Stories about Citizen Media from April, 2013
Expectations Run High for Immigration Reform in the United States
In a massive rally in Washington DC, protesters, activists and community leaders called for immigration reform that would legalize the status of some 11 million immigrants in the United States. Their cause seems to have been heard by a bipartisan group of senators who have just proposed a new immigration bill. Netizens weigh in.
Developing Latin America: A Summary
Desarrollando América Latina (Developing Latin America) has published a video summary of the regional hackathon DAL 2012, where 400 participants and 70 social experts developed 80 applications. Here [es] you can see Global Voices’ coverage of the event.
Japan's Next Election Campaign will be Tweeted, Emailed and Blogged
Japan has approved a bill that will allow political candidates to tweet and blog during their election campaigns. Up until recently Japanese electoral candidates had to cautiously navigate their Facebook pages, Twitter accounts and blogs to avoid breaking the country's strict election laws which banned all online political activity.
Popular Demonstrations in Porto Alegre Reverse Increased Bus Fares
Weeks of popular demonstrations in the city of Porto Alegre in favour of reduced bus fares have precipitated the decision to return to the previous rate.
“Tell Everyone I'm not Free”
The wife of jailed Chinese Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo has been seen in public for the first time on April 23 after years under house arrest.On her way to the trial of her brother who has been accused of real estate fraud, she shouted to the public: “Tell everyone I'm...
Car Explosion at the French Embassy in Libya
Twitter user @Eh4b10 has posted several photos on twitter of a car explosion near the French Embassy today around 6:50 am local time in Tripoli, Libya.
Ghana's First Ever Social Media Award Winners
The results are in for Ghana's first ever social media awards.
“Manipulative” Coverage of Macedonia's Media Law
“Practice indicates that responsible and ethical journalism is never the result of state legislation and regulations, but of the voluntary compliance with the code created by the media community itself.” This statement from the Guide on Ethics in Journalism [mk] opens Žarko Trajanoski's analysis [en] of the “manipulations” by Macedonia's...
“TrashOut”: RuNet's Interactive Map of Illegal Dumps
A new 'illegal dumps' interactive map has been launched in Russia for iOS and Android devices. The first of its kind in Russia, it allows users to mark unauthorized landfill sites.
Migrant Workers Shooting in Greece Sets Off #BloodStrawberries Boycott
After supervisors shot and injured more than 30 undocumented migrant workers from Bangladesh in the strawberry farms of Nea Manolada for demanding months of owed wages, netizens launched an international boycott of the "blood" strawberries from the area.
Trinidad & Tobago: Jack Fell Down and Broke His Crown
Years of accusations against former FIFA Vice-President turned Trinidad and Tobago's Minister of National Security, Jack Warner, came to a head yesterday as the country's Prime Minister accepted his resignation from Cabinet. Netizens are watching the developments with interest, as they wonder who, if anyone, will come tumbling after...
Barbados: The Economy & Crime
This is not the Bimshire I moved to six years ago…there was no gun culture. The problem is still one we could control if we had leadership who put resources into fixing the problem rather than denying its existence. Notes From A Small Rock sees trouble in paradise.
Your Legal Guide to Digital Security for Arab Human Rights Activists
The Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression, in Egypt, issued a “legal guide to digital security” as part of its digital freedoms programme. The guide was produced for campaigners and human rights activists and lawyers interested in freedom of digital expression and the confidentiality of communications and information stored on mobile phones, computers or any other device used to store or distribute data or information..
Saudis Debate 1,000-Mile Yemen Border Fence
Earlier this month, BBC reported that Saudi Arabia is building a 1,000-mile fence on its border with Yemen. The news was barely reported in Saudi national press, but it was widely and critically reported in Yemeni press. The development was debated tensely in the Saudi Twittersphere. Supporters cited its absolute necessity for the safety of the kingdom while opponents spoke about the tighter siege it will impose on the Yemeni people.
Brazilians Accuse FIFA of Stamping Out Local Culture
Anger in Brazil is on the rise as World Cup authorities refuses to allow street vendors in the northeastern city of Salvador, one of 12 cities hosting the 2014 football competition, from selling a typical local food known as "acarajé" during the Cup. Some are accusing FIFA of trying to snuff out Brazilian culture from World Cup branding.
Horacio Cartes Elected President of Paraguay
Horacio Cartes is Paraguay's new president, winning 46% against Efrain Alegre's 37%. Cartes faces major issues from the past: the legacy of Colorado Party rule, the ongoing challenges related to Lugo's impeachment and removal from regional groups, and questions about his own background. Boz from Bloggings by boz lists five...
Venezuela: The Start of Reconciliation?
In the midst of the confusion and clashes that set the standard in the streets and on the Internet after the elections on 14th April, citizen media were also the stage of much reflection.
Indonesia: Reflections on Women's Emancipation Day
Kartini Day or Women's Emancipation Day is celebrated every year on April 21 in Indonesia to honor Raden Ajeng Kartini, a champion of women's rights. For many Indonesians, Kartini's vision of gender equality has yet to be realized
Bhutan's Alcohol Problem
Rikku Dhan Subba is concerned about the growing alcoholism in Bhutan, which is creating problems in many families and societies.
What if Watertown was Droned?
At 7:15pm, the low buzz of a drone was heard overheard. Seconds later, an enormous explosion engulfed the area, destroying the boat and several nearby homes. Sources say 46 Watertown residents were killed in the missile strike, including 12 children. …… Of course, that's not what happened. But if it...
Attempted Coup d'Etat in Comoros
Comoros police forces state that they have arrested Congolese and Chadian mercenaries in an attempted coup over the week-end. Linfo.re adds that [fr]: Army commanders did not want to engage in an open conflict with the mercenaries. They believe that “any Comoran casualties over protecting an elite cast is itself a act...
