Stories about Law from July, 2013
Transgender Teen's Murder Raises Spectre of Jamaican Homophobia
The mob murder of a transgender youth has got bloggers discussing the country's homophobic laws and Jamaicans' attitude towards gay people.
Germany: Security Above the Constitution
Comments from leading MPs in Germany on the surveillance scandals and security issues prove to be a cause for concern.
India Sees Dolphins as “Non-human Persons”
The eco-friendly blog Treehugger salutes the Indian law that now sees dolphins as “non-human persons”. This law shows India's leading role in many rights-based arguments: (…) India became the largest of four countries to ban the practice — which includes Costa Rica, Hungary, and Chile. (…) [The] (…) thoughtful reasoning...
Brazil's Vinegar Revolt Renews Police Demilitarization Debate
Some argue it is impossible for Brazil's military police, a leftover from from the country's dictatorship, to view the people as anything but the enemy.
Kuwaiti Emir Pardons Jailed Tweeters
Under Kuwaiti law, lese majeste is prohibited as the Emir's stance "cannot be violated." Some argued those convicted and imprisoned were exercising their freedom of speech.
Outspoken Chinese Singer Detained Over Online Bomb Threat
Some fear authorities will make an example of her with harsh punishment.
Saudi Security Forces Burn Down House and Cars in Awwamiya Raid
Abbas Al-Mazraa and six of his brothers were arrested in Awwamiya today. The raid resulted in the burning of the family's house and cars.
Can Pirates Save the Russian Internet?
Judging from attendance at recent demonstrations, Russian supporters of internet freedom have their work cut out for them if they want to move their cause from online to offline.
Saudi Website Founder to be Imprisoned, Lashed
Free Saudi Liberals website founder Raif Badawi was charged with "setting up a website that undermines general security" and ridiculing Islamic religious figures.
Qatari Doctor Detained in UAE for Muslim Brotherhood Ties
On Doha News, Shabina Khatri shares the story of a Qatari doctor Dr Mahmood Al Jaidah, detained in the neighbouring UAE under suspicion of having ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. Doha News reports: According to his lawyer Abdullah Tahir, who has been tweeting about the case, Al Jaidah has also...
Brunei Bans Daytime Dining in Muslim Restaurants
The new directive which surprised many people applies to foreigners and tourists as well during the holy month of Ramadan
Lesbian Couple Arrested After Marrying in Secret in Bangladesh
The women's marriage is being described as the country's first same-sex marriage. Bangladesh's laws criminalize homosexual relationships with life imprisonment.
Brazil's Indigenous Demand ‘No More Dams’
After the release of scientists kidnapped by the Mundurukus last June, the Brazilian government agreed to meet the indigenous and listen to their claims.
Ethnic Slurs Haunt Alexey Navalny
Alexey Navalny came under harsh criticism from Russian opposition movement colleagues just days after he was released from Kirov jail, and as soon as it became clear that he would continue to run for mayor of Moscow throughout the appeals process for his 5-year long prison sentence.
Sudanese Refugee Detained for Owning a Bicycle in Israel
Darfuri asylum-seeker and actor, Babaker (Babi) Ibrahim was arrested by Israeli police for not having a receipt for his bicycle, which was thus presumed to be stolen. His detention without trial sparked outrage and an online and offline campaign to release him.
Petition to Amend Vietnam Laws that Restrict Media Freedom
More than 60 Vietnamese bloggers signed a unity statement urging the Vietnam government to improve its human rights record and commitment as it vies for membership in the UN Human Rights Council: The Vietnamese government also needs to review the human rights situation in their own country and the Vietnamese...
Open Letter Calls for Lawyer's Release
More than 400 Chinese citizens signed an open letter on July 23, 2013, calling on Chinese authorities to release Xu Zhiyong, a prominent lawyer and rights campaigner who was detained on July 16 after calling for the release of activists and campaigning against government abuses. CHINA MEDIA PROJECT has translated the letter...
Watermelon Vendor's Death Triggers Backlash Against China's Urban Management Officers
The Linwu urban management authorities intended to cover up the death of a watermelon vendor, Deng Zhengjia, with huge compensation. Chinese netizens wanted the truth.
Is the Man Who Bombed Beijing's Airport a Terrorist or Victim?
A man in a wheelchair, who claims he is paralyzed as the result of cruel beatings by police officers in 2005, set off a homemade bomb in Beijing's airport.
How Vietnam Controls the Press
Asia Sentinel publishes an article written by Pham Doan Trang about the situation of journalists in Vietnam: The press card system is a sophisticated method of controlling reporters. No card, no access. Without a press card, reporters can't hope to meet high-ranking officials, visit contacts at public offices or cover...
Has Alexey Navalny Really Changed Russian Politics?
If convicted activist and Moscow mayoral candidate Navalny has in fact rejuvenated Russian politics, what does that look like online, where his support base is supposedly strongest?
