Stories from 1 March 2013
#Shahbag Protesters Fight off Atheist Shadow Cast by Islamist Groups
The massive #Shahbag protests in Bangladesh, demanding the death penalty for those who committed mass murder, rape, arson, and other crimes against humanity during the country's liberation from Pakistan in 1971, are seeing violent resistance from the country's Islamist political parties.
Tough Questions to Iran's President Censored on State TV
Iranian state broadcaster IRIB cut away suddenly from the broadcast of an interview with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad interrupting tough questions and answers about Iran's economy with another show.
Free Online Courses in Data Journalism
kdmcBerkeley is offering four free online training courses in data journalism. The one-hour courses demonstrate the basics of working with spreadsheets, maps and data visualization.
New Web Game Targets Climate Skeptics
A new web game called Reality Drop rewards users for commenting or sharing links about articles related to climate change. It was unveiled in California by former U.S. vice president and environmental activist, Al Gore.
Religion Warps Politics as Bangladesh War Crimes Protests Continue
What began as a peaceful civic uprising may be taking a turn in the public’s perception as one that contradicts Islam. Since the beginning of February, hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshis have been occupying a major intersection called Shahbag in the heart of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Portugal Gets the Giggles Ahead of Austerity Protests
Austerity-weary Portuguese feeling shut out of the country's decision making are giving laughter a try, protesting against the government's tough tax hikes and spending cuts in creative, non-violent, and funny ways.
Brazilian Family Loses Home to the World Cup
In this article by Agência Pública, we meet another Brazilian affected by preparations for the 2014 World Cup. This time, it's Elisângela, whose Rio de Janeiro home was demolished without prior notice, leaving her and her daughter homeless.
China Considers Pollution Data a State Secret
China's Ministry of Environmental Protection has rejected a Chinese lawyer's request for the details of a national survey on soil protection after deeming the information a state secret. The public and media are now pressing the Ministry to reverse its decision. China experts at Chinafile are holding a discussion: How...
China Gives PM 2.5 a Chinese Name
As Beijing continues to suffer from smog and sandstorms, a new initiative to choose a Chinese name for PM2.5 (sub-2.5 micrometer) pollutant particles has become a hot topic on Weibo. China Digital Times has translated some netizens’ comments.
Internet Post Deletion Business in China
Caixin Magazine[zh] reported about the Internet post deletion business in China: “It costs thousands to delete a negative news article, hundreds of thousands in professional fees to get a key word blocked.’’ feichengdao has translated some excerpts from the report into English.
Cyclone Haruna Kills 23 and leaves 22,000 Homeless in Madagascar
Cyclone Haruna has caused a total of 23 deaths, as well as 16 missing persons, 84 people injured and nearly 22,000 disaster victims, during just one week of February 2013 in Madagascar. Despite the images of distress and messages from humanitarian organisations requesting urgent help, some feel that solidarity has been slow be felt in the affected region, the South West of Madagascar. However, many associations and agencies have rallied round in Madagascar and abroad to come to the region’s assistance.
Self-Immolations Energize Bulgarian Protests
Three recent cases of self-immolation in Bulgaria have energized the protesters. New rallies are planned for March 3, Bulgaria's National Day. Ruslan Trad reports.