12 February 2012

Stories from 12 February 2012

Iran: MP blames internet filtering as ‘annoying’

  12 February 2012

Iranian lawmaker, Ahmad Tavakoli blames [fa] increased Internet censorship in Iran as ‘annoying for people’. He adds it ‘would cost heavy for the establishment’. He believes severe filtering would encourage citizens to use anti-filter and circumvention tools. Several Iranian users have reported in last few days they have had no...

Thailand: “Reform the World’s Harshest Lèse Majesté Law”

  12 February 2012

Several groups, scholars, and activists in Thailand are demanding the amendment of Article 112 of the country’s Criminal Code or the lese majeste law, which forbids anyone from insulting the King and members of the Royal Family. The issue has sparked debates on whether it's time to reform this controversial law.

Saudi Arabia: Fate of Journalist Hamza Kashgari Hangs in the Balance

  12 February 2012

Saudi journalist Hamza Kashgari set off a social media firestorm last week when he tweeted an imaginary conversation with the Prophet Mohammed, causing the young man to flee the country in the face of threats. Now, social media users debate Kashgari's fate as he faces extradition from Malaysia.

Yemen: A Year of an Unfinished Revolution

  12 February 2012

Yemenis mark the first anniversary of their unfinished peaceful revolution to overthrow the Ali Abdullah Saleh dictatorship, which continues to pull the shots, thanks to support from the Gulf Cooperation Council and the approval of the US and UN. Netizens share their views.

Uzbekistan: Security Service Threatens Jizzakh Youth Activists

  12 February 2012

Nathan Hamm reports that two young natives of Uzbekistan residing in the United States and working as officers at Awareness Projects International (a non-profit engaging in human rights education work in Uzbekistan and elsewhere) were summoned to the police for interrogation, when they returned to their hometown of Jizzakh in...

Thailand: “The Purple People Toilet”

  12 February 2012

Richard Barrow uploads a photo of the ‘Purple People Toilet’ in Thailand. It's a toilet for those who belong to the “Third Sex” or in Thailand they are often called “Lady Boys”

Panama: The Indigenous Leader Who Took on the Government

  12 February 2012

Amidst Panama's current crisis is a woman who has emerged as the standard bearer of the indigenous struggle: Silvia Carrera who, after being the first woman elected to the position of cacique or tribal chief, has risen up firmly against the mining intentions of the current government.

Portugal: Protests Against ACTA

  12 February 2012

On February 11, more than 200 cities around the world joined the global protests against ACTA. In Portugal, around 300 people demonstrated on the streets of Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Viseu and Braga, following the calls that had been organized via Facebook.

Bulgaria: Thousands Take Part in Anti-ACTA Protests

  12 February 2012

Hundreds of anti-ACTA protests took place all over Europe for Saturday, February 11. Bulgaria was no exception: thousands of protesters braved cold in Sofia and 14 other Bulgarian cities and towns. Even though much remains to be done, these rallies have shown a breach in the Bulgarians' apathy wall.