Stories about Digital Activism from November, 2009
Iran: Students surprised Ahmadinejad's advisor in Paris
Iranian students in Paris criticized Iranian government and its repression policy against Iranian students and opposition in a meeting with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iranian president's advisor in Paris. Here are the films [fa].
Iran: A blogger released, another arrested
Iranian authorities released Mohammad Ali Abtahi,former vice president and blogger on a $700,000 bail one week ago after his lawyer said he had been sentenced to six years in prison. Human rights activists reported [fa] that a few days ago Sasan Aghayi, a blogger and journalist got arrested in Tehran.
Trinidad & Tobago: Right the Wrongs
Now Is Wow Too says the Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister's position on gay rights “leaves much to be desired”.
Trinidad & Tobago: Numb from CHOGM
This Beach Called Life features a press ad that was taken out by “a group who knows Trinidad and Tobago better than any foreign or local politician”, adding in a follow-up post: “The only thing that CHOGM did for citizens of this country was to send the fed up level...
Barbados: 43rd Anniversary of Independence
Today, the 43rd anniversary of Barbados’ independence, has bloggers talking about what the occasion means.
Hungary: Violence “Behind Doors”
This month, Hungarian NGOs joined the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign. Marietta Le describes the situation with domestic violence in Hungary and translates one blogger's post on the subject.
Egypt: A fine line between patriotism and chauvinism
The November 14 football match between Egypt and Algeria has turned into an ugly war and it got worse after Egypt's defeat on November 18 in Sudan. From the fury of Egyptian President's son to that of renowned actors and actresses, media figures, writers, and Facebook users, anger has blinded common sense. Marwa Rakha looks at a new initiative to put out the fire.
Cuba: Call to Respect Human Rights
As four Cuban dissidents are reportedly arrested in Havana, Uncommon Sense profiles political prisoner Oscar Biscet's call for his compatriots “to join an international campaign set for next month to demand that the Castro dictatorship respect human rights.”
USA: Native American Heritage Day
A new National Native American National Heritage day is being honored in the United States on November 27, the day after most people there celebrated Thanksgiving. Native Americans rejoice - online and elsewhere.
Pakistan: Take Back The Tech Campaign
In Pakistan, P@SH@ (Pakistan Software Houses Association) is pushing the Take Back The Tech initiative forward to take control of technology to end violence against women. They have already launched the campaign on various online platforms.
Japan: Buy Nothing Day
Started in 1992 in Canada by artist Ted Dave, the Buy Nothing Day movement [en] has spread to more than 60 countries around the world, Japan included. In line with the philosophy of the movement, next Saturday (November 28) Japanese are invited to refrain from shopping and reflect upon their...
Russia: Tatarstan Blogger Sentenced to Almost 2 Years in Penal Colony
On Sept. 12, 2008, Tatar blogger and journalist Irek Murtazin blogged about rumors of Tatarstan president Mintimir Shaimiev's death. On Nov. 26, 2009, Murtazin was convicted of defamation and incitement to hatred and sentenced to 1 year and 9 months of penal colony.
Pakistan: Activism Against Gender Violence
Teeth Maestro highlights the efforts of Sunshine Welfare Organization (SWO), a group of committed young activists from Karachi and Islamabad. They are trying to mobilize Pakistani youth against gender violence using ICT tools.
Cuba: Here Comes The Rain Again
Cuba's Generation Y longs for “what seems to be a pipe dream for so many, when the city will not collapse because of a simple shower that falls in the tropics.”
India Remembers Horrifying Mumbai Terror Attacks
One year ago, Mumbai, India's financial and entertainment capital came under a well- coordinated terrorist attack that lasted for 3 days. Indian netizens remember those horrifying moments and complain that nothing has changed.
Russia: Website Administrator Faces Trial on Libelling
Alexander Batalov, a former administrator of the official Web site for the town of Irbit, faces libel charges for anonymous comments left by someone else on the site. Batalov is accused of allowing unapropriate comments online and, if found guilty, will be required to pay $8,000 penalty. The full story...
Video: End Violence Against Women Around the World
Today, November 25th is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and through videos, many people and organizations around the world are expressing their need to end the violence as well as the efforts they are undertaking to ensure that women have a safer world to live in.
Bangladesh, India, Pakistan: One State Solution Week 2009
The One State Solution Blog invites bloggers to express their opinions to redress the problems the Partition of India has created: “it did not achieve the goals or resolve the problems that the two-nation theory promised us as a subcontinent.” If you are blogging on this issue then tag your...
Greece: Police violence against migrant woman triggers reforms
A migrant woman from Armenia was beaten by police in Athens, Greece this week, leading to renewed promises of police reform from the new socialist government. A minister responds directly to citizen complaints via Twitter for the first time.
Puerto Rico: Voices Against Violence
On occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, bloggers in Puerto Rico have written posts on how violence affects their lives, their families, and their communities. They have written poetry, in-depth analyses, and intimate reflections. Let's see their faces, read their texts, and listen to their voices.
Egypt's First Adult Graphic Novel Officially Banned
Magdy El Shafee's adult graphic novel Metro has been banned in Egypt, following a court order. Bloggers and Facebook users react to the decision, which they say is yet another blow to freedom of expression.
