Stories about Citizen Media from April, 2013
Chinese Earthquake as Seen on Weibo
Offbeat China looks into the distribution and discussion on China's social media on the recent 7.0 earthquake in Sichuan Ya'an: Unlike many of China’s typical disaster reporting from traditional media...
South Korean Spy Agency's Political Meddling
The latest police investigation found that at least two agents from the South Korean National Intelligence Service have illegally posted online comments to influence the presidential election. An online petition...
YouTube Lags in South Korea While Internet Zips By
In South Korea where net users are accustomed to whizzing along with one of the fastest Internet connection speeds in the world, YouTube's sluggish performance is a source of constant complaints. The reason behind the video-hosting website's snail-like speed? The utter disrespect that South Korea's dominant corporations have for net neutrality.
The Future of a Community Library in Puerto Rico is Threatened
Library users were saddened to learn that this local institution would be closed until further notice because of insufficient funds to repair its damaged roof. The Library is exploring sources of financial assistance to meet immediate needs and protect its collection.
Detained and Desperate – Undocumented Migrants in Greece
Stories of despair were transmitted through Twitter, when politicians, journalists and anti-racism activists visited a detention facility within the Drapetsona police station in Piraeus city, where more than 100 unauthorized migrants are living in cramped, dark and deplorable conditions. GV author Maria Sidiropoulou was among the visiting delegation and reports.
Venezuela: Post-Election Suspicion and Uncertainty Spark Violence
Heated arguments about the outcome of Venezuela's elections on April 14 continue in the streets and on the Internet. Social networks are full of angry messages and accusations from both sides of the political aisle that separates followers of Chavismo from anti-government supporters.
Chinese President Xi Jinping's ‘Fake’ Taxi Ride Fools State Media
China's state news agency is backpedaling on a report it endorsed that appeared in Beijing-backed Hong Kong newspaper about Chinese President Xi Jinping hailing a taxi last month in order to chat with the cabby about the issues of the day, calling the piece "fake news".
The Russian Opposition “Snake Pit”
The Russian opposition is at war with itself, and it’s thanks to more than the usual ideological tectonics. The various fault lines that infamously allow the Kremlin to “divide and conquer” Russia’s would-be saviors are indeed political, but the divisions are every bit as much about idiosyncrasies and shady dealings. Just look at May 6.
Monsanto Nominated for Puerto Rico's Agricultural Hall of Fame
As soon as the non-profit organization Acción y Reforma Agrícola announced that it nominated the agricultural biotechnology corporation Monsanto to the Hall of Fame of Puerto Rican Agriculture, many grassroots groups demonstrated their fiercest opposition.
Article 19 Mexico Threatened
An anonymous threatening message [es] was delivered to the Article 19 Mexico offices on April 19, 2013, as reported [es] by the pro-human rights and freedom of expression organization. As...
Myanmar: Suu Kyi Beats Lady Gaga in Time Magazine Poll
Myanmar opposition leader and democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi was voted as the Time Magazine's most influential person of the decade on April 17, 2013. Suu Kyi won against Lady Gaga by 61 percent of the total votes. Following her victory after the voting closed, many people in Myanmar shared their joy and enthusiasm on Facebook
Indonesia: Relief Still Needed for Rokatenda Refugees
The impact of the Rokatenda volcanic eruption in Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara in Indonesia is still felt by some 3,000 refugees from Sikka District. Rokatenda erupted last February and following the natural disaster, residents are still hesitant and afraid to return to their houses.
Chileans Debate Whether Wealth Weighs in Glaciers or Gold
Two of humankind’s most treasured resources--water and gold--have instigated a conflict between an indigenous community and a Canadian mining company over an isolated swath of Chile’s Atacama region.
Raped? Take Money, And Shut Up! Says Indian Police
A steady out-pour of dismay is being expressed on social media against Indian police and the governmental apathy since the news came out that Delhi police offered money to a five-year old rape victim's father as a price for not going public and filing the complaint.
The Boston Bombings Come Home to Russians
Initially a distant story of bombs and American blood, the Boston Marathon bombings came home to Russians today. The RuNet had been following the investigation into the attacks with great interest, even before the news that the two suspects turned out to be ethnic Chechens. Now that Russia is directly involved, passions burn white hot.
Iran: Act Like a Man, Dress Like a Woman!
Kurdish men have photographed themselves dressed as women as part of a Facebook campaign to say, “Being a woman is not an instrument to punish or humiliate anybody.”
Russian Journalist and Election Observer Speaks about Her Arrest
Earlier this week, RuNet Echo published an article about Svetlana Lokotkova, a Russian journalist and election observer who was arrested and removed from an overnight train for alleged intoxication. Lokotkova later contacted RuNet Echo, and agreed to outline what happened on the train and in the police station in her own words. She also spoke about social media as a tool for political activism.
Catalan Wikipedia Reaches 400,000 Article Milestone
The Catalan edition of Wikipedia Viquipèdia, a fundamental support to a language and culture historically discriminated against because it belongs to a stateless nation, has registered a record number of active users, with its article count reaching 400,000. At a moment when Catalonia is involved in a debate about becoming independent from Spain, its role in raising global awareness on the issue is crucial.
No More Apologies – Japan's Facebook Users Share ‘Fake’ Propaganda
A thousand Japanese Facebook users unknowingly endorsed and shared a fictitious image that claimed to be an official publication and highlighted the negative impact Japan's apologetic stance in history has on the country's children.
Guatemala's Genocide Trial Declared Invalid
After a turbulent week in the trial proceedings against former de facto dictator Efraín Ríos Montt and former Intelligence Director José Mauricio Rodriguez Sanchez in Guatemala, a lower court declared all proceedings invalid and reversed the criminal trial to the preliminary stage.
East Asia's Appetite for Eels Pushing Species to the Brink
During Japan's sweltering midsummer it's traditional to eat a plate of golden-brown broiled unagi kabayaki, or broiled eel. But the tradition is now at risk. Skyrocketing demand for glass eels, once considered a high-brow delicacy, is pushing Japanese fishermen to exhaust the population and causing prices to soar.
