Stories about Video from June, 2012
Egypt: Sexual Harassment as a Weapon Against Dissent?
June 8 was “Determination Friday” in Cairo, and people gathered at Tahrir Square in protest against verdicts from former president Mubarak trial. Fewer remained for the anti-sexual harassment protest starting at 6pm, a clear stand against increasing sexual harassment female protesters suffer. Rayna S. gathers reactions after the protest was attacked.
Tajikistan: After Being Banned, ‘The Dictator’ Movie Goes Viral
After the new spoof blockbuster, 'The Dictator', was banned in Tajikistan, it has become one of the most searched for movies in the country's pirate-DVD shops. Tajik netizens believe that there is a direct link between the ban and the movie's popularity in the country.
Saudi Arabia: Protests to Free Detainees Held Without Trial
The kingdom of Saudi Arabia is believed to have thousands of detainees who were not allowed access to trials and many of them do not even know their charges. The families of detainees have been working the past months through social media to spread the word and have finally decided to take their cause to the street. Mona Kareem charts how one protest emerged on Twitter.
The Evolution of African Social Welfare Systems
The implementation of national social welfare systems is still in its evolutionary phase for many African countries. The achievement of the systems currently in place are discussed by social protection experts in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Mexico: Netizens Weigh in on Documentary “Gimme The Power”
Mexicans weigh in on a politically charged documentary about the rock band Molotov. The film was released on Friday, June 1, 2012, exactly one month before the presidential elections.
Saudi Arabia: “Release Our Detainees or Put Them on Trial!”
The families of Saudi political detainees held a protest inside two shopping centres in the capital Riyadh, calling upon the government to release their relatives or put them on trial last night. Hundreds of people are held in Saudi Arabia without charges or trial.
Jailed Iranian Blogger Begins Dry Hunger Strike
The painful story of Iranian bloggers has a new face these days: Hossein Ronaghi Maleki, a jailed blogger who is serving a 15-year sentence in prison. Hossein has been on hunger strike since May, and has now stopped drinking water as well.
Pakistan: Suspected Honor Killing of Five Girls for Celebrating with Boys
Five girls are reported to have been killed in Kohistan, Pakistan, for dancing and listening to music in the presence of boys at a marriage celebration after being convicted by a jirga tribal court.
Spain: “Occupying” the Banks on the Street and the Net
The bailout of Bankia could cost 23,000 million euros but the governing politicians and the managers of Bankia do not seem interested in holding those responsible accountable. In the face of this, the Spanish people have taken matters into their own hands. Since the crisis began, popular initiatives have flourished both digitally and on the streets.
Brazil: Magazine Gives Homeless People a Chance
Ocas Magazine, handed out on the streets of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro since 2002, is one such publication that contains information that sets it apart from the mainstream press in Brazil. But it goes even further than that. It also provides a new start and work opportunities for the homeless and people who are at social risk.
China: Forgiving the Tiananmen Massacre Murderers?
While more than 180,000 people attended the annual candlelight vigil on June 4, in Hong Kong for China's June 4th incident (Tiananmen Square protests), exiled former student leader Chai Ling wrote that she has forgiven the murderers of the massacre. Her comments have stirred up a lot of debate.
Kenya: Urban Gardening Taking Root
In Kenya, city dwellers are learning different techniques to grow food for consumption and sale even in reduced spaces. For people with low or no income, urban gardening may be the key to food security. These videos show how food can be grown in containers and using limited space and resources.
India: Renewing The Solar Pledge On World Environment Day
On World Environment Day, India, amidst growing concerns of energy security and climate change, renews its pledge to harness solar power in search of cleaner, renewable energy.
Ethiopia: The Role of Journalists Under Dictatorships
A video showing Ethiopian Prime Minster Meles Zenawi being heckled at the 2012 G8 Food Security Symposium has sparked a debate about the role of journalists in authoritarian regimes. Ethiopian activist and journalist Abebe Gellaw is seen in the video shouting “Freedom, Freedom, Meles Zenawi is a dictator, you are committing crime against humanity.”
South Korea: Court Upholds Military Ban on “Subversive” Books
A South Korean court has upheld a Ministry of Defense ban in the army on 23 books labeled as "subversive", fueling public worries for the protection of free speech.
Argentina: The Return of ‘Cacerolazos’, Pot-banging Protests
On May 31 the 'cacerolazo' - a protest where people bang pots and pans - returned to Argentina in reaction to new foreign exchange measures, insecurity, and corruption, Argentines organized through social networks to protest in the streets and from their homes.
Ethiopia: Land, History and Justice in Gambella
Land activists are using online petitions, Facebook and Twitter to campaign against land grabbing in Ethiopia. It is reported that villagers in Gambella province are forced to settle in state-designated villages to pave way for land grabbers. Gambella is the poorest region in Ethiopia.
Kyrgyzstan: Civic Initiatives Seek to Tackle Bride-Kidnapping
Although bride kidnapping is officially a crime in Kyrgyzstan, it remains a common occurrence in the country's rural areas. With the authorities reluctant to clamp down on the practice, civil society organizations and creative troupes harness the power of performance to educate the population about the harmful effects of bride kidnapping.
Uruguay: Students Recall Receiving First “Ceibalitas” Five Years Later
In a video [es] published on YouTube, the first generation of Uruguayan students who received their “ceibalitas” -the OLPC XO-1 laptop computers that are part of Plan Ceibal (Ceibal Project)- look back five years to recount their experience representing the first primary students in the whole country to receive these...
Peru: Conflict Between Espinar Community and Mining Company
At the time of writing this post, the socio-environmental conflict in the province of Espinar, Cusco region, between the community and the mining company Xstrata Copper - Tintaya is on the eighth day of a strike by the community -protests are escalating in both violence and repression.
Taiwan: Flying Fish Season on Orchid Island
Every spring, when the flying fish are carried to Taiwan by the Kuroshio Current, Tao fishermen from Orchid Island are waiting for them. In fact, Tao culture is very much connected with the flying fish season.