‘Meet the Stans': A Journey Through Central Asia

Brazilian Journalist Assaulted by Police while Covering Demonstration

Brazilian journalist Mariana Alvanesi (@morrodovidigal) was assaulted by the police while covering a demonstration by dwellers of the Vidigal neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, on December 13, 2012. The dwellers were trying to impede the demolition of a sports court. Dulcilene Guiri recorded the moment in video.

Plástica Magazine Shines Spotlight on Independent Spanish-Language Music

Plástica is an international journal specializing in the independent Spanish-language music scene. More than just a magazine, Plástica is a project that focuses on high quality, creative music. Its main goal now is to expand its readership beyond a digital audience, which is why they will launch the first paper edition of the magazine in 2013.

Ecuador Gets Ready for the 2013 Elections

Ecuadorian netizens are already analyzing candidates for the legislative and presidential elections of February 17, 2013. Many share their reports and reactions under the hashtag #EleccionesEc on Twitter.

A Timeline of 50 Years of Conflict in the D.R. of Congo

The ongoing conflict between M23 rebels and the Congolese army cannot be totally understood without some historical background on the genesis of these conflicts in the great lakes region. Here is a detailed chronology of the last 50 years of confrontations in this region.

Meet Global Voices Contributor – Janet Gunter

Global Voices in Spanish editor Juan Arellano interviews GV contributor and world traveller Janet Gunter, on her work in our community and on various projects.

Trinidad & Tobago: Hunger Strike was Never a Lost Cause

Dr. Wayne Kublalsingh's hunger strike against the construction of a section of highway in Trinidad ended a week ago - and became much greater than that singular issue. Regional bloggers discuss what the legacy of Dr. Kublalsingh's action will be and the impact it will have on citizens' rights to transparency and good governance.

Boycott of Puerto Rico's Popular TV Show “La Comay”

The gruesome death of a publicist in a remote sector outside the island’s metropolitan area last month has led to an ongoing saga in which the Puerto Rican public has turned from alarm to shock, anger, and finally to the internet in a bout of activism that now threatens to overthrow one of the top rated TV programs on the island after its host hinted that the victim "got what he was looking for."

Kuku's Case Reignites Racism Debate in Portugal

The recent acquittal of a police agent who shot and killed a 14-year-old boy named Kuku in a neighborhood of the outskirts of Lisbon in 2009 reignited the debate about racism and marginalized communities in Portugal, as well as multiplied the number of social media commentary repudiating the Portuguese judicial system.

Does Peru have Internet Freedom?

It is increasingly common to hear that a particular country is considering or actually enacting some type of law that would affect Internet freedom. Peru is not immune to this. We discussed the topic with Miguel Morachimo of Blawyer (a law and technology blog in Peru), and we reviewed what some other bloggers have said about Internet freedom.

Japan's Indigenous Ainu Head to New Zealand

Ainu, the indigenous people of Northern Japan seek cultural exchange with Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand.

Voices of Dignity – Women Survivors of Colombia's Armed Conflict

Through the powerful testimonies of Yoladis Zúñiga and Petronila Mendoza -two Colombian women who fled their homes after paramilitaries killed their husbands and raided their villages- the multimedia project Voices of Dignity provides an intimate and necessary look into the struggles of the victims of Colombia's armed conflict.

What is Web Mapping?

In this post we learn more about web mapping with MapBox's Ian Ward, as he explains some of the organization's recent projects and how these visualization tools are improving communication locally and globally.

Rare Protest in Beijing Against Express Train Catches China by Surprise

A protest against the Shenyang-Beijing Express Train Route in downtown Beijing on December 9, 2012 has caught many Chinese netizens by surprise. Some believe that it is a sign for further political reform, while some are holding their breathe and crossing their fingers.

Iran's Diplomatic Missions Under Attack

Iran's diplomatic missions have been under attack around the world in recent weeks by Iranians and Afghans, for different reasons. The actions sparked a hot debate within the Iranian blogosphere, with ideas ranging from praise to condemnation and denouncements.

Bahrain: Mahazza Village Still Under Siege

For almost a month in Bahrain, the village of Mahazza in Sitra has been under a security siege by the country's Interior Ministry. With the absence of free media in the country, citizen journalism, once again, was the only means of getting reports on what was happening on the ground. Through Facebook and Twitter, Bahrainis have posted their rallies in support of Mahazza and shared information about raids on houses and many arrests.

Taiwan is Sick: Student Protesters Tell the Minister of Education

As the Hong Kong based media group, Next Media Ltd., announced its decision to leave the Taiwan market, the stranglehold of media monopoly in Taiwan threatens to become more severe. Student activists believe that Taiwan is sick as its foundation of freedom has been eroded and they are calling for immediate legislation of the anti media monopoly law.

Angola: Comedic Complaints About Stereotypes, Cost of Living

Delvino Funetii, Angola's young video blogger who has been entertaining people for a year on Youtube, posted his first video in English. He first complains about stereotypes of African men as repair superheroes, and goes into a diatribe about the sudden price increase of his neighbor's cakes by four times....

Fighting Deportation in the U.S.

The national "We Belong Together" campaign is compiling testimonies in response to the passing of new immigration laws in the U.S. and addressing the prejudices they perpetuate.

Striker's ‘Scorpion Kick’ Goal Makes Bolivian Football History

Gastón Mealla, a 24 year-old Bolivian striker, made an improbable heel volley, a 'scorpion kick', scoring from outside the box during a local first-division match. FIFA nominated the goal to the 2012 Puskás Award. Despite not making the top 3 goals of the year, Gastón Mealla's astonishing scorpion kick will remain as one of the most spectacular goals of Bolivian football history.

Ecuador Launches Oil Auction Amid Indigenous Protests

On Wednesday November 28, 2012, Ecuador began an international licensing round for 13 oil blocks - nearly ten million acres - of untouched south-central Amazonian territory as indigenous leaders took to the streets in Quito to protest petroleum concessions on their lands.