Togo: 11 Missing After Clashes Between Police and Protesters

Koaci writes that 11 protesters are reported missing [fr] after the police clashed with thousands of protesters on the streets of Lomé on August 23: Police forces have used violence so far...

Tunisia: Former Presidential Advisor Faces Military Trial Over Army Criticism

Ayoub Massoudi, a former advisor to Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki, faces a military trial over his declarations regarding the extradition of former Libyan Prime Minister Baghdadi Mahmoudi (under Gaddafi). He described the extradition as "treason against the State".

France: Unexpected Parallel Between Assange and Strauss-Kahn

The blog de Casimira highlights some similarities [fr] between the timing of the charges and the ensuing judicial battles facing  J. Assange and D. Strauss-Kahn.  She also clarifies the peculiarities of the charge, “sex...

Bahrain: Nabeel Rajab Acquitted for ‘Insulting’ Tweets

Bahraini human rights activist Nabeel Rajab's teenage son Adam tweets [ar]:

My father was found innocent of insulting the people of Muharraq after he spent two and a half months in prison

Taiwan: Corporate Lawsuit Threatens Academic Freedom

Dr. Ben-Jei Tsuang, an environmental engineer and professor, is the latest victim of a defamation lawsuit brought on by a big corporation, the Formosa Plastic Group, for his research. Dr. Tsuang's defense believes the lawsuit is 'intended to censor, intimidate, and silence critics by burdening them with the cost of a legal defense." Many legal experts suggest that Taiwan's current criminal defamation law is in violation of international covenants.

India: Social Media Blamed for Fueling Assam Unrest

'A temporary ban was put on bulk SMS and MMS. Local police swung into action and began arresting people forwarding ‘hate' SMS examples. Social media sites were warned to monitor and remove inflammatory content. About 310 webpages were blocked.'

Jordan: Say No to Internet Censorship

Jordan is slipping into a black hole, with new restrictions on Internet freedom approved by the government today [August 22, 2012]. First, the government gave the go ahead to block websites. Now, a new Publications Law, which allows for more control and censorship over the Internet, has has been approved as a draft.

Costa Rica: “Was it My Fault I Was Raped, Because I Went Out at Night?”

With strength and courage, blogger SophiadelSol has written about her recent carjacking, abduction and rape as she was out at night with her boyfriend. In a society that blames victims for exposing themselves to danger, she has bravely stood up for victims and places the blame on the society that allows these things to happen.

Kazakhstan: Trial of Opposition Leaders Draws Pussy Riot Comparisons

“A Pussy Riot of our own” is how Kazakhstani netizens are referring to the judicial drama involving three opposition leaders accused of active participation in the Zhanaozen oil-strike that turned violent in December 2011. The trials of Vladimir Kozlov, Aizhanat Aminov and Serik Sapargaly started on August 16, and are expected to end within the next two weeks. Kazakh netizens do not believe that the three defendants will get a fair trial.

Benin: Fear and Loathing as State of Emergency is Declared

Justin Yarga reacts [fr] to the statement issued by the government of Benin on  alleged large-scale terrorist plots and planned national strikes [fr] to destabilize the country.  A state of emergency...

Russia: Pussy Riot and the Orthodox Reformation

Retired priest speaks out for Pussy Riot, breaking with the Patriarch and renouncing his holy orders, but his letter is mostly plagiarized. What does this mean for Russia's religious Reformation?

Myanmar: Abused Child Goes to Court Without Lawyer

Wira Thu, a monk activist, wrote[my] about an ‘unfair’ trial where a 14-year old girl victim in a child labor case appeared in the court without a lawyer.

Brazil: Company Continues Construction of Belo Monte Dam

Instituto Socioambiental informs [pt] that despite a judge order to halt [pt] construction work in Belo Monte, the company responsible for the construction of the dam, Norte Energia, continues its...

South Korea: Controversial Launch of Online Music Video Rating

South Korean authorities have launched a new ratings system for music videos posted online. The new bill requires every music video (or promotional video) and even movie trailers to be rated prior to upload. Failure to comply could result in up to two years in prison or a hefty fine.

Russia: Zombies Versus the State in Omsk

Early last Sunday morning in the city of Omsk, a few hundred youths gathered together for a flashmob. Police were on hand to warn everyone that they represented an illegal assembly, and could be charged with breaking the law. Why had roughly 300 people come together? The answer to that question is the "Zombie Parade": the city's first attempted 'walk of the living dead.'

The Day I Got Arrested in China

Hannah from Seeing Red in China blogs about his experience of being stopped and detained by traffic police for a suspected car stolen case while driving back from a trip...

Argentina: A Public Ethics Law for Journalists?

Through the use of national broadcasts, President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner makes announcements about the achievements of her government and speaks on various topics. During her last national broadcast President Fernández suggested the creation of a public ethics law for the practice of journalism, a proposal that caused numerous reactions from Argentine bloggers and journalists.

Puerto Rico: What's at Stake in the August 19 Referendum

Puerto Ricans have voted on a referendum to amend the Constitution. The are two proposed amendments: one to limit the right to bail and one that to reduce the number of legislators. The implications of limiting the right to bail and the campaign organized to oppose the referendum was marked by a heightened activity on social network sites.

India: Bullying in Educational Institutions

Mahitha Kasireddi at Youth Ki Awaaz writes about a perennial social problem in Indian higher secondary education and beyond. Ragging or abuse/bullying of the freshers has become a culture in...

India: Government Bans Bulk SMS To Stop Rumors

Medianama reports that the Ministry of Home affairs of India has banned bulk SMS and MMS for a period of 15 days. This directive came after reports revealed that rumors...

Togo: Is Your Mobile Phone Tapped ?

Syvlio Combey, a human rights activist in Togo, shares tips (via Allain Jules) on how to determine whether your mobile phone is tapped [fr] in Togo.  Togolese citizens have been subjected to various...