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.

Egypt: Disgust with Eid Harassment Photos

Blogging Egypt shares her views on what she thinks of the Eid harassment photographs: it DISGUSTS me that whoever caught these images on camera – of women being harassed, boys grabbing women's behinds, etc – did not bother to blur the victims’ faces before spreading the images across the internet.

Syria: Ali Farzat Insults Al Arabia Anchor for her Sect

Al Arabiya correspondent Alia Ibrahim was allegedly insulted by famous Syrian cartoonist Ali Farzat for her sect. What happened saddened Syrian activist Mohammed Al Abdallah [ar] who apologized on the behalf of Farzat.  Asa'ad Abu Khalil blogged about Farzat, saying: “The man has now exposed himself to be a petty,...

Argentina: “I'm an Organ Donor and I Tell the World”

  22 August 2012

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

  22 August 2012

“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.

Vibrant Maldives Eid Celebrations – Despite the Political Wrangling

  22 August 2012

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.

Central America: Upcoming “Camps” for Young Cyber-Activists

  22 August 2012

Rising Voices is partnering with Hivos and Dialogía in two “camps” for young people using digital media for social change. The workshops, called “Activistmo” [es], will be held in Nicaragua and Guatemala during September and October. Young people from Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Guatemala between the ages of...

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.

Azerbaijan: An Alternative Energy Partner for Europe?

  22 August 2012

Baku Views, a blog on economic commentary and opinion from Azerbaijan reflects on a recent NY Times column by Paul Krugman on Europe's dependence on Russian energy, noting that with its gas pipelines projects, Azerbaijan could be an alternative, reliable energy partner. In its opening notes, the blog also compares...

Wales: From Prison, Activist Campaigns for Welsh Language Rights

  22 August 2012

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.

Hong Kong: Campaigning Against Cattle Relocation Policy

  22 August 2012

Agriculture was vibrant just decades ago in Hong Kong in rural areas, and yellow cattle were a particular feature. Pressure from local government to relocate 8 cattle in Mui Wo Lantau Island has been met with fierce protest by animal rights activists and local residents.

El Salvador: 30 Years Since ‘El Calabozo Massacre’

  22 August 2012

Today, August 22, 2012, marks the thirtieth anniversary of the ‘El Calabozo’ massacre, “when troops of the US-trained Atlacatl Battalion murdered more than 200 civilian victims taking refuge along a river's banks,” as Tim's El Salvador Blog reports. Tim highlights how families of the victims will “commemorate, remember, and demand...