· June, 2012

Stories about Governance from June, 2012

Turkmenistan: Lonesome Dictator Invites Opposition Parties to Form

Turkmenistan's president has recently pondered the creation of opposition political parties that would add an element of competition to the country's political system which is currently dominated by a single party. The Turkmen netizens remain largely skeptical about the possibility of genuine opposition parties being allowed to form and operate freely in the country.

Cameroon: Officials’ Corrupt Behaviors

  20 June 2012

Salma Amadore, wrote [fr] about the bad habits of Cameroon officials, on blogitude.mondoblog.org: ” When they are assigned to another city, directors  take it upon themselves to sell the TV, mobile phone (especially when it's a blackberry) and fridges that belong to the office.  As for laptops, one director even bought...

Panama: A Country For Sale

  19 June 2012

Panama is for sale: or at least that is how a large group of Panamanians see the situation after watching with indignation how President Ricardo Martinelli's government is aiming to liquidate a large portion of state assets. The outrage of the Panamanian people can be seen both in the streets and on social networks.

Paraguay: Land Dispute Leaves Several Dead and Injured

  19 June 2012

Bloggings by boz highlights several key issues related to a land dispute which increased in violence on Friday, June 15, when “a shootout between police and campesinos occupying land near the border with Brazil led to about 17 deaths and several dozen wounded.”

South Korea: Former Dictator's Cadet Review Sparks Public Anger

  19 June 2012

In South Korea, a former president notorious for directing a massacre and oppressing democratic activists during his term (1980-88), has been criticized for participating in a cadet review at the Korea Military Academy and enjoying perks as a former head of the state, despite his criminal records.

Togo: Violent Police Clash With ‘Save Togo’ Protesters

  19 June 2012

A peaceful march by the 'Save Togo' collective on June 12 degenerated into a stand off with security forces and around 120 injuries were recorded. Amongst other things, the protesters are calling for the implementation of recommendations relating to torture and wide ranging constitutional change. Other demonstrations are scheduled for the coming week.

Hong Kong, China: Military Vehicles Entered the City

  19 June 2012

Dictionary of Politically Incorrect Hong Kong Cantonese posted photos and video taken by netizens on the night of June 15th, showing military vehicles of the People Liberation Army running on the busy city streets. Many believe that this is a move to scare people away from July 1st demonstration.

China: Must Private Charity have Government Blessing?

  19 June 2012

China Media Project has translated a commentary on the recent discussion about the development of charity in China. The commentary is triggered off by a criticism made by a TV anchor, Cui Yongyuan on the Hunan Education Bureau's uncooperative manner towards charity work.

Poland, Ukraine: A Euro 2012 Roundup

Notes and musings on issues related to the Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine: at Polandian – here, here, and here; at Memory at War – here; at Raf Uzar – here; at Politics, Economy, Society – here; at The Pipeline – here.

Colombia: 72-year-old Man Demands A Decent Life

  18 June 2012

Via Facebook, Arlovich Correa [es] shares the story of a 72-year-old Colombian man who decided to climb to the top of an antenna, putting his life in danger, to demand a pension and better quality of life. Correa expresses his indignation at the people who walked by and told the...

Iran: ‘Zuckerberg should take action against insulting Islam’

  18 June 2012

The state-funded group, “The Islamic Revolution Council of IT and Digital Media Activists” have asked Mark Zuckerberg in an open letter to take action against those who ‘insult Islam’ in Facebook and prosecute them. They compared those who ‘insult Islam’ in Facebook to terrorist attacks in Iraq against Shia people...

Angola: Rhythms of Resistance, Past and Present

  18 June 2012

While international human rights organizations and bloggers are calling attention to the escalation of violence and repression against Angolan activists and musicians in the run up to this year's elections, in Lisbon, recently a tribute was paid to the Angolan music of resistance from the 1950s and 60s - N'Gola Ritmos. We invite you to time travel to the past of Anglola's rhythms of resistance and reflect on the country's political present.

Russia: Interview with Jesse Heath of The Russia Monitor

As an American lawyer and Anglophone blogger writing about Russia, Jesse Heath's work is distinct for its detailed focus on technical aspects of Russian law, economics, and politics. Kevin Rothrock recently spoke with Heath by telephone, to learn more about his history as a blogger and his contributions to the RuNet.

Understanding the Violence in Western Myanmar

  16 June 2012

Dozens dead, more than two thousand houses burned down, and thirty thousand residents have been displaced by the communal violence in Rakhine State, west of Myanmar. Who are responsible for these deaths? How was the internet used to spread hate and racism? What are the views of ordinary citizens on this very complicated issue?