Stories from 8 May 2012
Cambodia Gay Pride Week 2012
Cambodia Gay Pride Week 2012 will take place on May 11 until May 20. Some of the activities include film screenings, parties, Buddhist blessings, and the first Cambodia Pride Amazing Tuk-Tuk Race.
Thailand: Grandfather Jailed for Lese Majeste Dies
Amphon Tangnoppakul, the 62-year-old Thai jailed for Lese Majeste (royal insult), died in prison today. His 20-year jail sentence was criticized by human rights advocates who are also demanding an amendment of the controversial law.
Macedonia: Protest Announced in Support of Environmental Activist on Trial
Greenbox blog reported [mk] that the Green Coalition and NGO Lenka would hold a protest in front of Veles court on May 9, 2012, at 11:30 AM, before the start of the trial of the environmental activist Igor Smilev, who has been accused of endangering security & defamation by the...
Democratic Republic of Congo: Clandestine Abortions on the Rise in Goma
Illegal abortion is a common practice in several provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in Goma, Nord-Kivu. Congolese law prohibits abortion in all parts of the country. The situation in Goma is becoming increasingly worrisome.
Martinique: “Think Like A Man”, Just Not in France
The cancellation of the release of American movie “Think Like A Man” in movie theaters is being discussed by French of African descent. Read on to find out how an American movie finds a place in the French social debate.
Guatemala: State of Siege Due to Hydroelectric Plant Conflict
The Guatemalan government has declared a state of siege in Santa Cruz Barillas, following demonstrations and clashes sparked by the death of a community leader who opposed the construction of a hydroelectric plant. Citizens from this community have been using blogs and social networks to report on the current conflict.
Zambia: Netizens Sceptically Hail Draft Constitution
Zambian netizens discuss the draft consitution released on 1 May by the Technical Committee on Drafting the Zambian Constitution which was constituted in November 2011 to write the country’s new constitution.
India: Online Cartoon Exhibition Protesting Repression
The arrest of Ambikesh Mahapatra, a professor of Jadavpur University, for circulating West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees's cartoon has enraged many online activists. A cartoon exhibition protesting her acts is available online.
Panama: Baseball Fans React to Mariano Rivera's Injury
Panamanian baseball player Mariano Rivera's injury has caused all types of reactions. While New York Yankees fans show their devotion, some Panamanians still don't forgive him for not playing for Panama in the World Classic.
South Korea Seized Infant Flesh Capsules Made in China
South Korean authorities had confiscated tons of dried flesh of dead infants that was being capsuled and smuggled out of China. Whilst almost every blog and media responded to this horrendous news with pure disgust and accusation against Chinese high abortion rate, one PR and communications agency defined this case ‘a sad story...
Chile: The Bigger Picture in a Plan to Make Stadiums Safe
Diego Sazo in Ballotage [es] looks at the government's plan to make football stadiums in Chile safe. He argues that the plan tackles harmless expressions that are typical in Chilean football games (like bringing a bass drum to the stadium), and that the government should instead focus on root causes of...
India, Pakistan Missile Launches: Game Changers or Mere Posturing?
Back-to-back missile tests by India and Pakistan in April have received widespread coverage and comment, both in the mainstream media as well as on social media. Aparna Ray reports.
Russia: Open Hostility in Moscow Surrounding Putin's Inauguration
Both civilians and those charged with keeping order in the city displayed open hostility on May 6 when protesters took to the streets of Moscow in anticipation of Vladimir Putin's inauguration. Donna Welles reports.
Kenya: An Online Source for Kenya Architecture
Architecture Kenya is an online source of information for a growing number of people interested in Kenyan architectural news, projects, products, events, jobs, interviews and competitions among others.
Nigeria: R.I.P. Rashidi Yekini – African Football Legend
Towards the end of last week, Africa lost one of its biggest scoring heroes in football. After playing for several clubs and representing Nigeria in both the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup, Rashidi Yekini retired into oblivion.
Armenia: The Bambir in Ireland
CHEWYOUROWNFAT reviews Beezzy, a new song by one of Armenia's most well known rock bands, The Bambir. The independent music blog says that the group, now relocated to Ireland, defines original and is definitely an act to catch live.
Saudi Arabia: Twitter Hacking Prevention Tips
Online accounts are frequently hacked and stolen. We often hear of those who hacked someone's email or stole someone's email password. Twitter is no different, so the Saudi tweep and blogger Manal Al-Sherif, who has worked as a Information Security Consultant in an oil company for years, shared her tips...
Syria: Revolution and Calcification
Lebanese blog Beirut Walls has written about [ar] the accusations made against the Syrian revolution in a new light. “Maybe hard water, which is very common in Lebanon, is calcifying the mind. There is no other obvious explanation for the recent trend of inhuman or illogical accusations against the Syrian...
May Day Videos: Marches, Demonstrations and Protests Around The World
Through cities around the globe, people took to the streets to march and commemorate the International Workers' Day. Videos by The Real News take us on a tour of how the day was observed throughout the world.
Mexico: Citizens Disappointed After Presidential Candidate Debate
Mexican netizens closely followed the presidential candidate debate which took place on Sunday, May 6. Most were disappointed by the lack of proposals presented by the candidates. Here are some bloggers' reactions to the debate.
