· March, 2012

Stories about Protest from March, 2012

Ecuador: The March for Life Arrives in Quito

  25 March 2012

On its arrival in Quito on March 22, the March for Life was met with support from one side and opposition from another, including criticism from the government and police resistance. Ecuadorean netizens reported during the day on social networks by sharing photos, videos, reports, and reactions on the arrival of the march in the capital of Ecuador.

Jordan: One Year On, Tensions Building Up

It's March 24th, 2012 - a year after the weekend that shocked Jordan domestically, further exacerbating a lethargic reform effort. It is the anniversary of the weekend when a diverse group of Jordanians took to the streets of Amman with the intent of open peaceful protest and were met with a counter group that called itself 'Home Calling' (Nidaa Watan).

United States: “I am Trayvon Martin”

  24 March 2012

The indignation of American citizens and Internet users around the world over the murder of Martin Trayvon Florida continues to grow. This young black man was shot at the exit of a store by a security guard of the city of Sanford. For many it is a racist murder, and the law "Stand your ground" (Defend yourself), that legitimate self-defense in Florida, must be challenged.

This Week in the Caribbean Blogosphere

  24 March 2012

Activity in the Caribbean blogosphere this week has been predominantly coming from Cuba and its diaspora, as the country prepares for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI amidst frustration about the human rights situation on the island and dissatisfaction over the pontiff declining to meet members of the Cuban opposition during his stay.

Cuba: Bloggers Continue to Speak Out about Papal Visit

  23 March 2012

Pope Benedict XVI's upcoming trip to Cuba will be the first from the head of the Catholic church in more than a decade. As the pontiff's arrival draws ever closer, bloggers continue to be vocal about their opinions, even as human rights violations reportedly continue.

India: Tweet Fuels Communal Tensions in Kolkata

  22 March 2012

Earlier this week, certain areas of Kolkata in West Bengal, India, were brought to a grinding halt by protesters protesting against a certain tweet, allegedly posted by an Indian model, which was in turn published in a leading English daily. Netizens reported from the ground and also discussed the incident on social networks.

Italy: Protests Blaze Over High-Speed Rail to France

  22 March 2012

The last few weeks have been particularly important (and controversial) for the "No Tav" movement, which, since 1981, has opposed the construction of a high speed train line between Turin and Lyon. Alongside on-going protests, suppression and legal disagreements, activism and discussions blossom online.

Ecuador: The ‘March for Life’ Approaches Quito

  22 March 2012

The March for Life is approaching the Ecuadorean capital of Quito without any major delays. As we reported in a previous post, indigenous communities and organizations of civil society have organized this march to protest large scale mining in the country. Here are a collection of citizens reports and reactions from the Ecuadorian blogosphere.

France: Protests in Marseille against the Privatisation of Water

  21 March 2012

Babalobi wrote on eWash: “Accompanied by unarmed policemen, protesters marched through the streets of central Marseille singing, dancing and chanting slogans against ‘privatisation’ and ‘commodification’ of urban water supply.” The protests were organised by global civil society movements that include Public Service International,  Africa Water Network, European Federation of Public Service Unions, Transnational Institute,...

Cuba: Black Spring, Nine Years After

  20 March 2012

The Cuban Black Spring - a term that has come to describe the government crackdown on dissidents that took place in 2003 - marks its ninth anniversary this year. Cuban bloggers remember their history and wonder whether anything has fundamentally changed - especially in the context of the impending papal visit and the pontiff's inability to meet with opposition groups to discuss the country's human rights record.