Stories about Feature from July, 2012
Russia: Anti-Church Activist Flees Under Psychiatric Incarceration Threat
A blogger and leader of the Youth Human Rights Group in Karelia, has fled Russia to Poland after months of interrogations by prosecutors that included threats of detention in a psychiatric clinic in retaliation for statements made online against the Russian Orthodox Church.
Iran: Pro-Ahmadinejad Blogger Jailed
"What a world and judiciary we have, Ahmad was arrested just for writing and supporting his country's president" - Ahmad Shariat is behind bars. Other pro-Ahmadinejad bloggers have also been hounded by Tehran prosecutor’s office for criticizing associates of the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
South Africa: Celebrating First Gold Medal in 8 Years
Congratulations have been pouring in for South African swimmer Cameron van der Burgh who picked up South Africa's first gold medal after the country's dismal failures at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He is also South Africa's first male swimming Olympic gold medalist.
Russia: The ‘Mating Rituals’ of Bloggers and Governors
"We're not going to go to any more of these meetings, we've decided. From now on, let the suck-ups get together - the Nashists and the 'Stal'evtsy - but we won't be there" - A blogger reacts to a meeting with Penza's Governor.
Ethiopia: Messages of Solidarity from Christians for Muslims
Messages of unity from Ethiopian Christians have gone viral in the Ethiopian digital public as Ethiopian Muslims persistently kept their peaceful protest in a bid to end government’s meddling in their religious affairs. A multitude of Christians have changed their Facebook status by announcing their allegiance with Ethiopian Muslims.
Hong Kong: Tens of Thousands Rally Against ‘National Education’
The new “red” elementary school curriculum controversy continues to ferment. In the past week, parent groups have joined in with concerned student and teacher groups to stop the government from introducing the new curriculum this September.
Bahrain: ‘Boycott the Olympics’
Many Bahrainis are calling for the Olympics to be boycotted. First, a royal, who is allegedly personally involved in the torture of athletes, is attending the games. Second, most of the Bahraini squad is made up of African athletes.
Nigeria: Senate President Calls for Social Media Censorship
The President of Nigeria's Senate, David Mark, recently advocated clamping down on social media in the country arguing that there was no opportunity for retraction of information in such media. Many netizens perceive his comments as a declaration of battle on the Nigerian web.
Colombians Celebrate Unexpected Silver Medal
On Saturday, July 28, Rigoberto Urán became the first Colombian to win a medal in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. He finished second at the men's road race final, behind veteran cyclist Aleksandr Vinokurov from Kazakhstan.
China: ‘Violent’ Pipeline Protest in Qidong
Violence that broke out during a protest against a pipeline construction project in China's Qidong province has split opinion online. The project would channel wastewater from a Japanese owned paper mill into the sea and has raised environmental concerns.
Thailand: Doughnuts for National Reconciliation
Supporters of Thailand’s ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is currently in exile, celebrated his 64th birthday by distributing 64,000 doughnuts to underprivileged children. The campaign is also said to be a 'gesture of national reconciliation.' But netizens have questioned the wisdom of distributing doughnuts instead of spending on the more essential needs of the poor
London: Triumph Beyond Medals for Bangladeshis
Five Bangladeshi athletes are in London to participate in the 2012 Olympics. Bangladeshis are not optimistic that their athletes will come back with medals. However, this is not the end of the Olympic dream for Bangladesh. Their main triumph is not on the field, but off the field.
Reasons to Boycott the Olympics?
With any major event, there are both celebrating and dissenting voices. The Olympics is no exception, and there are bloggers from across the world making their voices heard on why they will be boycotting London 2012.
Tajikistan: Telecoms Blackout Amidst Provincial Clashes
Amidst deadly clashes in the eastern Tajik province of Gorno-Badakhshan, the authorities have cut Internet, mobile, and landline connection to the region. Online people are sharing information via social media and trying to draw international attention to the situation on the ground.
East Asia: Flourishing Illegal Trade in ‘Captive Bred’ Exotic Birds
According to a July 2012 report from the Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network (TRAFFIC), many endangered birds that are sold as captive bred have actually been caught in the wild and smuggled out of their original habitats under cruel conditions. An ID registration scheme for captive bred parrots introduced in Taiwan enables clear identification of legally saleable birds to try and combat this problem.
South/North Korean Flag Mix Up – Biggest Blunder in Olympic History?
"It is hard to host the event perfectly without making any single mistake. But this case of displaying the South Korean flag in a North Korean game...It is more than a mistake. I call it lack of preparedness." - South Korean on Twitter.
Jordan: Thousands of Syrians Seek Refuge
The situation in Syria has led hundreds of thousands of Syrians to flee the country to neighbouring Jordan. A Jordanian government source has said that officials are preparing for the possible arrival of up to one million Syrians.
Bangladesh, Myanmar: Rohingya Repression in International Spotlight
Protests are happening around the world against Rohingya repression. Six weeks after clashes between Rohingya and Rakhaine broke out in Western Myanmar, more than 100 people have been killed and 50,000 are estimated to have been displaced.
Mali: Athletes Go to London Olympics With Heads Held High
"We will definitely be in London and our goal is to prove to the whole world that in spite of our struggles, our country is still standing." - Malian National Olympic Committee President
Brazil: Deported Activist Returns to Denounce Mining Company Vale
Jeremias Vunjanhe, a Mozambican journalist and activist, was prevented from entering Brazil during Rio+20. After civil society movements and organisations mobilised, Jeremias returned to the country to denounce the actions of the Brazilian company Vale.
UK: Taiwan Flag Disappears from London Olympics Street Display
Taiwanese are wondering where their country's national flag went, after it disappeared from a display on Regent Street in London. All other national flags are still hanging to welcome representatives to this summer's Games from across the world.
