Stories about Photos from May, 2012
Spain: “Neighbor, Wake Up, Evictions at Your Doorstep!”
As part of the profound socioeconomic crisis, home foreclosures and evictions are rampant in Spain. Author Elena Arrontes covered the eviction of a Bangladeshi family from its home in the neighborhood of Lavapiés, Madrid. Neighbors and other members of the community immediately acted in solidarity with the family.
Nagorno Karabakh: Cultural Destruction and Preservation in the Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict
During the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed territory of Nagorno Karabakh, hundreds of thousands of ethnic Azeris and Armenians were displaced. With hundreds of settlements also razed, and thousands of monuments destroyed, Conflict Voices looks at the issue of cemeteries, some of which were destroyed, but also...
Egypt: How do the Presidential Candidates’ Posters Compare?
About ten days remain before the presidential elections in Egypt. A few days ago we witnessed the first presidential debate in the country's history, but the candidates' posters will also play a big role in the final decision of the voters.
Algeria: Low Turnout in Legislative Elections
On May 10, Algeria's first legislative elections since the start of the Arab uprisings were held. Many people expressed their disillusionment with the current political system by not voting.
Spain: Many Reasons to Take to the Streets on 12M
On 15 May in Spain the first anniversary of the 15M will be commemorated. The events begin on 12 May (12M) in cities and neighborhoods. Spanish netizens have been anticipating the commemoration for days. The hashtags #YoVoy12M (I'm Going 12M) and #ALaPlaza (To The Square) have been TTs in Spain and throughout the world.
Turkey: Outrage at Sentencing of Scarf Case Student
On May 11 Cihan Kirmizigul, an engineering student at Galatasaray University in Istanbul, was sentenced to 11 years and 3 months in jail, accused of firebombing a building - but many believe his only "crime" was wearing a Kurdish scarf in the vicinity of the attack.
Kenya: Mark Kaigwa to Global Voices: “The East is Coming to Africa.”
At the 2012 edition of the Berlin re:publica conference, which took place from 2-4 May., Kenyan blogger and entrepreneur Mark Kaigwa was a featured speaker at a session entitled "Silicon Savanna, how African technologies are changing the world". Global Voices took this opportunity to catch up with Mark and discuss his positive outlook about Africa's future.
Madagascar: Teachers Strike over Stipends Repressed by Armed Forces
The teachers association in Madagascar has been on strike for a week [fr] over disagreement regarding their monthly wages. The protests have been repressed by tear gas launched by the armed forces [fr]. Students have also joined in the protests [mg] (via Jentilisa's photoblog).
Spain: #NoMoreEuros for Bankia
The web in Spain has been seething since it was reported that the government is preparing a plan to inject public money into Bankia, the fourth largest bank in the country and the most exposed to the real estate market. Since the crisis started in 2008, the government has supported Bankia with more than 33 billion euros. The current bail-out plan could be as much as 10 billion.
Bangladesh: Movie Theaters Are Dying
Movie theaters are dying in Bangladesh and shopping malls are taking their place. In the past decade hundreds of cinema halls have been closed down.
Armenia: Campaign in Support of Bar Targeted by Nationalists
Following an arson attack on D.I.Y., a bar frequented by activists, progressive youth, and alternative writers, musicians and artists, as well as members of Armenia's LGBT community, Unzipped: Gay Armenia reports that a campaign to raise funds to pay for the damage inflicted by local nationalists has now been launched.
Armenia: Bar Targeted By Suspected Nationalists In Arson Attack
At around 5.30am on 8 May, a bar in Yerevan found itself the target of an arson attack. Popular among alternative types and widely known for its gay-friendly policy, it is believed that nationalists were responsible for the attack on D.I.Y.
Democratic Republic of Congo: Clandestine Abortions on the Rise in Goma
Illegal abortion is a common practice in several provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in Goma, Nord-Kivu. Congolese law prohibits abortion in all parts of the country. The situation in Goma is becoming increasingly worrisome.
India, Pakistan Missile Launches: Game Changers or Mere Posturing?
Back-to-back missile tests by India and Pakistan in April have received widespread coverage and comment, both in the mainstream media as well as on social media. Aparna Ray reports.
Spain: Barcelona Sieged During European Central Bank Meeting
On May 2, 3, and 4 the European Central Bank meeting took place in Barcelona, Spain, a city that became sieged by the police. For this meeting, Spain temporarily suspended the Treaty of Schengen on the border with France.
Brazil: Blog Countersues Newspaper Over Web Domain
Another chapter in the legal dispute between the Brazilian newspaper Folha de São Paulo and the satirical blog Falha of São Paulo is being written. However, this time, Falha is the one who decided to file a lawsuit against the newspaper.
Tunisia: Campaign for Freedom of Expression Launched
The collective blog Nawaat, and the Tunisia Monitoring Group of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange have launched a campaign for freedom of speech in Tunisia, which remains under threat despite gains made during the last year.
Malaysia: Bersih Demonstrations Around the Globe
While the Bersih (clean) demonstrations were going on in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last week, similar gatherings were being organised by Malaysians overseas. The global protests supported the demand for a more democratic electoral exercise in Malaysia
France: Reactions to Presidential Election Results in Photos
The 2012 French presidential election delivered its verdict on May 6, 2012. Francois Hollande collected 51.90% of the votes against 48.10% for incumbent President Nicolas Sarkozy. Both happiness and sorrow is on display in online photos.
Armenia: Chaos as Balloons Explode at Election Campaign Rally
Disaster struck a parliamentary election campaign rally in Yerevan, the Armenian capital, on Friday 4 May, when a cigarette apparently caused gas-filled balloons to ignite. Reports indicate that over 140 people were injured in the blast.
Spain: Madrid Preparing for “Indignado” Anniversary
The anniversary of 15M - which will be celebrated throughout Spain - promises a month full of initiatives led mainly by neighbors and town assemblies. The common objective is to achieve the political permanence on the streets of Madrid claiming the right to assembly and free speech.
