Stories from 29 December 2013
Ukrainian Protesters Play Lennon's “Imagine” Live to Riot Police
On December 18, 2013, American musician and composer Sean Lennon (son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono) shared a photo on his Facebook wall, depicting a pianist playing John Lennon's famous song “Imagine” to the rows of Ukrainian riot police. In a week, the photo has gathered over 16,900 likes...
Iran: Two Poets Arrested
Poets Mehdi Mousavi and Fatemeh Ekhtesari disappeared in Iran. News reported that the two have been detained since early December. More than two hundred people signed an online petition and called on the UN to take action about the situation of cultural activists particularly the case of these two young...
The Challenges And The Future Of Microcredit In Bangladesh
Scott MacMillan and Priom Ahmed at BRAC blog cites a report from the World Bank’s Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP) which identifies five trends that will define the next phase of Bangladeshi microfinance.
Contemplating Nelson Mandela's Legacy in South Asia
"Nepali leaders have a lot to learn from Mandela's statesmanship, integrity, and lack of political ambition."
Chinese President Xi Jinping Eats Steam Buns
The news about Chinese President Xi Jingping in a small restaurant eating steam buns with common people was first appeared in Weibo and spread through mainstream media outlets. ChinaSMACK translated the news and netizens’ comments.
9 Things the Russian Government Says Are “Gay Propaganda”
Russian state censors have revised the criteria for identifying information online that supposedly endangers minors. One new report tries to clarify the definition of "gay propaganda."
China's Southern Media Group Turns Back on Anti-Censorship Supporters
The newspaper issued testimony that supports the prosecution of activists who took part in an anti-censorship protest in support of the paper.