· December, 2012

Stories about Citizen Media from December, 2012

Japan's Kanji of the Year 2012

The Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation has announced the kanji of the year 2012 is gold (金) on December 12, 2012. How do netizens conceive this announcement and how do they look back this year?

31 December 2012

Most Read Stories on Global Voices in 2012

This year we've seen both successes and setbacks for online social movements, wars, injustice and tragedy - but also countless stories of human bravery and survival to give us high hopes for the future.

31 December 2012

“Cousins” from São Tomé and Príncipe Unite the Diaspora Through Online Radio

They say that "We Are All Cousins" and they make use of online tools and social media to unite virtually the people of São Tomé and Príncipe in the diaspora and spread around the world. Global Voices spoke to Guedes Machado Medeiros, general coordinator of the informal group "Somos Todos Primos", which began as a blog and quickly became a community online radio station.

31 December 2012

No Haven for Citizen Journalists in Bahrain

After Bahrain police “Slap” video went viral the Minister of Interior issued a statement in which he asked that “anyone who films such an event should report it immediately” to the authorities. Two days later, and in contrast with such statements, many were shocked at the news of the arrest of a photojournalist.

31 December 2012

State of Freedom of Speech in Tunisia in 2012

In 2012, the battle for freedom of expression continued in Tunisia. Though the internet remained uncensored, free speech advocates voiced concerns over the use of religion as a pretext to curb free speech. Meanwhile, a legal void has characterized the Tunisian media landscape as the government continues to ignore a new press law that protects journalists and limits government interference in media.

31 December 2012

Promiscuity: The Image of Brazilian Women Abroad?

On a television program in Portugal, the president of the Portuguese Bar Association claimed "one of the things Brazil has most exported is prostitutes, among other things." Online responses have been fierce, and the polemical statement is raising questions about the images and stereotypes of Brazilian women abroad.

30 December 2012

Mauritanians Find a Voice Online in 2012

Few people know about Mauritania, that African state. Even fewer know that it is a member of the Arab League, thus part of the Arab World. But too much has happened in 2012 in Mauritania. Despite the low rate of internet penetration, young people and activists are resorting to social media platforms in an attempt to say: We exist and to draw the world's attention to their country.

29 December 2012

Yemen: A Year of Assassinations, Explosions and Drones

After a long year of revolution in Yemen, former President Ali Abdullah Saleh was "toppled" and replaced by President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi on February 27, 2012, through a one-man-election. Nevertheless, Yemen witnessed a year of instability and violence. The year 2012 was a year of unprecedented numbers of suicide bombs, explosive cars, targeted killings, explosions of gas pipelines and electricity cables, besides the constant and frequent US drone attacks.

29 December 2012

Delhi’s Rape Case Stirs Movement for Justice in Nepal

The recent Delhi gang-rape case has not only evoked rage across India but also spread indignation to its neighboring countries like Nepal. Activists in Nepal have been protesting in front of the Prime Minister ’s residence at Baluwatar demanding justice for Sita Rai, who was raped in Kathmandu.

29 December 2012