Stories about Protest from July, 2009
Israel: Cellular firm ad stirs occupation debate
A television ad for Cellcom, the largest Israeli cellular provider, sprung an unprecedented debate on the face of the Israeli occupation over the past two weeks. The advert shows Israeli soldiers playing soccer with unseen Palestinians over the wall separating Israel and the West Bank, to the sound of popular music. The ad was accepted as insensitive at best by many Israelis, becoming an icon of blindness to the occupation in the Israeli society, writes Carmel L. Vaisman.
Morocco: A Decade with Mohammed VI
When in July 1999, king Mohammed VI of Morocco ascended to the throne, the expectations for change and progress were such that many international observers foresaw an albeit difficult but inexorable march that would lead the country to a prosperous, liberal and democratic future. Ten years later, many bloggers and online news websites commemorate the first decade of the reign of Mohammed VI with hope for a better tomorrow.
Cuba: Political Arrests
Diaspora blogger Uncommon Sense links to a report that claims “there were 130 political arrests” in Cuba in the month of June.
Hungary: The Hungarian Guard Banned
A paramilitary association called the Hungarian Guard was banned at the beginning of July after more than a year of investigation by Budapest Court. Guard members and supporters held spontaneous and officially organized rallies in Budapest to save the organization.
Citizens of the World “United 4 Iran”
On Saturday July 25, people around the world will have the opportunity to support Iranians in their struggle for democracy, freedom and basic human rights by attending rallies in dozens of cities around the world.
Israel: A Belief In Coexistence – Interview With Activist Ibn Ezra
While Israel as a whole has moved to the right in recent years, there are nevertheless Israelis who oppose their government’s policies towards the Palestinians. Global Voices Online has interviewed activist Joseph Dana, who blogs at Ibn Ezra, about his involvement with the group Ta'ayush ("coexistence"), the state of activism in Israel, and using social media to get the message out.
Azerbaijan: Adnan Hajizade, Emin Milli appeal rejected
Despite significant outcry from leading human rights groups, press freedom watchdogs, and the international community itself, two youth activists and bloggers have been sentenced to two months pre-trial detention. Their appeal, originally planned for last week, was eventually heard on Monday, but few expected them to be released.
Philippines: Underwear protest
Workers who lost their jobs after the closure of an undergarment factory held a protest action in front of a government labor office by throwing bras and panties in the air
Colombia: The Hunt for Pablo Escobar's Hippo
There is controversy in Colombia after photos were shown of soldiers surrounding a dead hippopotamus, which had been hunted and killed after being labelled a health risk to local communities. The animal had escaped from the estate of former drug kingpin Pablo Escobar, who had brought its parents to Colombia to show them as "trophies and walking symbols of his power."
Global: The push to boycott Shark Week
A group of scientists, scuba divers and self-described shark lovers are using the blogosphere to publicize their criticism of the Discovery Channel’s “horror-show” portrayal of sharks during its annual Shark Week. This loose coalition argues the Discovery Channel programming sensationalizes shark attacks and embellishes the dangers sharks pose to humans.
Poland: #KDT Battle in Warsaw
Polish blogosphere had an interesting day today due to the conflict between shopkeepers of Kupiecki Dom Towarowy - a shopping complex in the center of Warsaw - and the police. Sylwia Presley reports on the bloggers' coverage of the confrontation.
Trinidad & Tobago: Stifling Democracy
In response to a move by the Trinidad and Tobago government to have the Director of Public Prosecutions consider laying charges against a group of citizens who protested outside the Prime Minister's residence, This Beach Called Life says: “When people say you and your Government don’t care, Mr. Prime Minister,...
Peru: More Conflicts in Cajamarca
In Peru, Francisco Canaza of Apuntes Peruanos [es] tells the story of two social conflicts in the Cajamarca region. He is concerned about the number of injured as a result of the clashes with the police.
Nepal: Incentivising widow re-marriage
In the budget for fiscal year 2009-10, the newly elected government in Nepal has proposed an incentive scheme whereby USD625 would be awarded to any groom who married a widow. This proposal has angered widows and women's groups alike, writes Bhumika Ghimire at NewsFlavor
India: The joy of vandalising public property
Random Thoughts of a Demented Mind takes a caustic view of the violent bandh that crippled Kolkata last Friday (17th July) – a day that saw free-for-all vandalism.
Israel: Does Violence Pay?
Israeli activist Joseph Dana compares the way the Israeli state treats ultra-orthodox rioters with its treatment of anti-occupation protestors: “The ultra orthodox have succeeded in exerting force against the state – one could say that violence in this situation has proven successful – while non-violent leftist Israelis are often attacked...
Lithuania: View from Vilnius on anti-gay law
Lituanica raises the heated issue of the new anti-gay legislation in Lithuania, and explains that it is still some way to go before it enters into force, not least as it confronts opposition from most educated and liberally inclined Lithuanians.
Russia: Birth of Pirate Party
LJ user savinkoff posts [RUS] the manifest of the recently founded Russian Pirate Party, following the pattern of protagonists for Internet freedom in the rest of Europe.
Iran: “Death to Russia” at Friday Prayer
At a Friday prayer at Tehran University led by former president and cleric Hashemi Rafsanjani today, crowds of Mir Hossein Mousavi supporters defiantly chanted "Death to Russia" instead of "Death to America", referring to accusations that Russia has been involved in training regime forces of repression.
Belarus: Arrests of opposition activists
LJ user ingannatore reports [RUS] on yesterday's arrests of some 50 opposition activists in Minsk and other cities in Belarus and goes on to comment the conduct of the authorities.
Philippines: Protest of KFC workers
Filipino employees of KFC, a popular fastfood chain, staged a picket-rally to protest the “illegal” dismissal of many workers in the country.
