Stories from 22 March 2012
India: Tweet Fuels Communal Tensions in Kolkata
Earlier this week, certain areas of Kolkata in West Bengal, India, were brought to a grinding halt by protesters protesting against a certain tweet, allegedly posted by an Indian model, which was in turn published in a leading English daily. Netizens reported from the ground and also discussed the incident on social networks.
Pakistan: Killing of Ahmadis To Be Made Legal?
The Horizon reports that a religious party in Pakistan demanded in an anti-Ahmadiyya conference held in Lahore that “those considered apostate by the Muslims clerics should be put to sword, a view developed through the dark ages of the Muslim Ummah”.
Bhutan: The Criterion For Judging the best schools
Passu Diary dicusses what should be the criterion for judging the best schools in Bhutan.
Video: Short Film for Gender Equality Contest Open for Submissions
SinGENEROdeDUDAS [es] has launched their call for short films on gender equality for the 6th annual contest. Any films shorter than 20 minutes, even if they have participated and won in other contests are welcome. Details and submission guidelines on their site.
Cape Verde: Calling Out Creative Writers
Cape Verdean blogger and journalist Odair Varela has launched a creative writing competition [pt] that will last for one month. The first of four weekly challenges consists of writing about how the country will be in the year 2090 [pt]. The essays should be submitted until March 27, 2012.
European Commission's ‘Clash of Civilizations’ Video Blunder
A video parodying the film Kill Bill and building on a 'clash of civilizations' theme was made to promote enlargement of the European Union to young adults. However, the video was pulled on March 6 after it was subject to virulent accusations of racism.
Italy: Protests Blaze Over High-Speed Rail to France
The last few weeks have been particularly important (and controversial) for the "No Tav" movement, which, since 1981, has opposed the construction of a high speed train line between Turin and Lyon. Alongside on-going protests, suppression and legal disagreements, activism and discussions blossom online.
Australia: Mining Magnate's Bizarre Claim of CIA Coal Conspiracy
In a “bizarre” outburst, mining magnate Clive Palmer joined the ranks of the CIA conspiracy theorists this week during the Queensland State election campaign. Australian bloggers have revelled in his accusations that the CIA funds Green candidates and organisations such as Greenpeace.
Mali: Citizens Stunned by Sudden Military Coup
Rengade soldiers have announced that they are seizing power in Mali, after taking over the state television building and presidential palace. They say the government failed to adequately support their troops in an increasingly violent struggle with a Tuareg rebels in the north of the country.
Costa Rica: Hacktivism and ‘Operation Fiscal Plan’
José Medrano from Carepicha Blog [es] writes about ‘Operation Fiscal Plan,’ a Denial of Service Attack planned by Anonymous Costa Rica against government websites to show the public discontent regarding the government's Tax Plan. José also analyzes what the government's response to this attack should be, and concludes: “In this...
Puerto Rico: An Archipelago of Indie Music
The music blog Puerto Rico Indie has launched their first video series titled Archipiélago (Archipelago). The series aims to document the local independent music scene on the island. Global Voices presents Archipiélago's three first recorded sessions with the bands Campo-Formio, Mima, and Tach.dé.
Ecuador: The ‘March for Life’ Approaches Quito
The March for Life is approaching the Ecuadorean capital of Quito without any major delays. As we reported in a previous post, indigenous communities and organizations of civil society have organized this march to protest large scale mining in the country. Here are a collection of citizens reports and reactions from the Ecuadorian blogosphere.
Portugal: Subversive Priest's “Homily” to General Strike on YouTube
Mário Pais de Oliveira, priest and writer, has "converted" to social networks to preach his subversive thoughts on the world. Today's general strike in Portugal brings back memories of the video Father Mário published in the aftermath of the last general strike, which took place at the end of 2011.
Global Voices in Greek Celebrates 1,000 Posts
Launched in March 2011, at a time of increasing hardships and intense international criticism for Greece due to the financial crisis, Global Voices in Greek has reached 1,000 published translations. A team of more than 20 volunteer translators have been working together to bring to Greek speakers a selection of news from around the world.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Election: The Pig, the Wolf or Blank Vote?
The Hong Kong Chief Executive "election" is about to take place. Who are the 1200 privileged election committee members going to vote for? The 'Pig', the 'Wolf', a democratic token or will they cast a blank vote?
Mexico: 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake Rattles the Country
On March 20, around midday, a strong 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit the south and central part of Mexico. Many turned to the Internet to contact family and report the situation on the ground. Here are some reactions on the web.
Ukraine: Oksana Makar's Gang Rape Case
Foreign Notes, EUobserver.com, and Ukrainiana write about Oksana Makar's horrible gang rape case. Media mentions, updates and fundraising info [ru, uk] is here (support site), here (Vkontakte page), and here (Twitter).
Argentina: Documentary on Indigenous People in Buenos Aires
The documentary 'Runa Kuti, Urban Natives' shows us the stories of four descendants of indigenous communities living in the city of Buenos Aires, and how they struggle with reclaiming their identity, rediscovering their culture and making a place for themselves in the city.
Russia: Madonna Responds to St. Petersburg “Gay Propaganda” Law Controversy
Singer Madonna has responded to the St. Petersburg “gay propaganda” law controversy on her Facebook page (21,226 ‘likes’, 2,372 shares, 1,422 comments so far): “[…] I will come to St. Petersburg to speak up for the gay community, to support the gay community and to give strength and inspiration to...
