An online petition [el], entitled “Save Greek water from privatization” has begun after Prime Minister Antonis Samaras’ announcement calling for an aggressive programme of privatisation, including water. Main arguments of the petition is that countries in which privatization has been applied has caused an extreme rise of prices and in some cases put public health at risk. The issue has provoked various reactions from netizens in Facebook and Twitter.
13 July 2012
Stories from 13 July 2012
Venezuela: The Blogosphere Discusses the Campaign
As the Venezuelan opposition finally manages to get a visible space in the upcoming elections, the blogosphere reflects rising expectations from both sides.
Panama: ‘Songo', a Cultural ‘Cyber-Promoter’
The Panamanian Edilberto González Trejos navigates social networks and the blogsophere with the pseudonym 'Songo'. His work as a cultural promoter is known by all those who are involved in one way or another with blogs and social networks in Panama. In this interview Edilberto speaks to us about his love for culture, his multiple blogs, how he sees the Panamanian blogosphere and his long term goals.
Spain: Supporting the Miners: “Yes, Yes, They Do Represent Us!”
Thousands joined in and showed their support for Spanish miners when they arrived in Madrid after walking 400 kilometres from the north of Spain. The miners were surprised at the scale of the mobilisation, which added to the intensity of what is now known as #nocheminera (mining night).
Mauritania: Anger at Foreign Minister's Support for Assad
In his speech at the Friends of Syria conference on July 6, the Mauritanian foreign minister Hamadi Ould Hamadi described what was happening in Syria as "violence and counterviolence". This comment was considered to be an expression of support for Bashar Al Assad's regime, and angered activists.
Ethiopia: Where is Meles Zenawi?
Rumors about the health and whereabouts of Ethiopia’s Prime Minster Meles Zenawi have dominated the Ethiopian social media sphere for weeks. Netizens have been sharing their thoughts about the rumors wondering why this story has been overlooked by the mainstream media.
Zambia: Police Thwart Xenophobic Attacks Against Congolese Traders
The Zambian law enforcement agencies prevented what could have been deadly retaliatory and xenophobic attacks on neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo citizens living in Zambia following the burning to death of a Zambian driver in the border Congolese town of Kasumbalesa.
DR of Congo: Controversial Sentence for Thomas Lubanga
On 10 July, the International Criminal Court convicted Congolese Thomas Lubanga Dyilo to 14 years in prison. He was found guilty of war crimes for having recruited and enrolled children under 15-years-old. Congolese bloggers lament over the restrained sentence.
Tajikistan: Big Brother to Watch Internet Activity in the Country
Authorities in Tajikistan plan to "track down and identify" individuals who publish materials and leave comments deemed insulting to the country's leadership. Netizens respond with a flurry of angry comments.
St. Lucia: The Global Voices Summit from a Caribbean Perspective
The recently concluded Global Voices Summit in Nairobi, Kenya featured many discussions which are particularly relevant to the Caribbean. Here's a quick rundown of topics that citizen journalists and bloggers from the region may find relevant...
Syria: Traymseh Massacre Evokes Rage and Sorrow
Last year, on the eve of the holy month of Ramadan, Syrian forces loyal to the regime of Bashar al-Assad, killed around 45 civilians in the central town of Hama. This year, the bloodshed is in a village in the vicinity of Hama, Traymseh, but the death toll is believed to be several times higher.
China must step in to protect indigenous Mongoloid Asiatic native people & their lands, and...