Stories about Photos from January, 2013
Flashmobs and Citizen Classrooms – Spain's Creative Protests Channel Discontent
Spain's anti-crisis movement- characterized by its creative protests- has been in full sway since 2011. Here we take a look at some of the movement's tactics and strategies.
Cuban Filmmakers Take Over Digital Technologies
In Cuba, filmmakers and new directors have started to take over new technologies to keep down the costs of production of audiovisual effects, and to tell stories that would otherwise not have seen the light of day.
Diplomatic Passports for Religious Representatives in Brazil?
The Ministry of External Relations issued diplomatic passports to the heads of the evangelical World Church of the Power of God, sparking a discussion on the notion of secularism enshrined in Brazil's constitution.
Philippines: Anti-Cybercrime Law Denounced as ‘Cyber Martial Law’
More voices in the Philippines are questioning the Cybercrime Prevention Law as the oral arguments on the petitions against the law are being heard in the Supreme Court. The law was denounced by activists as a 'Cyber Martial Law' because of provisions that would limit free speech and expression in the internet sphere
Traditional Hutsul Celebration of Epiphany in Ukraine
Photographer Maxim Balandyukh posted a photo report [uk] from the traditional Hutsul celebration of Epiphany (a religious holiday commemorating the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River; Vodokhreshcha in Ukrainian) in the Carpathian village of Kryvorivnya in western Ukraine.
Ecuador: The Case of the 10 from Luluncoto
The 10 from Luluncoto are the young people who lost their freedom on 3 March 2012, accused of terrorism and threats to the security of the State. Ten months later, the case continues to worry Ecuadorians and human rights organisations.
Bahrain Police Attack on Woman Stirs Anger
As Bahrain was pretending to be secure enough to hold a regional sports event, its security men were attacking a woman protester in the middle of Manama, the capital. Last July, Zahra Al-Shaikh was released from prison after being detained and tortured. On January 18, as Bahrain was hosting the Gulf Football finale, Zahra was once again arrested for protesting. Photographs and videos of her arrest went viral, stirring anger.
Gabon to Mali: History of French Military Interventions in Africa
The French military intervention in Mali, known as Operation Serval started on January 11 following the advance of terrorists groups towards Bamako. Lauded by a substantial part of the Malian population and many outside observers, the military intervention diverts, however, from the non-interventionist line professed by French President Hollande in Africa.
Petrodollars, Megalomania and Human Rights in Equatorial Guinea
President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea launched a charm offensive in 2011 and 2012 using his petrodollars to target the worlds of showbusiness, sport and international diplomacy. However, following his accession to chairmanship of the African Union, the civil society denounced him for his poor human rights record while the orgy of spending conducted by his son caused widespread revulsion.
Twitter Suspends Cuban Encyclopedia Ecured's Account
Twitter has suspended the account of the Cuban Collaborative Encyclopedia Cubana EcuRed according to an announcement posted on the official blog of the their website.
NGO Penalized for Requesting Information on Corruption in Spain
After a five-year legal battle, the NGO Access Info Europe has been sentenced to pay 3,000 euros after the Supreme Court ruled that it did not have the right to know what Spain does to fight against corruption.
Indonesia Flood: Jakarta Placed Under State of Emergency
Jakarta, Indonesia's capital, is paralyzed by massive flooding. Governor Joko Widodo placed the capital under emergency status until January 27. It is reported that 27 out of 44 subdistricts in Jakarta are flooded.
PHOTOS: Pakistan's Countrywide Shia Solidarity Protests End Peacefully
After the bombings in Quetta killed more than 100 people of the Hazara Shia community, protests spread like fire across Pakistan. People from all sects and tribes joined hands together to show solidarity with the Hazaras chanting #WeAreAllHazara. Sit-ins were registered in more than 100 cities and towns.
Brazil's World Cup Construction Threatens Indigenous “Living Museum”
About six years ago, the abandoned building of the First Museum of the Indian, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil turned into a “living museum” and became home to several different indigenous communities. On the morning of January 12, 2013, the military police arrived ready to evict the community. Activists soon arrived on the scene.
Cuba Implements Long-Awaited Migration Reform
The implementation of the long-awaited migration reform on January 14 could put an end to the terrible human drama which the decision to stay or leave Cuba used to entail. Bloggers in Cuba comment on the historical reform.
Reconciliation Day in Southern Yemen
Thousands of people from all six southern provinces in southern Yemen flocked to the city of Aden over the past few days in order to participate in the carnival of "reconciliation and forgiveness". The carnival commemorates the civil war in former South Yemen which took place in 1986.
Graffiti War on Syrian Walls
Graffiti is an art that can be labelled under civil disobedience and peaceful expression. Although the Syrian Revolution has intrinsic humanitarian values; it is a revolution with artistic aspects. Painting is one of the most important methods a human being uses to express ideas; it is the fastest way to illustrate an idea or to make people interact with this idea. See how Syrians are using their creativeness on Syria's walls
Malaysians Gather for the ‘Uprising of the Citizens’
Tens of thousands joined the ‘Himpunan Kebangkitan Rakyat’ (Uprising of the Citizens) rally in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia organized mainly by Opposition forces. The rally highlighted the campaign for clean elections, free education, and environment protection.
“We Are All Hazara” Protests Across Pakistan
Thousands across Pakistan and worldwide are showing solidarity with the Shia Hazara minority, as their sit-in protest enters its second day in the country's southwestern city, Quetta.