Stories from 25 September 2013
China: Finding Light in the Darkness on Xia Junfeng's Execution Day
The latest artwork from a cartoon blogger "A sad morning dream" tries to make sense of the execution of Xia Junfeng, a street vendor convicted of murder.
India: Rape? Its Womens’ Fault
The media attention on rape in India and the public notion that women are responsible for most rapes have lead comedy podcast All India Bak**** (AIB), brainchild of comedians Tanmay Bhat, Rohan Joshi, Ashish Shakya and Gursimran Khamba, to protest by posting a satirical video on Youtube “It's your fault”...
Ugandan Minister: Indecently Dressed Women Are Asking to Be Raped
Uganda's Youth Affairs Minister Ronald Kibuule has been summoned to appear before Parliament to explain himself.
What We Watch: YouTube Video Popularity Comparison
A new data visualization tool from the Center for Civic Media in the United States helps illustrate how popular videos spread online and between countries. Looking at the most popular videos in 61 countries, What We Watch shows which countries have the biggest overlaps in interest. Civic Media Center Director,...
Lawyers Seek Ouster of Zambia's Chief Justice
Acting Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda, Zambia's first female head of the judiciary, was rejected by parliament and therefore should not have the post, the Law Association of Zambia argues.
Nairobi Mall Attack Inspires Two Online Tools for Emergencies
The Ping will help families to quickly check in with each other during an emergency while Blood Donation Kenya matches blood location centers with people willing to help with donation.
Rumors Fly that Putin Has Remarried
There have long been rumors that Putin has a romantic relationship with gymnast Alina Kabaeva. That gossip has flared up again, with suspicion that they may finally have wed.
With Outcome Foretold, Tajik Elections Spark Online Ridicule
In the run-up to presidential vote in Tajikistan, netizens ridicule the country's incumbent president, opposition leaders, and electoral process.
Planned Olympic Canoe Racing Course Threatens Tokyo Park
Tokyo and the Japanese Olympic Committee plan to build the racing course in Kansai Rinkai Park, despite 25 years of concerted efforts there to restore its bio-diversity.
South Korea: ‘The Man Must Buy the House’
Although South Korea is still a male-dominated society that ranks toward the bottom of polls in gender equality, more men seem to feel they are losing ground. It is partly true when it comes to marriage where social pressure for young men to provide a house for their brides is enormous,...
No Handshakes for US and Iran, But Hope Prevails
Presidents Obama and Rouhani delivered speeches at the UN General Assembly in New York that delivered some hope for future relations, but not much more.
Two Women Jailed After Kissing at Religious Rally in Brazil
In a religious service lead by the pastor and congressman Marco Feliciano, two young women who kissed in the middle of the event were arrested.
Crowdsourcing Accountability of the Electoral Campaign in Portugal
[All links lead to Portuguese language pages.] In the run up for this week's municipal elections in Portugal, the platform Campanha Limpa (Clean Campaign) invites all citizens to help monitor electoral spending, by sending pictures of campaign materials such as posters, banners, signs, gifts and treats, rallies and events. The platform, an...
Brazilian President Calls for Global Respect of Net Neutrality at the UN
Net neutrality, privacy and human rights were in focus on Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff's speech (pdf) at the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly, on September 24, 2013. The leader said that UN needs to establish international protections for Internet users from spying and announced Brazil's intention to prepare a proposal...
Blogging for Freedom on Saudi Arabia's National Day
Saudi Arabia marks its National Day on September 23. Bloggers share their hopes for a nation which respects and embraces its people and their aspirations.
China's Disgraced Top Official Bo Xilai Sentenced to Life in Prison
Bo Xilai was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of corruption, taking bribes and abuse of power.
China's Banned Websites to be Allowed in Shanghai
South China Morning Post reported that China will lift a ban on internet access within the Shanghai Free-trade Zone to websites that are currently banned in China, including Facebook, Twitter and The New York Times. In response to the news,Chinese netizens have made sarcastic comments online, although most of the comments...
