Stories about Protest from April, 2009
Guadeloupe: Sarkozy & Guadeloupe
After the 45-day mobilization in Guadeloupe, French President Nicolas Sarkozy made many promises – Mycho, who blogs at Critiqart Guadeloupe [Fr], expresses her disappointment about the President's attitude.
Georgia: Who is Giorgi Targamadze?
The Tbilisi Blues comments on the current opposition protests in the Georgian capital and says that one political force opposed to the president might yet benefit from the stand-off between the government its more radical opponents.
Georgia: Opposition protests on hold, new concerns emerge
With the Russian military reportedly mobilizing within striking range of Georgia, many online commentators are becoming increasingly worried by the tactics employed by the opposition as it continues its campaign to force the president, Mikhail Saakashvili, to resign.
India: Why I voted 49-0
Arby K at A View From My Disjointed Laptop explains why the blogger had to vote 49-0 (refused to vote): “By choosing to vote, I will be endorsing the current system of elections. I will be settling to meet my short term objectives sacrificing the long term ones. So, I...
China: Netizen arrested for T-shirt protest
Joel Martinsen from DANWEI translated a local news story on “Chongqing netizen arrested for printing and distributing t-shirts opposing the bus fare hike!“
Taiwan: If You Lost Your Job…
What would you feel if you are fired, your small business goes bankrupt, or you simply cannot find any way to make a living? In this most disastrous moment of economic downturn, many Taiwanese are losing their jobs and helplessly waiting for for all the dreadful news to stop. Some begin to blame themselves for being unemployed.
Cuba, U.S.A.: Remembering the Prisoners
“Cuban Americans may be about to flood the island with cash and visits,” says diaspora blogger Uncommon Sense, “but political prisoners in the Castro gulag are not likely to enjoy any benefits of the largesse.”
Azerbaijan: Freedom of speech, censorship and expulsions
Flying Carpets and Broken Pipelines comments on news that a student activist has been expelled from his university. The blog says that the move is most probably connected to his political activities and wonders when the cycle of repression and intimidation will end.
Thailand: Extended holiday
The government of Thailand extended the country’s traditional New Year holiday festivities for public safety in case the Red Shirt protesters organize a new round of protests.
Thailand: Red Shirts paid to protest?
The Red Shirts have ended their protests. The leaders have been arrested and an arrest warrant was issued against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. There is a popular video on YouTube which critics believe is a proof that Thaksin paid his supporters to protest in Thailand.
Fiji: The calm after the storm?
Last week Fiji's President nullified the constitution, fired the entire judiciary and appointment himself head of state and the armed forces. He then re-appointed the military-backed government of Frank Bainimarama. Bloggers of all stripes are now sifting through the debris of a completely changed political landscape – one that will see the Bainimarama government remain in power until at least 2014.
Georgia: Concerns emerge over opposition protests
As the opposition blocks off main roads in Tbilisi, some bloggers and other online commentators are starting to question the tactics employed by protesters in the Georgian capital. Nevertheless, most are thankful that the protests have not resulted in major clashes.
Russia: Failed DDoS Attack
Profy writes about a misguided DDoS attack carried out by opponents of a Russian reality show, who “did not bother to check who exactly their attack will target” and hit a Dutch-owned logistics company instead of a Russian TV channel site.
Barbados: Paternity Laws
Do Barbados’ child support and paternity laws favour women? Bajan Dream Diary examines the evidence.
Trinidad and Tobago: Saving the Mangrove
“Is Essar and mangrove destruction the best way forward and is melting steel the best way for a small country with only a few yeas of gas left to develop?”: This Beach Called Life encourages you to sign a petition to save “the Claxton Bay mangrove and the environment in...
Russia: Notes on Moscow and Sochi Election
Mark MacKinnon shares his impressions of Moscow and writes about the upcoming election in Sochi: “Nemtsov has already had ammonia thrown at him by unknown assailants dressed in women's clothing and Volochkova has apparently now been disqualified for leaving her birthday off one of the documents she submitted with her...
Georgia: Opposition protests enter fifth day
Despite dwindling numbers over the weekend, the opposition in Georgia has once again rallied an estimated 20,000 supporters in the capital, Tbilisi. Although well down on the 50,000 that demonstrated on Thursday, the number of those openly calling for the resignation of the Georgian president, Mikhail Saakashvili, did at least match those taking to the streets on Friday.
Moldova: More on Twitter
More on Twitter and last week's events in Moldova – at Ethan Zuckerman's My Heart's in Accra and Evgeny Morozov's Net Effect.
Thailand: Fake Red Shirt application
Thai 101 translates a fake Red Shirt membership application which was probably made by critics of the red-shirted protesters. The Red Shirts are demanding the resignation of Thailand's Prime Minister.
Thailand protests: Shopping stores were closed
Shopping stores and other local businesses were forced to close in Bangkok as violence erupted between government troops and opposition Red Shirts yesterday.
Bangkok protests: Black Songkran
Songkran, the Thai New Year celebrated from April 13 – 15, is supposed to be a joyous event in Thailand. But this year’s Songkran has been described as the “Black Songkran” in reference to the chaotic and violent confrontation between soldiers and anti-government protesters. Two protesters were killed and more than one hundred were injured during the clash in the streets of Bangkok.
