Stories about Protest from March, 2012
Ecuador: The March for Life Arrives in Quito
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.
United States: Solidarity Against Censorship of Latino Literature
The elimination of the curriculum of Mexian-American Studies, and the censorship of Latin American books from the district of Tuscon, Arizona, has led to actions of solidarity in New York as well as throughout the United States.
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).
Saudi Arabia: Qatif Protest to Demand “Rights”
Revolution2East posts on YouTube this video from a protest in Qatif, Saudi Arabia, in which protesters, who include women, chant that they will not give up on demanding their rights.
United States: “I am Trayvon Martin”
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
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.
Spain: Planning Actions for May 2012
The blog Toma la Plaza announces meetings and assemblies tomorrow March 24 in various cities in Spain to coordinate their participation in the global actions planned for next May.
Azerbaijan: 17 March youth protest in images
Narmin Noqte posts video footage and photos from the 17 March youth protest in Baku, Azerbaijan. The video is subtitled in English and available on Vimeo.
Armenia: Opinion divided on Eurovision withdrawal
Writing for Ararat Magazine, Global Voices’ Caucasus Regional Editor says that not everybody is happy about Armenia's withdrawal from this year's Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Cuba: Bloggers Continue to Speak Out about Papal Visit
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
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
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
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.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Election: The Pig, the Wolf or Blank Vote?
The Hong Kong Chief Executive "election" is about to take place. Who are the 1200 privileged election committee members going to vote for? The 'Pig', the 'Wolf', a democratic token or will they cast a blank vote?
Ukraine: Oksana Makar's Gang Rape Case
Foreign Notes, EUobserver.com, and Ukrainiana write about Oksana Makar's horrible gang rape case. Media mentions, updates and fundraising info [ru, uk] is here (support site), here (Vkontakte page), and here (Twitter).
Russia: Madonna Responds to St. Petersburg “Gay Propaganda” Law Controversy
Singer Madonna has responded to the St. Petersburg “gay propaganda” law controversy on her Facebook page (21,226 ‘likes’, 2,372 shares, 1,422 comments so far): “[…] I will come to St. Petersburg to speak up for the gay community, to support the gay community and to give strength and inspiration to...
Iran: Jailed blogger released on bail
Mehdi Khazali,blogger and publisher, has been released from jail on bail. You can see here his photos before and after hunger strike.
South Korea: Three Major TV Stations Protest for Fair Journalism
In South Korea, following one of biggest TV network’s desperate attempt to overthrow its president over unfair news coverage and corruption allegations, the nation’s two other major TV stations have joined forces in standing up against their management.
France: Protests in Marseille against the Privatisation of Water
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
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.
Portugal: Picket to the Prime Minister on the Day of General Strike
Citizens from Porto are organizing a flash picket [pt] via Facebook to “welcome” the Prime Minister of Portugal, Pedro Passos Coelho, on the day of the anti-austerity general strike, March 22. The Prime Minister will be on an official visit to the University of Porto [pt], that celebrates its 101st...