Stories about Feature from February, 2013
Russia's Feds Now Using Bloggers to Investigate Bloggers
Last week, blogger and corruption fighter Alexey Navalny was on top of the world, after he published information that led to the eventual resignation of a Duma deputy. The Russian Internet, however, is a fickle mistress. Today, Navalny is himself the victim of bloggers, thanks to the Federal Investigative Committee.
Powerful Union Leader “La Maestra” Arrested in Mexico
The arrest of union leader Elba Esther Gordillo for money laundering has caused a stir in Mexico. "La Maestra" is already behind bars at the Santa Martha Acatitla Social Rehabilitation Center in the outskirts of Mexico City.
In Burning Rage for Water, Iran Farmers Take On Security Forces
An anonymous video on YouTube shows angry farmers from eastern part of Isfahan in Iran on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 among burning busses in ongoing protests against water shortages.
Women Protesters Call for the Fall of the Saudi Interior Minister
A group of women and children who are relatives of uncharged prisoners managed to organize a small sit-in in Saudi Arabian city of Buraida, challenging the strict ban on demonstrations in the absolute monarchy. This week's sit-in had an unprecedented, explicit demand: the fall of the Interior Minister.
#Wikimodernism: Catalan Modernism, from the Classroom to the Web
The mystery behind the dreamy aesthetic of Barcelona's fantastic architecture is only a click away. Art history students in Barcelona are trading in traditional homework to share their learning about Catalan Modernism with the world.
Iran's New Stealth Fighter Soars Across Fake Sky
Iranian bloggers revealed this month that an official photo of Iran’s newly unveiled stealth fighter, Qaher-313, is a fake photoshopped image.
Nationwide Strike Delivers Blow to Malawi's President
Malawi's President Joyce Banda is beating back calls for her to resign after hundreds of thousands of civil servants demanding a wage increase went on a two-week long strike, shuttering the country's international airport and paralyzing hospitals and schools
China, Pollution and Cancer Villages
A Chinese billionaire's warning that no amount of money can protect the rich from China's environmental crisis has resonated with web users, many of whom are already alarmed about the country's toxic combination of air and water contamination and food safety issues.
Defying the Government, Chinese Families Resurrect Graves
Scores of families have fought back against a controversial campaign in China's central Henan province to raze millions of graves for farmland by re-erecting their ancestors' resting places during the Lunar New Year.
Bulgarian Government Quits, But Protests Continue
The protests in Bulgaria continue: on Sunday, in Sofia and other cities, tens of thousands of people marched against corruption, high utility bills and poverty. Ruslan Trad reports from the Bulgarian capital.
Indonesia’s New Law on Mass Organizations Ignites Protest
The Indonesian Parliament is set to approve a bill that would amend the law governing mass organizations but human rights groups and experts have warned against its repressive provisions.
Media Freedom Still Murky in Myanmar Despite Progress
Myanmar's decision to dissolve its notorious censorship board was praised by many groups as a step forward in promoting media freedom in the country. But press freedom watchdogs also highlighted the continuing threats and attacks faced by Myanmar-based journalists.
A Fistful of Bloggers: Russian MP Pressured to Resign
Duma Ethics Committee Chairman Vladimir Pekhtin resigned today after a week of pressure from bloggers and the media over undeclared Florida property.
Bolivia: Indigenous Communities Battle for Territory
Plans for a road which would cut through the heart of the Isiboro Sécure National Park and Indigenous Territory, or TIPNIS, continue to provoke debate and cause conflict in Bolivia. Here we bring you the latest developments on the matter as well as a related video produced for our Video Activo project.
India at the Forefront of One Billion Rising
Reports from the online and mainstream media show Indians participating in huge numbers across the country and India trending at the forefront of the global campaign, One Billion Rising.
Citizens Document Extreme Water Pollution in China
As the effects of China’s toxic smog problem in mid-January reverberate through the country, severe water pollution is documented by online campaigns calling for a reality check on the state of rivers across China.
#Shahbag Protesters Bid Farewell to Brutally Murdered Blogger
As protesters continued their chants at Shahbag calling for Bangladesh's war criminals and affiliates of the Islamist party to be beheaded, one of their own, Ahmed Rajib Haider was brutally killed outside his home in capital city Dhaka on February 15, 2013.
Videos from “One Billion Rising” Global Protests for Women's Rights
Every third woman falls victim to violence in her lifetime. On February 14, 2013 thousands of people all over the world protested against these daily acts of violence with dance.
Australian Senator Deported for ‘Interfering’ in Malaysian Politics
Australian senator Nick Xenophon was detained for 15 hours at the Kuala Lumpur airport in Malaysia before being deported after he was accused of being an ‘enemy of the state.’ Malaysian officials said Xenophon “could cause disorder and could be a danger to the community.”
For Russia's Comics, it's Raining Meteors
Although the shock wave from the Chelyabinsk meteorite injured hundreds of people, RuNet users have been more eager than ever to crack jokes and spread memes.
Bangladesh Unites at Shahbag for 42-Year-Old War Crimes
Drop by drop, the Shahbag intersection in Bangladesh's capital city Dhaka has become an ocean of people, demanding justice for the atrocities committed during the country's 1971 liberation war and death penalty for war criminals.