Stories about Protest from August, 2011
Chile: Expats Unfazed as U.S. Embassy in Santiago Issues “Emergency Message”
The United States Embassy in Santiago has emailed an “emergency message for U.S. citizens” registered in Chile to keep out of the frequent and increasingly violent protests, but foreigners in Santiago don’t seem to be losing sleep over the roaring demonstrations.
Chile: Artists Protest at UNESCO Headquarters in Support of Students on Huger Strike
Artists protested peacefully outside the UNESCO headquarters in Santiago in support of students on hunger strike. El Mostrador reports [es] that 4 musicians entered the building to deliver a letter in favor of the students. Jose Miranda (@JPMirandaM) live streamed the protest via Twitcam. The ‘toma’ ended at 2:00pm local...
Spain: Pope's Visit Leaves a Violent Trace in Madrid
On August 17, Europe Laica (Secular Europe) brought together over 150 organizations to protest in Madrid against the public financing of Pope Benedict XVI's visit. Police repression and acts of violence took over the capital's streets. The Pope's visit also brought to bear the debate between state secularism and religion.
Cuba: Amnesty Reports on “Las Damas”
The Ladies in White are on Amnesty International's radar. Read more, here and here.
Iran: Online Petition for jailed Green Leaders
Green Movement has launched an online petition on 11th of August to demand freedom for two opposition (Green) leaders, Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karoubi.
Lessons Gaddafi Should Have Learnt from North Korea
Joshua from One Free Korea, in comparing the North Korean situation with the fall of Gaddafi, explains about the importance of the nuclear deterrent in sustaining the North Korean regime and its dictator, Kim Jong-il.
Russia: Memories of 1991
Kim Green of The Greenery shares her memories of living in Russia in 1991 as a student, right after the August Coup 20 years ago.
Iran: “Tonight, the Islamic Regime's Generals will Have Nightmares”
Several Iranian cyber activists celebrated the victory of anti-Muammar Gaddafi forces in Libya, and compared it with the situations in Iran and Syria. They shared in the joy of liberation with Libyans, but also expressed their anxieties for the future.
Bolivia: An Indigenous March Against an Indigenous Government
Sueños para Atar [es] says Bolivians are wondering “Why are indigenous people marching against an indigenous government?” and “Why does an indigenous government refuse to listen to indigenous people?” as indigenous groups march towards La Paz protesting a road threatening the Indigenous Territory National Park Isiboro Sécure (TIPNIS).
Peru: Customers Show Support for Ripley Department Store Employees
Peruvian social networks are buzzing with talk about the temporary closing of a Ripley department stores. Although the closing of the store is officially in accordance with the lack of a security certificate issued by the Civil Defense, it has come about in the middle of a long conflict with its employees.
Mexico: Following Javier Sicilia's Footsteps
Mexican bloggers write about activist Javier Sicilia's activism and his Movement for Peace with Justice and Dignity. His activities and the organisation he runs generate contrary opinions, for which the only common denominator is the hope that the situation in Mexico may change for the good of all.
Spain: Brutal Police Repression Against Journalists Covering “Secular March”
Pope Benedicto XVI's recent visit to Spain sparked a civil "Secular March" in protest against the use of public funds for religious acts in a secular state. The encounters between secular and religious individuals resulted in a wave of police repression against the journalists covering the events. Global Voices presents a selection of videos of the protests.
Brazil: Construction Starts on Controversial Belo Monte Dam
Despite the protesting voices of indigenous populations and traditional settlers of Volta Grande do Xingu region, construction on Brazil's Belo Monte hydroelectric plant has begun. Protests against the project will take place in 10 Brazilian cities and 16 countries on August 20.
Myanmar: Facebook ‘mini-revolution’
An article in Mizzima written by Tun Tun reveals how Myanmar internet users are able to use Facebook to share political ideas and campaign messages.
India: Should Telangana Be A Separate State?
Tanushree Krishna at Youth Ki Awaaz asks whether Telangana should be made a separate state.
Costa Rica: Slut Walk Reactions, Religion and Women's Rights
Last Sunday 14 August, 2011, the Costa Rican Slut Walk took place in the capital city of San Jose causing both a media and religious backlash due to allegedly violent anti-church chants and performances. The ongoing debate has been covered on both citizen and mass media outlets as people react to the Costa Rican version of this worldwide protest.
Russia: Ex-UK Ambassador's Diary of 5 Days in August 1991
OpenDemocracy.net publishes – here, here and here – excerpts from the August 1991 diary of Rodric Braithwaite, who was the British Ambassador in the Soviet Union back then.
Algeria: Not Arab Revolutions
Algerian-American Kal, from The Moor Next Door, shares some thoughts on the Arab Spring. “This blog does not write about “Arab revolutions”; no such thing has taken place in the Arab countries from a results-oriented stand point. Important and substantive political change came to a number of Arab countries in...
Bahrain: The Plight of Unfairly Dismissed Employees
Bahraini blogger Mahmood Al Yousif sheds light on the plight of Bahrainis “unfairly” dismissed from their jobs due to the current unrest in the country.
Egypt: Assad's Massacres Continue in Ramadan
“How many massacres have been committed by El Assad regime so far in Syria since the start of the holy month of Ramadan alone !?” asks Egyptian blogger Zeinobia, in Egyptian Chronicles.
Egypt: Graffiti War Continues
From Egypt, Suzeeinthecity shares with us the story of how major brands have jumped on the graffiti bandwagon, competing with revolution art on Cairo's walls.
