· July, 2010

Stories about Law from July, 2010

Jamaica: Abuse of Power?

  21 July 2010

Jamaica Salt thinks that the recent detainment of dancehall artist Vybez Kartel “does not look good any way you look at it. In terms of the justice system, human rights, detention powers, use or mis-use of emergency powers.”

Israel: Conviction of “rape by deceit”

Sabar Kashur, an Arab resident of East Jerusalem, was charged with rape for posing as a Jewish bachelor in order to seduce a woman. He has been convicted to 18 months prison. His conviction has proved controversial with many outraged at the judge's decision; others feel it is the correct application of the law. In this post, Katharine Ganly presents some of these opinions.

Russia: ‘Orthodoxy or Death’ to Degenerate Art?

"Orthodoxy or death!" is the war cry sounded in recent weeks as forces of religious reaction have entered into fierce battle with liberal arts, in an apparent Russian parallel to the Muhammad cartoon case. The cause of conflict is the trial and conviction of two art curators for a 2007 Moscow exhibition of contemporary art.

Brazil: Daily Violence Against Women

  20 July 2010

In Brazil, 10 women are assassinated everyday. The recent assassination of a woman by the alleged father of her baby, and a promising young Brazilian goalkeeper, has sparked the conversation in the blogsphere about violence against women.

Lebanon: The Plight of Palestinian Refugees

“We can work in any field or industry, they can’t. We can learn for free, they aren’t allowed. We have access to free healthcare, they don’t. We enjoy our dignity and human rights while they struggle to simply maintain theirs. And this has been going on for a good portion...

Bangladesh: Freedom Of Speech And Book Ban

  19 July 2010

Bangladeshi singer, songwriter, poet and blogger Maqsoodul Haque at The Bangladesh Poet of Impropriety discusses the politics behind and effectiveness of the recent banning of book of a controversial religious leader.

Bahamas: Local Justice

  19 July 2010

As the Barefoot Bandit is extradited back to the U.S., Jerome Pinder says: “We have shown that the Bahamas can rise to the occasion and ensure swift action…Now what about the Government's understanding and respect for the Bahamian people?”

Cuba: Future of “Las Damas”

  19 July 2010

Now that certain political prisoners are being released in Cuba, Along the Malecon wonders about the future of Las Damas de Blanco: “In what form will [the group] continue to exist? How many members…will drop out once their love ones are freed?”

India: From Stone Pelting In Kashmir Streets To Facebook Protests

  18 July 2010

Indian administered Kashmir valleys are boiling over tensions and rage against Indian security forces over killing of a number of young protesters. An SMS ban ensued to stop rumors and Kashmiri youths are increasingly relying on social media tools to share news and carry on with their protests amidst crack down on them.

Russia: A governor in the gaul?

LJ user bobasta discusses [RUS] ongoing speculations if it really was the governor of Saratov, Pavel Ipatov, who was caught by Italian police on a yacht in the Mediterranean last week on suspicion of smuggling.

Thailand: Texting Troubles for the Prime Minister

  18 July 2010

When Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva assumed office in 2008, he sent an SMS to millions of Thai mobile phone users asking for unity. Now he is facing a corruption charge for receiving a "gift" from telecom companies. He is also accused of violating the privacy of cell phone consumers

Mozambique: Parties, citizens and state tussle over properties

  17 July 2010

In Beira, a city known for its opposition to ruling party Frelimo, a conflict has ensued over a number of houses called “neighborhood centers”. At issue is whether they are state or political party property. When police have gone to enforce controversial court orders, neighborhood dwellers have resisted, reports Carlos...

China: Police's call to set up censorship norms

  17 July 2010

Beijing City Chaoyang district police station issued an urgent notice today regarding "Calling for a working meeting on the security norm of Internet Company". Jason Ng tweetcasts the talk on censorship norms in the meeting.

Southeast Asia: Sex and web censorship

  16 July 2010

Regulating internet content today is viewed as an anti-democratic practice but Southeast Asian governments seem able to justify it by invoking the need to save the young from the scourge of indecent sexual behavior.