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Renata Avila

Contributor profile · 96 posts · joined 12 January 2007

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Lawyer, Advocate for Transparency, Lead of Creative Commons Guatemala. Interested in Sharism, Free Culture, Open Education, Human Rights. You can always count on me to defend Freedom of Speech, transparency, and Human Rights. Co-Directing @Techtransparent and #Librebus

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Latest posts by Renata Avila

8 May 2012

Guatemala: State of Siege Due to Hydroelectric Plant Conflict

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The Guatemalan government has declared a state of siege in Santa Cruz Barillas, following demonstrations and clashes sparked by the death of a community leader who opposed the construction of a hydroelectric plant. Citizens from this community have been using blogs and social networks to report on the current conflict.

27 January 2012

Guatemala: Former Dictator Efraín Rios Montt Questioned for Genocide

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On January 26, a judge ruled that former de facto President Efraín Rios Montt will stand trial for genocide; the same day, Guatemala's Congress ratified the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, giving Guatemalans hope that their search for transitional justice is moving in the right direction.

10 January 2012

El Salvador: Destruction of Cathedral Mural Angers Citizens

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In 1997, Fernando Llort created the mural 'Harmony of my People' to adorn the front of San Salvador’s Cathedral. During the first week of 2012 the mural was destroyed by Catholic authorities without consultation. Netizens debate the meaning of this for the Salvadoran art world.

7 November 2011

Guatemala: Controversial General Elected President

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Presidential elections were peaceful but tense in Guatemala. School of the Americas alumni and retired General Otto Perez Molina is the elected President of Guatemala after a tight and highly polarized election, where a large percentage of voters abstained or voted blank.

27 October 2011

Photos posts
Guatemala: Three Generals Finally Arrested and Indicted for Genocide

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Guatemalan courts are set to face a challenge without precedent in the country: prosecuting genocide. After three decades of failed efforts to prosecute the Guatemalan Army, three generals stand accused of perpetrating genocide and other war crimes against the Maya Ixil people.

7 October 2011

Ada Lovelace Day: Inspirational Women in Action

Read this post. Technology for Transparency Network

Ada Lovelace Day aims to raise the profile of women in science, technology, engineering and maths by encouraging people around the world to talk about the women whose work they admire. Read about Global Voices' tribute.

21 September 2011

Global: Online Dialogue on Technology for Transparency

Read this post. Technology for Transparency Network

The Technology for Transparency Initiative, together with New Tactics in Human Rights, invites you to join an online dialogue on 'Using Technology to Promote Transparency'. Join us to discuss new ideas, challenges, risks, and opportunities.

11 September 2011

Guatemala: Following the General Election

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Today, September 11, 2011, Guatemalan citizens will elect local, municipal, legislative and executive authorities. Hundreds are working from early in the morning until midnight to make democracy a reality. Although Guatemalans living abroad cannot vote, thousands of people around the world will be closely following the event using new technologies.

9 August 2011

Guatemala: Police Kill Peasant With Tear Gas Canister

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Indigenous peasants living on lands claimed by landowners in Guatemala are often violently evicted from their homes by policemen and soldiers. Last week, 31-year-old Sergio de León was killed when a policeman fired a tear gas canister at his chest during an eviction.

21 July 2011

Video posts
Guatemala's DipuKids: A New Generation of Candidates for Congress

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A new generation of Guatemalan politicians under 30, dubbed the 'Dipukids', are causing controversy. Well educated and well travelled, many from the country's upper class - can they truly represent the people who may be electing them?

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