Stories about Politics from May, 2013
China: Constitutionalism is for Capitalists
The use of constitutionalism is but a new way to force China to adopt Western political systems.
‘Illegal” Libraries in Myanmar
The Irrawaddy interviews Ye Htet Oo who has launched four mobile libraries in Myanmar. To avoid censorship and acquire license during the military regime, library owners pretended to operate bookstores. Aside from sharing his experience, Ye Htet Oo also discussed the reading culture in Myanmar.
Jamaica's Blog Action Day: What Police Can Do
Jamaican bloggers marked their own version of Blog Action Day (dubbed JA Blog Day), on May 23. Netizens discussed the disturbing issue of police brutality, state security abuses and extra judicial killings - particularly fitting as the date for the event was the third anniversary of the "Tivoli Gardens Massacre", which took place during the country's state of emergency in 2010.
Ugandan Police Raid Two Newspapers Over General's Controversial Letter
Ugandan police have shut down two newspapers after they reported on a controversial letter written by the country's intelligence services coordinator to the head of the counter intelligence agency asking for an investigation into a plan to groom the eldest son of President Yoweri Museveni to succeed the 27-year leader.
After Probing Chemical Lake, Eco-Blogger Attacked in Russia
Environmental protection has become a dangerous area of public activism in Russia—at least where industrial pollution is concerned. This is because eco-activists often directly oppose regional business interests, who sometimes react with force. A case in point: unknown assailants attacked and severely beat an eco-blogger from Pervouralsk, in retaliation for the publicity he is creating over a local chrome manufacturer dumping waste into the Chusovaya River.
Philippine Elections Tainted by Allegations of Automated Fraud
In spite of claims by the Commission on Elections of a peaceful, orderly, and ultimately successful elections, poll watchdogs are alleging that the Philippine midterm polls were tainted by automated fraud, massive vote buying, violence, and other irregularities.
Yemen Marks Unification Anniversary as South Marches for Independence
A day before Yemen marked the 23rd anniversary of the unification of north and south to form today's Republic of Yemen, thousands gathered in South Yemen in support of independence for the region once more.
As Croatia Marches Towards the EU, Skepticism Meets Excitement in the Balkans
As Croatia prepares to enter the European Union officially on July 1 of this year, and Serbia awaits to finally receive a date to begin talks about EU entry, citizens of both countries express mixed feelings about EU integration. Danica Radisic reports.
Iran's Regime Bars Two Top Candidates from Election Race
Once again the Islamic regime's desire for absolute control of political life in Iran surprised many when it announced their selection of only eight shortlisted presidential candidates out of more than 600 hopefuls.
Spanish TV Offers Parents Tips on How to Dress Kids Appropriately
A news report on Spanish television showing parents how to ensure their children do not dress provocatively has unleashed protests on the web. Ever since the Rajoy government changed the top brass of the public broadcaster, there has been no shortage of denunciations about lack of independence and journalistic rigour.
Trinidad & Tobago: Invented E-mails or Political Demise?
Monday's sitting of Trinidad and Tobago's Parliament saw the Opposition Leader quoting from several e-mails, which, he alleged, implicate key government ministers, including the Prime Minister, in attempting to cover up her administration's actions surrounding the Section 34 controversy. Netizens have been debating whether the e-mails are even real and what it could mean politically if they are...or are not.
Well-Known Chinese Leftist Advocates Militarized Internet
A prominent Chinese nationalist has called for China to take tighter control of the country's Internet in part by building an online army of civilians to monitor the Web and promote the communist party.
How Big Is Alexey Navalny's Army?
As Navalny's show-trial for lumber embezzlement continues, such questions are perhaps more important than ever. Here are some data-points which could be used to make a rough approximation:
Private Plane Trip Rocks Costa Rican Government
Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla has been questioned for using a private airplane owned by a company linked to a businessman who is allegedly involved with drug trafficking in Colombia. Some of the President's closest officials have had to present their resignations as a result of the incident.
Bahamas: Haitians are our Brothers
One of the most dastardly parts of the Atlantic slave trade was how fellow human beings were treated as as if they less than men and women. And it seems that many of us feel the same way about illegal Haitians here in The Bahamas. Weblog Bahamas’ Rick Lowe adds,...
How Social Commerce Tightens China's Grip on the Internet
A deal between e-commerce firm Alibaba Group and Sina Weibo, China's most popular microblogging service, has been heralded as a jump-start to the era of social commerce in China. But it could also enable the authoritarian state to tighten its grip on the Internet.
Egypt: “Are you Happy Morsi?”
Egyptian Ahmad Khalil tweets [ar]: الكهرباء قطعت من الساعة 9.5 وبالتالى النت قطع ، لعلك سعيد يا ريس مرسى ؟؟ نحن نعيش فى العتمه والقادم اسؤأ @ahmad_khalil:The electricity has been out since 9.50am and as a result there has been no Internet. Are you happy President Morsi? We are living...
Thailand's Prime Minister Sues Cartoonist for Insulting Facebook Post
Thailand's Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is suing a popular cartoonist for defamation over a comment he posted on Facebook comparing the leader to a prostitute for "selling out her country".
Panama President Levels Dirty Accusations Against Journalist on Twitter
The president called a journalist who wrote an article about his electricity-related business dealings a "sexual harasser" and "crooked" (accepting bribes or blackmail). The social networks reacted in a variety of ways.
69th Anniversary of Crimean Tatar Deportations: Memory and Politics in Crimea
On May 18, some 30,000 people gathered at a rally in Crimea's capital Simferopol to honor the memory of the victims of the 1944 Crimean Tatar deportations and to demand the immediate resignation of Anatoly Mogilev, the chairman of Crimea's Council of Ministers.
The Eccentrics and the Women Who Run for President in Iran
Hundreds of hopeful Iranians, including thirty women, have registered as candidates to replace President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the forthcoming election even though they have no chance whatsoever of being elected.
