January, 2013

Stories from January, 2013

The ‘Vishwaroopam’ Ban: Attack on Freedom of Speech?

  31 January 2013

The screening of Kamal Haasan's big budget Bollywood movie Vishwaroopam was banned in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu after Islamic organizations protested the depiction of the Muslim community. Actor-Director Haasan is fighting the matter in court and many have condemned the ban as an attack on freedom of speech.

Egypt Silent on Sinai Flooding

  31 January 2013

Sinai is being ravished by flooding, after heavy rains in the region. Very little information is available on online media, amid total silence on mainstream media. Netizens report that up to 1,400 families could be caught up in the flooding, without electricity and access to food.

Pakistan’s Forgotten Hindu Heritage

  31 January 2013

Shiraz Hassan recently visited dilapidated temples and gurdwaras of Rawalpindi and appeals that these old heritage sites, which depict the secular past of the country, need to be preserved. There are still more than 25,000 Hindus living in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Why Death for Distributing Polio Vaccine in Pakistan?

  31 January 2013

Aid workers administering polio vaccination projects across Pakistan are increasingly coming under attack from Islamist militants. While some Pakistanis accuse humanitarian organizations of spying on behalf of the United States, many employees remain determined to stay in the country.

Google Maps of North Korea Has Caught World's Attention

  31 January 2013

Within less than few days since its release, Google's new, crowd-sourced map of North Korea is gaining traction worldwide. There are even fake reviews of North Korean gulags and many bloggers, such as One Free Korea, posted satellite images of the regime's iconic landmarks.

Brazil in Mourning After the Tragic Fire in Santa Maria

  31 January 2013

On January 27, 2012, the college town of Santa Maria, located in the middle of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, suffered a tragic fire in the nightclub Kiss. Considered the second largest fire by number of victims in Brazil, the incident claimed the lives of around 231 people, most of them young, 90% of them by intoxication.

Morsi Courts Merkel while Unrest Continues in Egypt

  31 January 2013

A Photoshopped picture of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi kissing German Chancellor Angela Merkel went viral, drawing ridicule from netizens, who criticised Morsi for traveling abroad at a time when his country was facing unrest. Online, Egyptians were quick to dismiss the photograph as unreal but were also dismissive of Morsi and his policies.

All Side by Side for the Future of São Tomé and Príncipe

  31 January 2013

Originally inspired by the style of the song “We Are the World“, renowned musicians from Sao Tome and Principe unite singing a theme by Kalú Mendes, titled “All Side by Side for the Future of Our Country.” The music covers all creole languages from the islands in order to enforce...

Peru: ls the Renewal of Telefónica's Contract a Good Thing?

  31 January 2013

On January 21st the Peruvian government, through the Minister of Transportation and Communication, Carlos Paredes, announced the renewal of the expired cellular phone contracts with Telefónica for a period of 18 years and 10 months. Here is an analysis of the consequences of this renewal.

Zambia: Interview with BongoHive Co-Founder

  31 January 2013

BongoHive, a Zambian-based innovation hub, has captured the attention of computer and internet technology enthusiasts in the country. Global Voices recently caught up with Simunza Muyangana, one of the four co-founders, who explained what BongoHive is all about.

‘Testosterona’ Blog is Out of MTV Brazil

  31 January 2013

MTV Brazil has cancelled its contract with the Testosterona's blog, affirmed the group ‘Nós Denunciamos’ [pt] on Facebook. It is believed that MTV Brazil attitude came as a consequence of the TV network headquarter's decision in the US and social mobilization against the misogynistic program. Global Voices published an article...

Nepal: Wither Democracy?

  30 January 2013

Siromani Dhungana at United We Blog! for a Democratic Nepal opines that recent political events strongly suggest that Nepal is on its way to being ruled by an autocratic political system. Additionally the incumbent Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai has been accused of misusing numerous costly helicopter rides for his...

Bhutan: Security Taken For Granted

  30 January 2013

According to tourists Bhutan is a safe place. But ShyGuard at Writers Association Of Bhutan warns not to take it for granted. The blogger opines that Bhutanese should be more concerned about own security and be vigilant to stop unwanted incidents.

Colombia: A Long Way to Peace?

  30 January 2013

Despite ongoing peace talks, Colombia refused to recognize the most recent ceasefire declared by the FARC and launched an airstrike on New Year's day. Meanwhile, the deadline for brokering a peace agreement approaches.

Tens of Thousands Affected by Heavy Rains in Mozambique

  30 January 2013

In Mozambique, the rains that have been falling since early January devastated populations in the country's center and south. Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated, and 45 deaths have been reported. While the number of victims continue to rise and damages continue to increase, the online community has called for solidarity and expressed its indignation in the face of the vandalism and pillaging that has occurred.