· May, 2011

Stories about Breaking News from May, 2011

Russia: Famous Sci-Fi Writer's Blog Removed for ‘Anti-Semitism’

RuNet Echo

Following President Medvedev's speech on extremism in the Russian Internet, security services began a campaign against online neo-Nazis and vocal nationalists. On May 28, 2011, the campaign against racial and religious extremism found an unusual enemy – Leonid Kaganov, one of Russia's oldest bloggers, a poet, and a science fiction writer.

29 May 2011

Peru: Growing Debate Regarding Genetically Modified Farming

The official signing of Decree 003, which permits the import of genetically modified seeds into the country, continues to generate debate between those in favor of the widespread use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and those who fear it would be harmful to the country's biodiversity and the health of its people.

28 May 2011

Egypt: Mubarak Fined for Internet Blackout during Revolution

An Egyptian court has fined ousted Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak and other officials 540 million Egyptian pounds ($90m) for disconnecting the Internet and mobile phone services during the revolution. Mubarak's regime first shut down access to Twitter when protests started, then Facebook, before turning off the Internet on January 28.

28 May 2011

Egypt: Opening of Rafah Crossing with Gaza

Egypt opened its Rafah order crossing with the Gaza Strip today, allowing people to cross freely into Egypt for the first time in four years. The border, which is Gaza's main gateway to the outside world, was opened sporadically during the reign of former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak. Following are some reactions from Twitter on this latest development.

28 May 2011

Spain: From Spanish Revolution to World Revolution

Mobilizations in Spain have ignited what has been called a “World Revolution”, with more than 600 demonstrations and camp outs taking place in solidarity with Spanish protesters. Websites, Twitter hashtags, and Facebook accounts are being used to spread and share information, thoughts, and opinions.

27 May 2011

Azerbaijan: Eynulla Fatullayev Pardoned Following Twitter Action

Just two days after the UK branch of Amnesty International launched its Twitter campaign to call for the release of Eynulla Fatullayev comes news that the imprisoned journalist and prisoner of conscience has been included in a list of prisoners to be pardoned ahead of the 93rd anniversary of the founding of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.

26 May 2011

Serbia: Arrest of Ratko Mladic

Ratko Mladic, former Bosnian Serb military leader was arrested today by police in Serbia, the country's president, Boris Tadic, confirmed on national television. General Mladic has been on the run since 1995 facing charges of genocide for his role as Bosnian Serb military commander during the 1992-95 civil war in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

26 May 2011

Mexico: First Woman Drug Cartel Leader

A Mexican woman is believed to have become the head of the “Arellano Felix” Cartel, which operates in Tijuana, northern Mexico. Her name is Enedina Arellano Felix, and according to the blog...

25 May 2011

Brazil: Forest Defender Shot Dead

As the Brazilian Congress debates a new Forest Code, and as the Environment Ministry launches new raids on illegal deforestation in Brazil, forest defender José Cláudio Ribeiro da Silva was...

24 May 2011

Pakistan: Huge Blasts at a Naval Air Base in Karachi

A heavily guarded facility of Pakistan Navy located in Karachi has been attacked by terrorists a few hours ago and blasts and gun-fires ensued. Pakistani Twitter users were quick to spread the news and voice their reactions.

22 May 2011

Bhutan: Another Royal Wedding

Bhutanese Member of Parliament Sangay Khandu informs in a blog post about the royal address of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (31), in which he declared his wedding...

20 May 2011

Spain: “Yes We Camp,” Mobilizing on the Streets and the Internet

Since May 15, people in Spain have taken the streets to demand democracy in advance to the upcoming elections, with thousands camping out in cities across the country. Protesters and supporters are organizing in decentralized and horizontal networks, and employing social media tools to share and spread information, tell their stories, and collaborate on ideas, proposals and initiatives.

20 May 2011