Stories from 5 July 2012
Chile: Homeless in Santiago
In Santiago, Chile, as in many other cities around the world, winter can be a deadly season for the homeless. Through photography, Demotix contributor Alejandro Rustom exposes the reality of the homeless in the Chilean capital and highlights how a group of citizens are trying to help.
Global: The World Talks Back to Nick Kristof
New York Times journalist Nick Kristof has found himself in a bit of hot water with the global blogosphere after two recent articles on Iran and Africa.
Armenia: Public Outcry Over Killing Tests Oligarch's Power
The controversial reign of Armenia's oligarchs might be challenged following the death of an army doctor at the hands of security guards at a restaurant owned by businessman, politician, and Armenian Football Federation President, Ruben Hayrapetyan.
Singapore: Church Scandal Sparks Dissent
Leaders of Singapore's biggest church have been arrested for alleged misuse of funds. The reported luxurious lifestyle of the church founder and his pop singer wife has sparked intense debate amongst critics and church members.
China: Sparking the ‘Exile is Not Freedom’ Debate
Chen Guangcheng’s case has reopened a discussion about the pros and cons of exile. Will Chen lose support and influence if he leaves China? And will the Chinese government let him come back after flirting with the US?
India, Pakistan: Working Towards Thawing the Siachen Conflict?
On April 7, 2012, a deadly avalanche hit a Pakistani military camp in the Gayatri Sector, 30km west of the Siachen glacier, killing over 130 people, most of them military personnel. The scale of the tragedy once again brought into focus a long-standing conflict between India and Pakistan over Siachen, often referred to as "the world's highest battlefield".
Tajikistan: Global Voices Puts Spotlight on Dushanbe Zoo
Our recent update on an American student's impression of the Dushanbe Zoo has generated a passionate discussion on ‘Platforma’, a 5,400-odd-member Tajik community on Facebook. A Dushanbe-based newspaper has now published an interview [ru] with the zoo's director who responds to questions asked by Facebook users.
Peru: What They Didn't Tell You About Afro-Peruvians
On June 8, the cultural event “What they didn't tell you about Afro-Peruvians” took place at the National Afro-Peruvian Museum. The objective of the event was to make the Afro-Peruvian history and culture visible. Juan Arellano shares information, videos and audio files of the event.
Colombia: One Night in a Cell
In his blog La Ventana, Juan Batallas publishes a two-part post about one night he spent in a cell at an “immediate reaction unit” (unidad de reacción inmediata, URI, set up by the Attorney General's Office [es]). In the first part [es] he tells the story of his confinement and...
South Korea: Odd Sexual Harassment Ruling Gets Mocked Online
A local court’s ruling in a sexual harassment case has lead to numerous jokes and sarcastic comments amongst South Koreans on Twitter.
China: How Myanmar's Opening Up Differs
Just back from the Myanmar Investment Summit in Yangon, as the country continues rapid opening to foreign capital, China Law Blog‘s Steve Dickinson contrasts Myanmar's economic globalization efforts with China's own process of opening up.
Tajikistan: Facebook Users Discuss Presidential Elections
In about a year from now, voters in Tajikistan will go to the polls to elect a president for the next seven years. The Kimiyoi Saodat blog summarizes [tj] a recent Facebook discussion on the next year's elections where opposition groups will have to challenge the incumbent president seeking another...
