Stories from 24 October 2013
After Lampedusa Shipwreck, Italy Considers Decriminalizing Illegal Immigration
The tragedy, in which 350 or so African migrants were killed, has renewed debate about illegal immigration in Italy, which is a destination for many African migrants.
Madagascar Goes to the Polls, Four Years after the Coup
Tomorrow, Madagascar is set to hold elections, four years after a coup plunged the country into political, economical and social turmoil: Thirty-three candidates are competing tomorrow to replace Rajoelina, who deposed President Marc Ravalomanana almost five years ago, causing the African Union to suspend the country and donors including the...
One Month Until Honduras’ General Election
Mike Allison from the blog Central American Politics shares links to English-language posts on the November 2013 elections in Honduras. Mike recommends blogger Hermano Juancito's post “about the breakdown of the two-party system”; a post from the blog Honduras Culture and Politics on the newest poll results; and a post...
Central Asia's Presidents: Political Stalwarts and Musical Softies
Some presidents in Central Asian countries sing, dance, and play musical instruments. When they fail to impress their populations, however, people sing against them.
Malaysia Revives ‘Detention Without Trial’ Law
The government insists a tough law is needed to defeat gangs and criminal syndicates. But critics are worried that the law would lead to grave human rights abuses.
This Weekend at Developing Latin America 2013 Apps Challenge (Part II)
This past weekend has been very productive for Developing Latin America Apps Challenge. Here we bring you the second part of the compendium of what happened.
Brazilian Police Seize Activists’ ‘Subversive’ Books
"The warrant makes it clear that police are investigating the political organizations that are somehow embedded in this year's protests, trying to identify (read: forge) a conspiracy."
Catalan Man Sentenced to Prison after Refusing to Speak Spanish
Carles Mateu, who refused to speak in Spanish to officers during a routine traffic stop in Valencia, was sentenced to six months in prison and had his driver's license revoked.
Future Places: Digital Media Tools for Citizenship
Future Places, a former digital media festival that is turning into a “media lab for citizenship” for its sixth edition, will take place in Porto, Portugal, from October 28 to November 2, 2013. “A festival without an audience, where everyone who is present participates and discovers in real time ways of collaborating”,...
Qatari Poet Sentenced for ‘Threatening to Overthrow the Regime’ Loses Final Appeal
Qatar's Court of Cassation upheld a 15-year prison sentence earlier this week for poet Muhammad Rashid al-Ajami. His crime? "Inciting the overthrow of the regime" with his poetry.
Online Campaign for Peace in Mozambique
The blog Mozmaniacos [pt] has launched an online campaign for peace in Mozambique, after recent threats to over 20 years of peace. With the hashtag #MozQuerPaz (#MozWantsPeace), Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram users are starting to contribute their photos and personalized messages to the effort.
