Stories about Protest from August, 2010
USA: Oil Spill Generates Swell in Creative Expression
The BP oil spill has left in its path a disaster that has affected ecological stability and the economic future of the Gulf Coast region. Art is a refuge where people can envision a less bitter finale to the tragedy unfolding in their backyards. It is also a means to dialogue about a profound sense of loss no amount of money can ever remediate.
Iran: Political prisoners on hunger strike
Seventeen political prisoners began a hunger strike at the end of July to protest deteriorating conditions at Tehran's notorious Evin Prison. Iran has arrested hundreds of journalists, human rights activists, and politicians after the protest movement emerged against the results of the June 12 presidential election in 2009.
Pakistan: Zardari Shoe Bombed
Teeth Maestro mentions yesterday's incident of shoe throwing on Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari in Birmingham as “one of the most happiest moments in Pakistan's history”.
Taiwan: Indigenous people protest against forced eviction
In the video report created by Civilmedia[zht], more than 600 Taiwan indigenous people from different tribes and supporters gathered in front of the Presidential Office and criticize the forced eviction, ignorance on tribal integrity, and vacuum promises from government after Typhoon Morakot that hit southern Taiwan one year ago.
Kyrgyzstan: A political picnic, another failed coup in Bishkek
Murzaki makes a photo-post about a rally in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, where hundreds of people went on to the street with the demand to to make Mr. Barktabasov, a mysterious tycoon with big ambitions for power, the Prime Minister. Some protesters were armed. The rally was dispersed, Barktabasov...
Pakistan: Stereotyping Hindus
The blogger at The life and times of two Indians in Pakistan blog writes about some incidents of stereotyping of Pakistani Hindus as either Indian or Kaafir (infidel) and she was overwhelmed when some Pakistanis protested this treatment.
Haiti: Saying “No” to Monsanto
Monsanto has been a controversial company for some years now, mainly because it is a major producer of genetically modified seed (reportedly selling as much as 90% of the genetically engineered seed in the United States) and has a reputation for employing questionable methods to ensure that it maintains its lead. Enter Haiti...
India: Letting Go of Kashmir
Sujai at Desicritics provides a bold viewpoint which have prompted a heated discussion in the comments section. The blogger opines that the protests in Kashmir has become so intense and desperate as a freedom struggle that the Indians may consider to “let it go” to stop their hands being bloody...
Brazil: Last day on protest by tribe trying to prove its existence
Jesse Lerner-Kinglake reports on the last day of the protest by the Awá, a Brazilian indigenous people, to try to prove its existence. “If anything, this week’s protest should prove to the developers and politicians alike that the Awá do indeed exist.” The blogger writes about the crisis facing this...
Puerto Rico: Independence Activist Lolita Lebrón Dies
The Puerto Rican independence activist Lolita Lebrón died on Sunday August 1, 2010. She was 90 years old. Lebrón commanded a group of Puerto Rican independence advocates who attacked the Congress of the United States on March 1, 1954 to denounce the Island's colonial situation under the US.
Kenya's Referendum Live Updates
Kenyan citizens are voting today in a referendum on a new constitution. You can follow live updates on Kenyan websites and also get reports of incidents related to the referendum at uchaguzi.co.ke.
Philippines: Remembering the Abduction of Fr. Rudy Romano
A commemoration protest in the central Philippine city of Cebu leads In Between Columns to remember circumstances surrounding the abduction of human rights advocate Fr. Rudy Romano and fellow anti-dictatorship activist Levi Ybanez by military agents under the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
Hong Kong and China: Support Cantonese action
Michelle from interlocals translated an article explaining how citizens from Hong Kong and Guangzhou have informed each other in their civic action, such as the most recent cross border action in supporting Cantonese.
Haiti: Elections Without Lavalas?
“International donors have expressed disappointment at Haiti's failure to hold inclusive elections, but have continued to fund them”: Wadner Pierre says that “Fanmi Lavalas, widely seen as the most popular political party in the country”, is being banned from participating in the upcoming elections this November.
Ecuador: Guayaquil Protest Against Informal Sale of Pets
In Ecuador, Pitonizza announces a protest in Urdesa Park in Guayaquil against the informal sale of pets [es], which often live in unhealthy conditions and if customers buy these pets from the street, then it provides an incentive for the vendors to continue this practice.
India: Kashmiris In Despairs
South Asia Wired posts opinions of a female activist from Sri Nagar where she comments about the recent political situation and the curfew: “We’re so tired. We’re so angry. I’m getting sick from it.”
Puerto Rico: Lebrón Passes On
Both Repeating Islands and The Voice of the Taino People Online mark the passing of Puerto Rican nationalist and independence activist, Lolita Lebrón.
India: Curfew In Jammu & Kashmir
“Curfew has been imposed in nine districts in Jammu & Kashmir,” reports Pragmatic Euphony. The blogger advocates for bold political initiatives from the Indian government once the ongoing violence is subdued.
Indonesia: Veteran actor stages parliament protest
A veteran actor spray painted the roof of Indonesia's parliament building in protest against the "poor performance" of legislators. Netizens share their reactions.
Russia: Photos from Opposition Rally in Moscow
LJ user zyalt published the pictures [RUS] from the opposition rally in Moscow that happened on July 31.
China: Sex workers demand legalization, organizer detained
If prostitution doesn't violate contemporary cultural norms, sex activists argue, then why doesn't the law reflect as much? Just a few days after a group in central China took to the street to gather support in a fight for social status for sex workers, the organizer has been detained by police.
