Stories about Spanish from June, 2013
The Strange Case of Puerto Rico and the Death Penalty
During the 5th World Congress Against the Death Penalty, recently held in Madrid, Spain, participants assembled to discuss the status of Puerto Rico, where the death penalty, though abolished in 1929, could still be imposed thanks to its relationship with the United States. Periodismo Ciudadano's Elisa Moreno Gil interviews Puerto Rican attorneys and activists to learn about the island's special situation.
Ninety Countries Meet for Global Conference Against Death Penalty
Representatives of 90 countries participated in the 5th World Congress Against the Death Penalty in Madrid, Spain. Some of the key topics discussed were the abolition of the death penalty, along with the related issues of adherence to human rights treaties, the procurement of a moratorium in death penalty convictions, and legal reforms.
Pre-Hispanic Unlooted Tomb Found in Peru
@mitrataj: archeologists in peru outsmart tomb robbers by keeping incredible find secret http://on.natgeo.com/17kshEo via @NatGeo #wari #huari
Peru Celebrates the Festival of the Sun
As every June 24, the Festival of the Sun -the Inti Raymi- was held at Saksaywaman archaeological park, about 15 minutes from the city of Cusco.
Amnesty Report Accuses Spanish Government of Obstructing Justice
Time passes, impunity remains, the new Amnesty International report published on June 17, 2013, analyses the investigation of crimes committed during Spain's Civil War and the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. The organization accuses the Spanish government of protecting the impunity of the crimes committed during this period.
The Internet: A Critical Tool in the Fight Against the Death Penalty
The Internet has become a critical tool for many social movements worldwide. Activists battling capital punishment have also found a platform in digital social media for exchanging ideas and circulating information.
The Brazil Effect: Thousands Protest ‘For a Better Paraguay’
Following the trend that marked protests in Brazil in the last few weeks, some 3000 people took to the streets of Paraguay's capital to make their voices heard in protest against recent parliamentary decisions.
#FueraChepo: Mexican Fans Want National Football Team's Coach to Quit
Mexican national football team fans are demanding that the team's coach, José Manuel "Chepo" de la Torre, resign or be fired, after the team's results in the FIFA Confederations Cup and in the qualifying stage for the 2014 World Cup.
Spanish Taxman Confuses Princess’ ID for Another's in Corruption Investigation
A supposed administrative error by the Spanish tax agency falsely attributing the sale of 13 estates to the Princess Cristina as part of the ongoing corruption case against her husband has Internet users taunting the agency for its clumsy mistake.
Peru: Anti-mining Protests Against Conga Resume
Starting in the early hours of Monday, June 17, the residents of several villages in Cajamarca headed to Lake Perol, on the grounds of the Conga mining project, to demonstrate in its defense.
Outrage in the European Union over United States Espionage Program
After Edward Snowden revealed the existence of PRISM, a North American secret service program, a few days ago, European Union authorities have demanded explanations from the North American government.
Inter-oceanic Canal Project Leads to Doubt and Rejection in Nicaragua
A controversial law granting a Chinese company the concession to build an inter-oceanic canal in Nicaragua has generated great discussion among the population. Although the law was passed by the National Assembly as a matter of urgency, a feasibility study of the real impact on the country has not yet been conducted.
A Year of Demanding Justice in Paraguay: What Happened in Curuguaty?
A year after a clash that resulted in the death of 11 farm workers and 6 police officers in Curuguaty, Paraguay, organizations that defend human rights and farm workers point out that the criminal case investigating the incident is partial and that there were several human rights violations during the proceedings, such as executions and subjecting the farm workers to torture as acts of revenge.
Peruvian Rock Band Wins Festival in Russia
The website TimonRock announced [es] that Peruvian rock band Contracorriente was awarded first place in the St. Petersburg White Nights Festival in Russia. The website also posted videos and images of the band: Music band Contracorriente, won today [June 15, 2013] one of the most important festivals in Europe, St....
ABRE LATAM: Open Data Unconference
Fernando Briano from Picando Código informs [es] about the upcoming unconference ABRE LATAM [es], organized by D.A.T.A. [es] and Ciudadano Inteligente [es], on June 24 and 25 in Montevideo, Uruguay. The event hopes to “bring together representatives of different sectors of Latin American civil society who work with Open Data...
Colombia: Learning from Vallenato
Amongst Colombian Twitter users, the trend of publishing phrases from Vallenato songs -under the tag #Elvallenatomeenseñó (Vallenato taught me)- has emerged, with the intention of highlighting famous lyrics immortalised in songs that reflect different life lessons.
Miguel Bosé on Peruvian Cuisine
Spanish singer and artist Miguel Bosé, currently visiting Peru, became a trending topic on Twitter with the hashtag #PreguntasParaMiguelBose [questions for Miguel Bosé] when he refused to answer if he had tried pisco sour and cebiche during a press conference.
Ecuador Passes Controversial Communications Law
After almost four years of debate, the Ecuadorian National Assembly passed a controversial Law of Communications propelled by President Rafael Correa. While government authorities have celebrated the passage of the law, journalistic organizations and the opposition consider it a "gag" on freedom of expression in the country.
Julian Assange, Calle 13, and Twitter Users Write a Song Together
René Pérez, from the musical group Calle 13, and Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks, gathered ideas and suggestions from Twitter users to write a song together that will go on Calle 13's next album.
Rise in Gas Prices Revives Debate over Campaign Promise in Peru
President Humala had promised to set the price to 12 soles (around 4.39 U.S. dollars). But the problem with hydrocarbons is more complex on the international scene.
Fed up with ‘Rats’, Mexicans Support ‘Candidate Cat Morris’ for Mayor
The people of the state of Veracruz express their support for Morris, a cat who is "running" for the upcoming mayoral elections on July 7 under the slogan of “no more rats”. However, some think that this campaign could benefit a specific political party.
