Stories about Governance from February, 2014
Brazilian Activists Fight Back Against Mass Surveillance
As the world comes together to take a stand against mass surveillance on February 11, 2014, Brazilian citizens, organizations and collectives are bringing momentum to #TheDayWeFightBack campaign.
INFOGRAPHIC: Pursuit of Happiness in Africa
The Afrographique blog mapped the happiness index for the African continent. Topping the ranking are Angola and Mauritius who hold the same happiness index as Albania and Russia, respectively. In related news, the Pharell’ single “Happy” has been used by dancers around the world to celebrate the new year 2014....
In the Information Age, the End of Status Quo for Morrocan Media
Hicham Lasri is a film maker from Casablanca, Morocco. In his second movie called “C'est eux les chiens” (They are the dogs”), Lasri talks about the evolution of media in Morocco [fr] with the expansion of information technology: Moi j'ai grandi dans un pays où les informations à la télévision...
India's Solar Vision Promises Clean Energy And Happy Farmers
The Indian government is aiming to replace 26 million diesel-powered groundwater pumps with more efficient solar-powered irrigation models. The country also plans to build the world's largest solar power plant.
Iran: Five Soldiers Abducted near Iran-Pakistan Border
Five Iranian soldiers were kidnapped on Friday, near Iran-Pakistan border by Sunni extremists. Iranians launched a tweet campaign to support abducted soldiers.Amin Sabeti tweeted Iranians have started a @Twitter campaign for 5 Iranian soldiers who are abducted by a terrorist group Jaish al-ado #FreeIranianSoldiers — Amin Sabeti (@AminSabeti) February 9,...
Will the End of the National Dialogue Bring Peace to Yemen?
After 10 months of negotiations, the National Dialogue Conference has ended. Yemenis are wondering if it will bring a real political change and an end to violence on the ground.
Puerto Rico’s Debt Downgraded to “Junk” Status
While the government tries to inspire confidence in the public, citizens fear the worse.
Pre-Registration Open for Brazil's Global Internet Governance Event
In preparation for the Global Multistakeholder Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance that will take place in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on 23-24 April 2014, the organizers are now accepting pre-registrations through a form for expression of interest. The event is a partnership between the state-convened Brazilian Internet Steering Committee (CGI.br), and...
Meet the Hard-Working Ukrainians Helping to Keep #Euromaidan Alive
Euromaidan participant and Global Voices author Alya Shandra describes in detail some of the profiles of fellow Euromaidan protesters and citizens of Ukraine.
A Call for More Religious Tolerance in Mauritania
Mohamed Cheikh Ould Mohamed, a 28 year old blacksmith in Nouadhibou (a town 465 km north of Nouakchott, Mauritania), was charged with apostasy by the penal court for questionning on online forum some of the decisions of the Prophet Muhammad regarding Djihad. Following the charges, Professor Mustapha Ely, author of a dozen books and an international...
Pakistani Journalists on Taliban Hit-List
The Taliban have issued a fatwa against some Pakistani media houses and prepared a hit list with the names of two dozen journalists and publishers.
Four Months in Jail and Counting for Algerian Blogger Who Criticized President
24 years old, Abdelghani Aloui, Algerian Cyberactivist is incarcerated since the 25th of September 2013. His charge ? Posting on Facebook , photos and caricatures deemed offensive of Algeriant President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
Taliban Play Trump with Peace Talks in Pakistan
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said regardless of the recent deadly attacks by the Taliban, Pakistan hopes that its talks-first approach will help end the violence in the country.
Panama's First Lady Will Run For Vice Presidency
Panama's First Lady, Marta de Martinelli, was announced as the official party's vice presidential candidate. Social networks exploded with reactions in favor as well against the announcement.
Hollywood-Style Bank Heist in Bangladesh Ends in Arrest
A pair of men managed to steal 169 million Bangladeshi taka (about 2.2 million US dollars) from a bank vault by digging a 30-foot-long underground tunnel leading to it.
Millions Disenfranchised in Thailand Elections
Anti-government protesters in Thailand blocked hundreds of polling stations across the country which prevented many voters from casting their votes.
Singapore Hijab Movement
Muhammad Haikal echoes and clarifies the arguments of the Singapore Hijab Movement: Muslims are not asking for ALL women to wear hijab in ALL sectors, rather we are asking that for those ALREADY wearing the hijab, to allow them to continue wearing it. By telling the Muslims that you are...
Philippine Typhoon Haiyan Victims Join ‘People Surge’ Protest
The 'People Surge' protest in the Philippines was organized by typhoon Haiyan victims who denounced the slow rescue and anti-poor rehabilitation efforts of the government
‘Mistreated, Insulted and Disrespected': World Bank Releases Social Inclusion Report
Certain groups of people in all countries seem to be left behind despite their home country's progress, and the social exclusion of these people has costly consequences.
Japan's US Base Plan Hits Snafu With Local Mayor's Re-Election
Susumu Inamine, who opposes a plan to transfer the US airbase from Futenma to Henoko district, a coastal area of his city, was re-elected on January 20.
