James Conohan guest-blogs at Greater Surbiton about the Crimean People's Republic, which existed from December 1917 to January 1918 and “was the first attempt in the Muslim world to establish a state that was both democratic and secular”:
10 December 2012
Stories from 10 December 2012
Colombia: Cali Organises Its Third Barcamp
On Monday, December 17, the third edition of Barcamp Cali -a Free Culture event organised in the city of Cali, Colombia- will take place. The event has created a buzz among netizens in Cali, who have been tweeting about it under the hashtag #barcampcali3.
Iran's Diplomatic Missions Under Attack
Iran's diplomatic missions have been under attack around the world in recent weeks by Iranians and Afghans, for different reasons. The actions sparked a hot debate within the Iranian blogosphere, with ideas ranging from praise to condemnation and denouncements.
Interview with Maksim Kononenko: Russian Non-Oppositionist Blogging
Kononenko is widely considered to be one of the RuNet’s pioneers, and has worked as a publicist, a columnist, a programmer, and a television host, among other things. He is a self-described "liberal," though his political positions place him squarely outside the Russian opposition.
‘Public Hunger Strike’ in Saudi Arabia for Imprisoned Activist Al-Bajady
Saudi human rights activist Mohammad al-Bajady has been getting much attention in the Saudi Twittershare in the last few weeks. Al-Bajady is one of the co-founders of the Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association (ACPRA) and he has been detained since March 21, 2011. Yesterday, December 9, @freealbjadi announced a public hunger strike to support al-Bajady on December 10, which marks the international Human Rights Day.
Tropical Storm Pablo Leaves Trail of Devastation in Southern Philippines
Tropical storm Pablo (international name: Bopha) left a trail of destruction in various parts of the southern Philippine islands of Mindanao, Leyte, Cebu, and Negros after entering the country last December 4. Pablo is the strongest typhoon to ever hit Mindanao
Bahrain: Mahazza Village Still Under Siege
For almost a month in Bahrain, the village of Mahazza in Sitra has been under a security siege by the country's Interior Ministry. With the absence of free media in the country, citizen journalism, once again, was the only means of getting reports on what was happening on the ground. Through Facebook and Twitter, Bahrainis have posted their rallies in support of Mahazza and shared information about raids on houses and many arrests.
Russian eDemocracy: There and Back Again
Just like last winter, Russia's opposition leaders are involved in negotiations with Moscow city authorities to determine where an upcoming rally will take place. This time, however, they are asking their online electorate to pitch in.
Taiwan is Sick: Student Protesters Tell the Minister of Education
As the Hong Kong based media group, Next Media Ltd., announced its decision to leave the Taiwan market, the stranglehold of media monopoly in Taiwan threatens to become more severe. Student activists believe that Taiwan is sick as its foundation of freedom has been eroded and they are calling for immediate legislation of the anti media monopoly law.
‘The Economist’ Accused of Hacking by Bangladesh's War Crimes Tribunal
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is an ongoing tribunal in Bangladesh that was set up to investigate and provide justice regarding the war crimes during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. The tribunal has asked The Economist magazine to explain how it got emails and recordings of private Skype conversations between a presiding judge and a diaspora legal expert and put an embargo on publishing the same.
I was given a harsher sentence here in America, Riverside County California by the new...