Stories from 22 October 2012
North Korea's Software and IT Exhibition
The NK Leadership Watch posted photos of North Korea's 23rd National Software Contest and Exhibition held in Pyongyang. North Korean state media reported 1,300 computer programs developed by North Korean engineers and technicians were displayed in the exhibition.
Cambodia Mourns the Death of King Father Norodom Sihanouk
Cambodia is mourning the death of King Father Norodom Sihanouk who died last October 15, 2012. Millions of people waited in line along the way from the international airport to the Royal Palace to pay respect to the King
Peru Holds Annual Processions for the Lord of the Miracles
Every year during October, Lima (Peru's capital city) shows its devotion to the Lord of the Miracles. Here's a brief summary of the history behind this huge Peruvian religious event, and a taste of how citizens have been commenting and covering the processions through citizen media.
Cameroon: Students and Researchers Evaluate the Welfare System
Welfare Systems are rapidly evolving in Sub-Saharan Africa, with some countries having implemented systems allowing evaluation of measures taken several decades ago. Students and researchers from Cameroon have closely examined social public policies and private sector initiatives in their country.
A Maligned Law to Protect the Philippines from Cybercrime
The majority of Filipino internet users and media groups opposed the passage of the Philippine Cybercrime Law because of provisions which they think would curtail media freedom and other civil liberties. But prior to the insertion of online libel and other last minute amendments, the bill was actually quietly supported by many.
Costa Rica: Forum on Online Anonymity, Pseudonyms and Freedom of Expression
Ticoblogger, a community of Costa Rican bloggers, invites everyone to attend the forum “Online Anonymity, Pseudonyms and Freedom of Expression” [es] on Wednesday, October 24, 2012, at 9:00 PM (GMT-03:00) at the Legislative Assembly in San José, Costa Rica. The forum will discuss Article 230 of the ‘Cybercrime Law‘, which penalizes...
Uganda: Getting Ready for the Second Coming of #Kony2012
“I didn’t pay much mind to the #Kony2012 kerfuffle when it first surfaced back in March. I couldn’t be bothered to watch the film and was a bit blasé about the re-emergence (as it seemed to me) of the Lord’s Resistance Army as a topic of wide international interest. But...
Puerto Rico: Journalism Called Into Question
Former President of the Association of Puerto Rican Journalists (ASPPRO), Wilda Rodríguez, wrote a scathing column [es] on the current state of journalism in Puerto Rico for local blog 80grados.net. In it, she asks for what she refers to as “simply the basics”: journalism that is informed, honest, and sensible,...
Global Voices Seeks Advocacy Editor
Global Voices is seeking an Advocacy Editor to manage its online freedom of expression content. Global Voices Advocacy seeks to build a global anti-censorship network of citizen media and online activists throughout the developing world. Find out more...
Brazil: Police Violence and Privatization of Public Space in Porto Alegre
Students and activists protesting against the privatization of public space in the city of Porto Alegre earlier this month were violently repressed by military police, after having destroyed an inflatable armadillo, mascot for the 2014 World Cup, that occupied the square with the sponsorship of Coca-Cola.
After Japan Earthquake, a New Local Newspaper by Citizens
Since the local newspaper in Otsuchi, Japan was forced to close down after the 2011 earthquake, a new hyper-local, hybrid newspaper project is teaching local citizens skills in reporting, and invites journalism students from across the country to sign up for internships.
China: Gangnam Style by Beijing Foreigners
Jesse Appell a a Fulbright research fellow studying Chinese comedy made a video, “Laowai Style“, another fantastic parody of the Korean pop “Gangnam Style”.
Portugal: Media Sector Struggling in Hard Times
A four-day strike by Portuguese news agency Lusa's workers, against 30% cuts recently announced in the 2013 Budget and more, may represent the starting point for a broader discussion about the role of journalism in democratic societies, in their various forms of organization, financing and distribution.
United States: Former Police Chief Blogs for Better Policing
Police officers need to police with consent of those affected if we are to ever have peace and safety in our cities. Former Madison, Wisconsin police chief David C. Couper writes about the need for compassion in a police force in his blog Improving Police.
