Stories about Digital Activism from June, 2013
ABRE LATAM: Open Data Unconference
Fernando Briano from Picando Código informs [es] about the upcoming unconference ABRE LATAM [es], organized by D.A.T.A. [es] and Ciudadano Inteligente [es], on June 24 and 25 in Montevideo, Uruguay. The event hopes to “bring together representatives of different sectors of Latin American civil society who work with Open Data...
‘Qandisha’, the Women's Webzine that is Ruffling Feathers in Morocco
A webzine for women in Morocco is causing a stir for its frank treatment of religion and sexuality. Global Voices recently caught up with the founder, Fedoua Miski.
Russians See Themselves in Turkish Protests
As Turkish protests continue, Russians draw parallels between events in Turkey and their own protest movement and hard-line political leader.
Nothing Can Stop Brazil's Vinegar Revolt, Not Even FIFA
As the international Confederation Cup football tournament played on in Brazil, massive protests against rising bus fares spread throughout the country.
Julian Assange, Calle 13, and Twitter Users Write a Song Together
René Pérez, from the musical group Calle 13, and Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks, gathered ideas and suggestions from Twitter users to write a song together that will go on Calle 13's next album.
Baloch Separatists Bomb Historic Residence of Pakistan's Founder
A series of bombs planted by militant nationalists in southwestern Pakistan have destroyed the 19th-century residence of the country's founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
Fed up with ‘Rats’, Mexicans Support ‘Candidate Cat Morris’ for Mayor
The people of the state of Veracruz express their support for Morris, a cat who is "running" for the upcoming mayoral elections on July 7 under the slogan of “no more rats”. However, some think that this campaign could benefit a specific political party.
Free Bus Fare Protest Posters in Brazil
The publishing and design studio Meli-Melo decided to help out in the protests against rise in bus fares in São Paulo, offering their equipment to print out posters free of charge. An open call for page lay out was launched on Friday, 14 June [pt], on Facebook, and protesters replied quickly. Few...
Experts and Citizens Discuss ‘Free Culture’ in Quito, Ecuador
The Second International Congress on Free Culture was held in Quito, Ecuador, focusing on universal access to knowledge, artistic and cultural creation, the administration of culture, collective production, open access to scientific works, the use of alternative licenses, new teaching models, and the benefits for the people.
Paying Tribute to Captain Mbaye Diagne, The Senegalese Hero of Rwanda
At the time of writing, June 2013, official commemoration of victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide is continuing around the world. But few people still remember Captain Mbaye Diagne. However, this young officer from the Senegalese army showed bravery at a time when the rest of the world was demonstrating cowardice. Enrico Muratore has been fighting for years to ensure that the name of this hero is not forgotten.
Anonymous ‘Baba Jukwa’ Facebook Dishes Dirt on Zimbabwe Politics
New Facebook phenomenon Baba Jukwa has become a major talking point as Zimbabweans hungry for political intrigue visit “his” Facebook wall to get the latest on what is happening in President Robert Mugabe’s political party.
Pastor for South Korea's Biggest Church Charged with Financial Crimes
The largest Pentecostal Christian congregation in South Korea, and the world, Yoido Full Gospel church went under fire as its founder and senior pastor Cho Yong-gi await trial along with his two sons. They have been indicted on charges of breach of duty, embezzlement and tax evasion involving tremendous amount of money, a sensational event involving an iconic, mega-church in the country.
Iran's Presidential Candidates Armed With Social Media
Iranian presidential candidates are competing with each other in use of social media like Facebook and Twitter even though these sites are filtered and generally inaccessible to internet users.
Brazilian Court Gags Activist from Protesting Construction Project Online
A Brazilian court has forbidden an agricultural engineer from speaking out on the streets and on the Internet against the construction of a high-rise apartment complex. Freedom of expression advocates have warned that the decision breaks with international legal standards.
New York Times Profiles Global Voices Cuba Contributor
According to the New York Times’ The Lede blog, Global Voices Cuba contributor Elaine Díaz “may be the most important Cuban dissident you’ve never heard of.” Elaine, currently on a visit to the US, is profiled in a June 11 post titled “Cuban Blogger Who Reveres Castro Pushes for Reform”.
No Witnesses? No Rape, Says Pakistan's Islamic Council
A ruling by Pakistan's Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) dismissing DNA as primary evidence in rape cases has received much flak from activists in the country. The ruling has its fair share of supporters though, with some happy that there is a legitimate institution pondering religious issues in Pakistan.
Cuba Increases Internet Access From Designated Public Centers
Cuba opened 118 public centers with Internet access on the island. Called Nauta, the service can be requested in any Cuban State Telecommunications (ETESCA) commercial unit that has partnered with the program.
Senegal's Democratic Tradition Takes Worrisome Turn
Senegal has a solid tradition of democracy and protection of freedom of expression and human rights. But recent months have seen the West African nation's reputation as a stronghold for democracy in Africa seriously damaged with the evictions of a Chadian journalist and Gambian dissident, both opponents of the governments in their home countries.
Bangladesh's Capital City Dhaka Gets Its First Bus Map
Commuters who take the bus Bangladesh's capital city of Dhaka, home to 15 million people and very heavy traffic, can for the first time look at a map to plan their route, thanks to a crowdfunded and crowdsourced project by US social-venture group Urban Launchpad and Bangladeshi advocacy organization Kewkradong.
Puerto Rico: “Freedom for Oscar López Rivera, Now!”
More and more people have united in the campaign for the release of Oscar López Rivera, the longest-serving political prisoner in Latin America. Politicians of all ideologies in Puerto Rico, writers, artists, and members of the international community, have come together to ask for his freedom after being imprisoned in the United States during 32 years.
Egypt: Losing Historical Cities
Cairobserver calls [ar] people in Egypt through Facebook and Twitter [ar] to demonstrate in front of governorate buildings, who are responsible for managing the city, across Egypt to call for an end to destroying and deforming historical cities.
