Stories from 24 January 2014
Massive Credit Card Data Theft Hits 20 Million South Koreans
In an effort to quell public anger, authorities have released tougher regulations, but people remain livid.
VIDEO: Memories of the Violent Eviction of Brazil's Pinheirinho Community
The documentary Somos Todos (We Are All), now available online, gives a voice to the former residents of the Pinheirinho community who lost their homes in January 2012.
“Real Patriots Choose Patriotic Names” in Tajikistan
In Tajikistan, a person's name is no longer a private matter. Officials insist that a name is an indication of the degree of patriotism of its bearer.
Minister Stabbed to Death by Mob as Violence Escalates in Central African Republic
Several sources report that a Muslim minister was attacked and killed with knives by mob in Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR) today (24/01). This recent twitter update by Peter Bouckaert, Emergency Director at Human Rights Watch confirms the identity of the minister: x-Patasse Min of Health welcomed and hosted Seleka when they...
Trinidad & Tobago: Crime Fighting?
Yes, the Government is on the crime busting trail again. But, as always, it depends on your definition of ‘crime.’ Wired868 tackles, tongue firmly in cheek, the government's pushing of the Bail Amendment Bill, insinuating that in political speak, there are criminals and ‘criminals’.
Chikungunya on the Rise in the Caribbean
The Caribbean is used to its share of mosquito-borne diseases, but now there's a new one: Chikungunya, which has been spreading across various regional territories since late last month.
March in Mozambique Capital Tries to ‘Rescue’ President Armando Guebuza's Image
The march came at a time when political instability is rocking the central and southern regions of the country,
Chinese Billionaire Activist's Confession and Release
Chinese billionaire activist Wang Gongquan, who was arrested and detained for more than 4 months, was released on bail after making “confessions” that he and another citizen right activist Xu Zhiyong had organized and incited criminal activities to assemble a crowd to disrupt order in public space. Offbeat China has...
‘Steamed Buns Store’ Song in Ode to Chinese President Xi Jinping
A song praising Chinese president Xi Jinping’s everyman behavior has been composed in ode to his appearance at a small Beijing eatery late last year. The song will be officially released after the Spring Festival. Offbeat China has translated the lyrics: (accompaniment) Steamed buns store, steamed buns store (solo) Here’s the story:...
GV Face: Live from the Arab Bloggers Meeting #AB14
GVers Advox Director Hisham Almiraat, GV MENA Region Editor Amira Al Hussaini, SMEX Co-Director Mohammed Najem and Berkman Fellow Dalia Othman share with us their insights from this remarkable event.
3 Keys to Understanding Burkina Faso's Anti-President Compaoré Protests
On Saturday January 18th, widespread protests took place against constitutional reforms proposed by president Blaise Camporé. But what do the protests mean?
Zhihu: A New Space for Questions and Discussion in China
Since China's crackdown on the most popular social media Sina Weibo, a new online platform Zhihu has become popular among public intellectuals as a space for rich discussion. Similar to Quora.com, Zhihu allows Chinese web users to post questions, with the best responses upvoted by others. It is free from...
What is Happening in South Sudan?
Rachel Hamada asks, “What is happening in South Sudan?”: Much blood has been spilt across South Sudan in the last weeks. But no ink has been spilt yet in Addis Ababa. Talks are still taking place amongst South Sudan’s proxy powerbrokers and officials, who have moved around the city as...
Breaking: Huge Explosion Rocks Downtown Cairo
Egyptians just woke up to the sound of a huge explosion, that rocked downtown Cairo. Initial reports claim that the explosion happened around the Cairo Police Directorate.
