeremić, has instigated a social media situation that may seriously damage relations that local citizen media and some politicians have been building. The reaction from netizens has been one of outrage.
China: Campaigning for the Release of Female Activist Wang Lihong
The Chinese government has been arresting human right activists and political dissidents under the pretext of the Jasmine crack down. Many of the detainees have been released, but female activist, Wang Lihong, has been detained for 117 days with the court finally deciding to prosecute her last week. Netizens are rallying support.
El Salvador: Human Chain in San Salvador to Demand Dignified Housing
On Saturday, July 16, “a human chain stretched more than 2 kilometers through San Salvador to emphasize the type of human solidarity needed to resolve the tragedy of marginalized housing conditions. Residents of marginalized communities are locking hands with university students, middle class activists, youths and others in a chain...
Ecuador: Campus Party Quito
Natalia Cartolini shares a video [es] promoting Campus Party Quito [es], which will take place from October 19-23 in the Ecuadorian capital.
Iran: Mehdi Khazali, a publisher and blogger was arrested
Mehdi Khazali, a publisher and blogger was arrested. He is son of a leading right-wing cleric and former Counsel of Guardians member, Ayatollah Khazali.
Cuba: Stowaway Dies
“There is no thermometer that measures human despair and each person has his own threshold of resistance”: Yoani Sanchez and Babalu blog about the sad fate of some who try to escape Cuba.
Cuba: Female Activists Reportedly Beaten/Detained
Reports of harassment of the Ladies in White and other female activists, here and here.
Trinidad & Tobago: LGBT Community
“Some people automatically assume that the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community is full of immorality, promiscuity, sin, parties, drug users, AIDS and STD carriers, and criminals”: Outlish investigates what the local LGBT community is really like.
Trinidad & Tobago: The Colman Comission
Tattoo is following the Sir Anthony Colman Commission of Inquiry into the Clico/HCU collapse and notices that in many ways, history is repeating itself, adding: “As the wheels of time turn, the vulnerable, no doubt, will continue to pay.”
Jamaica: Rivers & Mountains
“One of my favourite Caribbean proverbs comes from Haiti…‘Deye mon genmon’. Translated: behind the mountains there are mountains. It is such a fantastic description of the landscapes of both Jamaica and Haiti…Our hills roll on forever. Our mountains never end”: Under the Saltire Flag reflects on music, landscapes and the...
Nigeria: Challenges of Shopping Online
David explains the challenges of shopping online in Nigeria: “Trust is a very rare commodity, especially in Nigeria. There are multitudes of stories about scams and betrayals. Since trust is in short supply, many find it impossible to sit behind a computer to buy online by sending money to a...
Iran: Plight of seven detained netizens
Exactly one year after seven young netizens were arrested in a series of raids by intelligence ministry agents, Reporters Without Borders is reiterating the call for their release.
Ghana: Creativity at Chale Wote Street Festival
Nana blogs about the Chale Wote Street Festival in James Town in Ghana: “Creativity is gradually finding its voice again in Ghana. Yesterday was proof. Poets, Musicians, Artists, performers, cyclists and all sorts of creatives stormed this ancient part of Accra and breathed fresh life into it.”
Bolivia: New Road Threatens Indigenous Territory of Isiboro Sécure
Bolivian President Evo Morales is under heavy criticism for his insistence in building a road that would pass through the Indigenous Territory and National Park of Isiboro Sécure, contradicting his international reputation as a defender of indigenous autonomous rights and environmental protection.
Germany: Stasi and its Informers
David Cook at The View East writes about the East German security police, Stasi, during the Cold War, and its system of informers.
No Typos or Errors in North Korean Newspapers
Hanguk Story wrote about North Korean newspaper's strict proof-reading system and the government's harsh punishment for those who made errors. When made a mistake regarding a story about its leader, Kim Jong-il, one would be sent to a labor camp.
Cambodia: Blog About Cambodian Women Who Inspire Others
Sreyneath Poole is a young blogger who has begun documenting “inspiring Cambodian women”. Her blog project wants to dispute the traditional belief that Cambodian women belong to the kitchen. This is her story.
