Stories about Feature from November, 2009
Saudi Arabia: Citizens’ Fury At Flood Deaths
Saudi Arabia's second largest city, Jeddah, was struck by heavy floods last week, and the death toll has risen to more than 100 people. Poor infrastructure and mismanagement of city works construction have been blamed, and thousands have joined a Facebook group criticising the authorities.
Russia: How Passengers of “Nevsky Express” Tell Their Stories Through Social Media
The crash of the "Nevsky Express" train happened far from any major populated area. It took several hours for reporters to arrive on the spot. Only then the first photographs and videos started to appear everywhere. But what happened to citizen reporting that led the way in the coverage of the plane crash in Russia a year ago?
One East African Musician beats all odds for a global fan base
Not many know her as Mwanaisha Abdalla but Nyota Ndogo (Kiswahili for Small Star), is a household name in East Africa. She has been collecting fans of her eclectic East African sound for over 4 years now. Her blog on the other hand has been running for 3 years. There is no doubt that the blog has contributed the growth of her online fan base.
Ghana: Who Will benefit From Oil?
When UK firm Tullow Oil announced its discovery of 600 million barrels of oil in Ghana in 2007, the blogosphere responded with variegated tones of hope and cynicism.
USA: Native American Heritage Day
A new National Native American National Heritage day is being honored in the United States on November 27, the day after most people there celebrated Thanksgiving. Native Americans rejoice - online and elsewhere.
Pakistan: Take Back The Tech Campaign
In Pakistan, P@SH@ (Pakistan Software Houses Association) is pushing the Take Back The Tech initiative forward to take control of technology to end violence against women. They have already launched the campaign on various online platforms.
Mexico: Viewing Mexican Streets with Google
On November 9th, Mexicans welcomed Google Street View and its digital maps with street level photographs for Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey and other 5 cities, making Mexico the first Latin American country to join Google's service.
Russia: Tatarstan Blogger Sentenced to Almost 2 Years in Penal Colony
On Sept. 12, 2008, Tatar blogger and journalist Irek Murtazin blogged about rumors of Tatarstan president Mintimir Shaimiev's death. On Nov. 26, 2009, Murtazin was convicted of defamation and incitement to hatred and sentenced to 1 year and 9 months of penal colony.
India Remembers Horrifying Mumbai Terror Attacks
One year ago, Mumbai, India's financial and entertainment capital came under a well- coordinated terrorist attack that lasted for 3 days. Indian netizens remember those horrifying moments and complain that nothing has changed.
Could the U.S. learn something from China?
Could the world's lone but weary superpower actually learn something from China? This is a question the Time magazine posted when President Barack Obama began his first visit to China....
Puerto Rico: Voices Against Violence
On occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, bloggers in Puerto Rico have written posts on how violence affects their lives, their families, and their communities. They have written poetry, in-depth analyses, and intimate reflections. Let's see their faces, read their texts, and listen to their voices.
Ecuador: Kichwa Women Oppose Oil Exploration on Native Lands
It is a popular saying in Latin America that women always get what they want. For 20 years, fearless women from the Kichwa community, an indigenous group in Ecuador, have been resisting against oil companies’ presence on their lands.
Slovakia: Mobile Internet Providers Put an End to Internet Neutrality
This month, a second Slovak mobile internet provider has kept its promise and started filtering internet access for its customers. While officially the goal is to block child porn, things aren't as simple as they appear. Tibor Blazko reviews the reactions of concerned Slovak netizens.
Macedonia: Singing Skopjans
An ad hoc choir "Singing Skopjans" performs civic activism through songs, using social media to spread their message.
Philippines: TV Ads of Presidential Candidates
Election season has started in the Philippines. Check out the TV ads of presidential candidates which have been uploaded on YouTube.
Featured Author: Diego Casaes
Diego Casaes is a dedicated Global Voices author and translator from Salvador, Brazil. Much of his writing on Global Voices has spread awareness about legislative threats to online freedom in Brazil, such as the infamous "Azeredo Bill".
China and Japan: Feng Zhenghu at Narita airport
Shanghai human rights activist Feng Zhenhu has been living and waiting in the hall of Japan's Narita airport since November 4 when he was barred from entering his own country...
Poland: Catholics Propose Adding Cross to National Emblem
Sylwia Presley reviews the reactions of Polish bloggers to a recent proposal by a Polish Catholic group to include the symbol of the cross in the national coat of arms.
Brazil: The loss of a pioneer digital activist
The Brazilian blogosphere is mourning today: the country has lost one of its pioneers digital activists.
Morocco: War on Press Continues
The Moroccan authorities are ratcheting up their attacks on independent journalists. A week rarely passes without the authorities hitting hard on the press for alleged infractions, cracking down on printed as well as online media. Bloggers have been reflecting on this state of affairs.
Puerto Rico: Hate Crime Against Gay Teenager Causes Outrage
A horrendous murder has been committed against a gay teenager in Puerto Rico. The LGBT community has demanded that the crime be prosecuted under the Hate Crime Law. Bloggers react to this terrible crime.
