Syrian netizens have a dream – that the Syrian people would be awarded the Nobel peace prize this year. They even have a dedicated website to push the cause, with information in Arabic, English, French, Spanish and Italian.
22 August 2012
Stories from 22 August 2012
Jordan: Say No to Internet Censorship
Jordan is slipping into a black hole, with new restrictions on Internet freedom approved by the government today [August 22, 2012]. First, the government gave the go ahead to block websites. Now, a new Publications Law, which allows for more control and censorship over the Internet, has has been approved as a draft.
Arab World: Scenes of Eid from Syria, Palestine and Bahrain
Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of the Muslim month of fasting - Ramadan, was commemorated with three days of celebrations across the Arab world, or so goes the tradition. Instead, celebrations were muted as Syria buried its dead and Bahrain laid to rest a 16-year-old teenager killed by police.
Costa Rica: “Was it My Fault I Was Raped, Because I Went Out at Night?”
With strength and courage, blogger SophiadelSol has written about her recent carjacking, abduction and rape as she was out at night with her boyfriend. In a society that blames victims for exposing themselves to danger, she has bravely stood up for victims and places the blame on the society that allows these things to happen.
Tajikistan: Troops Open Fire on Protesters in Volatile Province
"What kind of an idiot could kill the person at a moment when even a minor altercation may lead to a new civil war in Tajikistan?" The protest began after a former opposition commander was killed in his home this morning.
Argentina: “I'm an Organ Donor and I Tell the World”
By donating a kidney to her goddaughter, singer Sandra Mihanovich has created awareness in Argentina about the importance of organ donation. Her example joins the campaign #SoyDonante ("I'm a donor") on Twitter and the video "I'm a donor and I tell the world" on YouTube.
Kazakhstan: Trial of Opposition Leaders Draws Pussy Riot Comparisons
“A Pussy Riot of our own” is how Kazakhstani netizens are referring to the judicial drama involving three opposition leaders accused of active participation in the Zhanaozen oil-strike that turned violent in December 2011. The trials of Vladimir Kozlov, Aizhanat Aminov and Serik Sapargaly started on August 16, and are expected to end within the next two weeks. Kazakh netizens do not believe that the three defendants will get a fair trial.
Morocco: Is the ‘Allegiance Ceremony’ a Thing of the Past?
The bay'a is the name of an annual ceremony of "allegiance" to the King of Morocco. Activists are planning to stage a counter-manifestation today to pledge "Allegiance to Dignity an Freedom". The debate has been raging online.
Vibrant Maldives Eid Celebrations – Despite the Political Wrangling
When the Ministry of Islamic Affairs of the Maldives announced that the 2012 morning Eid prayers in the capital Malé were to be celebrated in an open space, it created much controversy and debate. The news was met with skepticism from people who saw it as a political publicity stunt to show numbers, as support for the ruling government.
Mauritania: Landslides Leave Residents Homeless
Landslides resulting from recent heavy rain left hundreds of families homeless in different parts of Mauritania at the end of July. After destroying their homes, the landslides left hundreds of families in Kaedi (Southern Mauritania), Makta'a Lahjar and Aleg (Central Mauritania), and Nema (Eastern Mauritania), without roofs over their heads. Ahmed Jeddo reports on what happened and some of the reactions.
Wales: From Prison, Activist Campaigns for Welsh Language Rights
Activist Jamie Bevan of Merthyr Tudful, Wales, is currently serving 35 days in prison after refusing to pay a fine for which the summons was issued in English only. He is a member of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, the protest movement which this month marks its 50th anniversary of campaigning to secure Welsh language rights.
am gratefule that enamy could not successfule with their eveil plane Glory be to God...