Stories from 20 September 2012
Ukraine: United Opposition's Rally in Odessa
Odessablogger writes about the recent rally of the United Opposition's Arseniy Yatsenyuk in Odessa, explaining “why the unpopularity of the Party of Regions has not been reflected in the rising popularity of the United Opposition”: […] A monologue stating just how bad Party of Regions are then ensued. […] The...
Kazakhstan: Western ‘Meddling’ in Controversial Trial Condemned
Three opposition leaders accused of active participation in the 2011 Zhanaozen violence now stand trial in Kazakhstan. While Western NGO's and journalists condemn the trial as unfair, Kazakhstan's bloggers have little sympathy for the opposition leaders. They support the government's strong-hand approach and criticize what they see as attempts by Western governments and organizations to meddle in Kazakhstan's internal affairs.
Video: Mini-Documentaries Showcase Venezuelan Artists
Through their YouTube account, the creative team Mostro Contenidos has released a documentary series called 'Memorabilia', where they present a collection of short interviews with Venezuelan personalities who have stood out -nationally and internationally- in film, entertainment, and the arts.
Panama: Interview on Struggle over Naso Territory
Intercontinental Cry shares a video interview with Adolfo Villagra of the Naso indigenous community in Panama: Tensions are mounting in the indigenous Naso territory in Bocas del Toro province, western Panama, where protestors have blocked access to the Bonyic Hydroelectric project, a 30MW dam currently under construction on the banks...
Bullying in a Networked Era: A Literature Review
A new report aims to help parents, educators, caregivers find answers.
Zambia: Former First Lady, Betty Kaunda, Dies
There was an outpouring of grief on social media networks on Wednesday September 19, following news of the death of former Zambian First Lady, Betty Kaunda, wife of Zambia’s first President Dr Kenneth Kaunda.
China: Are Overloaded Vehicles to Blame for Harbin Bridge Collapse?
On August 24, a highway bridge in China's Harbin city suddenly collapsed, leaving three dead and five injured. Yesterday the investigation report came out which stated that the collapse was caused by overloaded vehicles, but netizens are not so sure this is correct.
China: Return of Maoists in Anti-Japan Protests Brings Anxiety
Maoist protesters in China's recent anti-Japan rallies - and a street fight between a Maoist professor and an 80-year-old man - has brought back people's memories of Chinese political history.
Japan: Film Festival to Celebrate Peace Day
On Peace Day, 21 September, the UNITED FOR PEACE FILM FESTIVAL 2012 will be held in Yokohama, Japan. Students from around the globe have entered five minute videos – watch some now.
Mozambique: Photos of Bike-Taxis in Quelimane
A photo album by António Silva on Sapo illustrates the widespread use of bicycles as taxis in the flat city of Quelimane, in Mozambique, a place where there the lack of public transports has opened the path for a healthier environment.
Madagascar: How a Tiny Island Can Explain the Root of the Crisis
Lalatiana Pitchboule published a two-part detailed investigative report [fr] on what is at stakes when it comes to the appropriation of the tiny island of Juan de Nova (4.4 km2) off the west coast of Madagascar in the Mozambique Channel. In short, The legal fight over the possession of the Juan de Nova...
Japan: Should a Famous Comedian's Mum Be Allowed Social Aid?
A Japanese comedian became the subject of massive outrage in the media and online, after it was revealed his mother has claimed social benefit.
Pakistan Bans YouTube Over Controversial Video
In an attempt to appease the growing unrest in the country, the Government of Pakistan decided to block the social networking site YouTube as of Monday, September 17, 2012. The move came hours after protests in the southern city of Karachi turned violent, leaving two protesters dead.
Japan: Fukushima Nuclear Cleanup Worker Dangers Revealed
A citizen media news video has revealed the dangerous conditions that cleanup workers in Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant are finding themselves in. The plant was damaged by last year's devastating earthquake and tsunami.
China: Writer said “I am a Traitor”
Sijia Song from Tea Leaf Nation has translated a Chinese prominent writer, Li Chengpeng's latest blogpost: “Confessions of a Traitor”. The post has received more than 200,000 views and 19,000 comments in less than two days on Sina Weibo.
China, US: Anti-Japan Protesters Stop Ambassador's Vehicle
A YouTube video uploaded by Weiwei Ai shows how a group of Chinese anti-Japan demonstrators stopped United States Ambassador Gary Locke's vehicle at the back of the US embassy to protest against America's foreign policy. Above is a screen capture of the moment.