Stories from 20 November 2012
University of Cyprus Campaign – ‘Buy Cypriot Products’
Using the slogan “Agorazo Kypriaka” [Buy Cypriot products], the University of Cyprus website hosts an announcement by Rector Constantinos Christofides himself. Amidst the general economic crisis, University of Cyprus supports initiatives against unemployment and actively contributes to the cause, initiating a promotion campaign to encourage people to buy local Cypriot...
Social Pressure Halts Evictions Temporarily in Spain
After years of action, the associations and platforms that formed in protest against home evictions in Spain achieved their first great success. The Spanish Banking Association announced that all evictions for families with small children, people with disabilities and the long-term unemployed will be suspended for the next two years.
Is a Hamas/Israel Ceasefire on the Table?
News is spreading like wildfire online that a Gaza ceasefire will be signed between Hamas and Israel in Cairo tonight [Nov 20, 2012], following a week of violence.
Brazilian Court Suspends Eviction Order of Indigenous Guarani-Kaiowá
The mass online mobilization that followed an appeal from the Guaraní-Kaiowá indigenous community of Pyelito Kue in Mato Grosso do Sul gave crucial support to their struggle to resist expulsion from their lands. In late October, the Brazilian courts decided to suspend their eviction order. However, the struggle continues until their lands are officially demarcated.
Two Tunisian Graffiti Artists to Face Trial
On December 5, graffiti artists Oussama Bouagila and Chahine Berriche, are due to stand trial, after police caught them inscribing "the people want the poor's rights" on a wall in Gabes, in South East Tunisia.
Hardinge Bridge Over A Dried-up River Bed
Lonely Traveler posts photos of the century old 1.8 kilometer long Hardinge bridge over the Padma river in Pabna, Bangladesh. The upper-riparian country India erected barrage on the Ganges river at Farakka in Murshidabad to withdraw all the water in dry season, which results in the almost dried-up river bed...
Iran's Power Shakedown Before the Presidential Election
Iran’s judiciary recently denied President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad access to one of the country’s most notorious prisons. Does this decision suggest that the outgoing President’s power and influence is on the wane ahead of next year’s elections?
Canadian Awaits Death Penalty in Iran Since 2008
Canadian citizen Hamid Ghassemi was jailed in Iran and sentenced to death on espionage charges in 2008. His family, friends and neighbors in Toronto are still campaigning for his return.
Philippines: How “I’m a Liar?” Became #amalayer Hashtag
A college student from the Philippines berated a female guard at a Manila train station and accused the latter of being rude. The students tirade was documented on video and was uploaded on the internet. Filipino netizens accused the student of being arrogant and disrespectful. The #amalayer hashtag, which trended worldwide, was used in reference to the student’s pronunciation of ‘I'm a liar’.
Chinese Consumers Break Online Sales Record on Bachelors’ Day
November 11 is Bachelor's Day in mainland China. How do people celebrate this special day? Apparently by spending money online - this year in a record breaking manner.
Reflections After Argentina's #8N Protests
Through Twitter and blogs, Argentines (and some foreigners) has been analyzing the present and the future of the country after the massive anti-government protests held on November 8, 2012 (#8N).