Stories about Human Rights from December, 2009
South Africa: Remembering Busi
Sokari remembers Busi, a survivor of rape, HIV and diabetes: “Today is Busi’s birthday, she would have been 29 but she died on the 12th March 2007.”
Uzbekistan: Bloggers stand for Umida Akhmedova
GV has already covered a story of the Uzbek documentary photographer Umida Akhmedova, accused of insult and slander against Uzbek people and traditions. This fact caused indignation among local and foreign journalists, photographers and Internet users. At the moment, more than 600 people from various countries signed the online petition...
Kyrgyzstan: Critics attacked
Nathan reports that former head of Kyrgyzstan’s National Security Council Bolot Djanuzakov and Russian political scientist Aleksandr Knyazev were attacked near their homes on December 9. Both have been critical of the Kyrgyz government.
Uganda: President Says He Will Block Anti-Gay Bill
Uganda's proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 still awaits a final decision by the country's Parliament, but the country's Daily Monitor newspaper reported Wednesday that President Yoweri Museveni has "assured the US State Department of his willingness to block the Bill."
Mexico: Marriage and Adoption for Gay Couples in the Capital
Both gay marriage and adoption for gay couples are now legal in Mexico City after approval by the Legislative Assembly on December 21. The community celebrates, but remains skeptical about the effectiveness of the changes.
Iran: Death of Top Dissident Cleric, Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri
Iranian citizens posted photos and videos of clashes with pro-government militamen during the funeral of the country's top dissident cleric, Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri.
Uzbekistan: Criminal Charges Filed Against Documentary Photographer Umida Akhmedova
Umida Akhmedova, photo by Fergana.ru Umida Akhmedova, the Uzbek [EN] documentary photographer, has been accused of insult and slander against Uzbek people and traditions, reports Fergana.ru [EN]. The maximum penalty for these charges includes remedial work on two up to three years or detention for up to six months. According...
China: White-listing the Internet
DANWEI has translated the Beijing News’ report on the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)'s plan to white list websites on the Internet. More background can be found in GV advocacy: Online protest against CNNIC and White-listing the Internet.
Trinidad & Tobago: Tax Lover
This Beach Called Life writes a letter to the Trinidad and Tobago government concerning the proposed amendments to the Property Tax.
Australia pushes internet censorship; Twitter erupts
Australia's Communications Minister Stephen Conroy declared his determination last week to push through mandatory internet censorship of a government-defined blacklist of websites, sparking an online frenzy in blogs and on Twitter. News of the proposed internet censorship propelled the issue to a “trending topic” on Twitter for several hours, under...
Qatar: Critiques bristle; calls to shut down popular online forum
A series of scathing posts on Qatar Living, an popular online forum, prompts locals to call for site's demise. Campaign not against all expats, says founder of anti-QL Facebook group.
Palestine/Gaza: In Preparation for the Gaza Freedom March
The start of Gaza Freedom March is just over a week away. It's aim is to show solidarity with Palestinians and raise awareness about the Gaza siege. Katharine Ganly looks at some of the events that have happened in preparation for the march.
Sri Lanka: Groundviews wins Manthan South Asia Award
ICT for Peacebuilding (ICT4Peace) reports that the Sri Lankan citizen journalism platform “Groundviews” has won the prestigious Manthan Award for South Asia under the e-news category.
Russia: Popular Blogger Would Be Glad If Russian Authorities Restrict Internet
Popular Russian blogger and activist Roman Dobrokhotov talks to GVO about the Internet and online activism in the country.
Russia: Yegor Gaidar, Russia's Economic Reformer, Dies at 53
Yegor Gaidar, a Russian economist and politician who initiated the 1992 "shock therapy" reforms, died in Moscow on Dec. 16 at the age of 53. Russian bloggers' responses serve as a vivid reflection of how divided people still are on Gaidar's legacy and on the direction the country has taken since the demise of the Soviet Union.
Morocco: Another Blogger Imprisoned
On Monday, December 14th, Blogger Bashir Hazzam and Internet cafe owner Abdullah Boukhou were sentenced to four months and one year, respectively plus a fine of MAD 500 (USD 63) each, in a Goulmim court.
Sri Lanka: UTHR Report On The War Against The LTTE
Indi.ca discusses the University Teachers Human Rights Association of Jaffna (UTHR) report on the war against the LTTE in Sri Lanka. It says that none of the sides cared about the human lives involved.
Video: International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers
Videos and activists observed the International Day to End Violence against Sex Workers, and here are some videos related to their efforts in ensuring rights to Sex Workers.
Uganda: Could Pastor Warren stop anti-gay legislation in Uganda?
Could Rick Warren be the man to stop pending anti-gay legislation in Uganda?, asks Ethan Zuckerman after Pastor Warren has released a video condemning the Ugandan anti-gay legislation.
Namibia: First step victory in forced sterilisation case
The forced sterilisation case in Namibia has achieved its first victory: “The High Court today agreed with the Legal Assistance Centre that the Public Service Act does not apply to the forced sterilisation cases, in which the LAC is representing several women suing the Government of Namibia for damages.”
Philippines: Poll body rejects election bid of “immoral” LGBT group
For promoting same sex relationship which is contrary to religious beliefs, the Philippine poll body has rejected the petition of an LGBT group to be recognized as a party that can run in the 2010 elections. Many bloggers are not happy over the ruling.
