Stories about Human Rights from July, 2013
Saudi Families of Detainees Mark ‘Third Detainees Day’
Families of Saudi detainees marked the Third Detainees Day to protest the arbitrary detention of their loved ones. Saudi Arabia is one of the few remaining absolute monarchies in the world and has a devastating human rights record which includes arbitrarily detaining over 30,000 people.
Pulling Back on Police Powers in Jamaica?
Back at the end of May, Jamaica's take on this year's Blog Action Day dealt with the issue of extra judicial killings and police brutality – but now, one of the bloggers who organised JA Blog Day is reporting on what the police can't do, thanks to a recent judicial ruling.
Barbados: Homophobia & Child Abuse
Code Red uses the example of a child abuse case in Barbados to make the point that “the buggery laws perform a double injustice. They criminalise sexual relations between adults and support a culture of homophobia and…support an inadequate response to child sexual abuse.”
Bosnian Lawmakers Fail to Meet ‘Babylution’ Protest Demands
Bosnia-Herzegovina's parliament has missed the July 1 deadline set by angry protesters demanding members fix a lapse in the country's law that is preventing newborns from being given an identity number and, by extension, travel papers and healthcare.
Egypt's “People's Revolution” in the Eyes of Russians
As with past protests in the region, Russians have been actively following the events in Egypt.
Turkmens Appalled, J Lo Performs for Their President's Grand Birthday
Turkmenistan's President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov got a fine 56th birthday present at the end of last month in the form of a concert starring Jennifer Lopez held at Turkmenistan's $2 billion state palace. But many ordinary Turkmens registered disgust at the display of opulence in a country where the average salary hovers around $200 per month.
How Edward Snowden Divides Russians
When Edward Snowden left Hong Kong for Moscow, it placed Russia at the center of what had primarily been an American story. For Russians, his prolonged stay in Sheremetyevo has turned the question of what should be done with him from academic to practical, as his fate now rests largely in Russia's hands.
Brazilian Weapons Firm Exports Arms to Turkey and Arab Countries
Brazilian weapons firm Condor has a strong business interest in the Middle East, where its tear gas canisters have recently been used against protesters. Brazilian investigative journalism agency Pública reports.
The Bahamas: Equality is for Everyone
The Bahamas’ Attorney General recently proposed that the country's Constitution be amended to end all forms of discrimination – except discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Blogworld explains why she has a problem with that.
China's New Petition Website Crashes on First Day
China's new petition website crashed on the first day of its launch, sparking mockery and criticism from online users.
Brazilian Tear Gas Used Against Turkish Protesters
Tear gas canisters made in Brazil were used to stifle protests in Turkey recently. Brazilian investigative journalism agency Pública reports.
Russia's Amnesty Proposal Tests Entrepreneurial Attitudes
Boris Titov, the Presidential Commissioner for Entrepreneurs’ Rights, has proposed an amnesty program for economic crimes. Under his plan, some 10,000 men and women incarcerated for economic crimes would be freed. Not everyone on the RuNet, however, thinks it's such a great idea.
Pakistani Mother, Daughters Gunned Down for Dancing in Rain
A mother and her two teenage daughters were shot dead after five masked men broke into their house in the small town of Chilas in Pakistan, in what appears to be an honor killing. A mobile video of the sisters dancing in the rain had been circulating locally, which was seen as an affront to the family's honor.
Videogame: Zaytoun, the Little Syrian-Palestinian Refugee
Zaytoun, the little Syrian-Palestinian refugee, is the leading character of a videogame created by a group of Syrian, Palestinian and Spanish activists. Through the obstacles Zaytoun faces, the choices he makes and the people he meets, the players of this videogame are meant to get an understanding of the background of both Palestine and Syria and the current situation of their people.
Former Activist for Banned Political Party in Swaziland Jailed for Bombings
Thantaza Silolo, a former member of banned socialist opposition party in Swaziland, the People's United Democratic Front (PUDEMO), was sentenced to 65 years in jail after confessing to a spree of petrol bomb attacks in 11 locations throughout the country. He was on the run for three years before surrendering himself to police under what some call suspicious circumstances.
Croatia Joins European Union Amid Cheers, Skepticism, Apathy
After nine years of waiting, Croatia has joined the European Union as its 28th member state. But response to the Balkan state's entry on July 1, 2013 appeared to be lukewarm.
Roberto Beličanec, Macedonian Media Expert and Vocal Activist, Dies
Macedonian media expert, activist and blogger Roberto Beličanec died of heart attack on June 29 at the age of 41. Beličanec was one of the few remaining publicly vocal proponents of liberty and human rights in Macedonia, with a large social media following as a result of his courage to openly speak against the misuse of power, against corruption, censorship, and hate speech.
