Stories from 4 June 2013
Tunisian FEMEN Activist Faces New Charges
As Tunisian FEMEN activist Amina Tyler is set to appear before a judge to face new charges on June 5, the secular opposition's lack of support to the young woman is met with criticism.
Saudi Prisoners On and Off Hunger Strikes
The Twitter account dedicated to Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association (ACPRA ) member, Mohammed Al-Bjadi, @FreeAlbjadi, published two letters written by Mohammed Al-Bjadi in prison last year. The letters were published after the Saudi Ministry of Interior denied that Al-Bjadi has gone on hunger strike. We share translations of the letters, that have been making the rounds online. Also read about the plight of prisoner Sayyed Aqeel Al-Shakhouri, who has been detained in October 2011, and is still awaiting trial.
Turkey: A Social Media Chronology of Occupy Gezi
On April 10, a hashtag on Turkey's Twitter proclaimed, #ayagakalk ("stand up"). This came from a small group of activists trying to preserve the standing park, Gezi Park in Taksim Square, against plans to build a mall on the area. Nobody expected to this little incident to turn into biggest protest in the country’s republican history
Jamaica: Environmental Dangers
‘Hold down an tek weh.’ That’s exactly what it is. Jamaican Woman Tongue blogs about some pressing environmental issues.
Video: Thousands Rage Against Iran's Regime at Funeral for Ayatollah
Thousands of people in Isfahan, Iran took part in funeral procession for Ayatollah Jalal Al-Din Taheri. He was a senior religious figure and a critical voice against regime hardliners
Snowfall in the Tropics
The tropical Island of La Réunion experienced a relatively rare snowfall on the top of the volcano, Piton de la fournaise on June 3. Linfo.re explains that [fr] the first snowfall on the island was observed in 1988 and the latest was in 2007.
Brazilian Transvestites Pump Up with Silicone to Attract World Cup Clients
With an eye on the World Cup, transvestites are traveling from the northeastern city of Fortaleza to São Paulo in order to get silicone implants in their breasts, buttocks, and other body parts. The first in a series of reports by Andrea Dipp from Agência Pública.
Extreme Anti-immigrant Groups Spread Throughout Europe
Plagued by one of the worst economic crises in recent history, extreme anti-immigrant parties are once again on the rise in 21st-century Europe.
Inclusive Citizen Reporters in Ecuador
Earlier this year, Ecuadorian journalist Christian Espinosa [es] offered workshops for citizen journalists with disabilities on how to cover the presidential elections. Jacinto Lajas Portillo highlights the initiative in Periodismo Ciudadano [es].
Cuba: Yoani Returns
I’m back now. Beginning to feel the peculiarities of a Cuba that in my three months absence has barely changed. High-profile Cuban blogger Yoani Sanchez talks about returning home after her first trip abroad in years.
Trinidad & Tobago Writer Wins Lit Prize
Trinidadian writer and blogger Sharon Millar is co-winner of the 2013 Commonwealth Short Story Prize, reports the Bocas Lit Fest Blog.
