Stories about Weblog from November, 2012
Egyptians Want to Overthrow Mursolini
Egyptians are back at the epi-centre of the Egyptian revolution, in Tahrir Square, in downtown Cairo, where they are protesting sweeping powers their newly elected president Mohamed Mursi has granted himself. They include a rushed draft constitution announced today (Nov 30, 2012), penned by an Islamist-led assembly, which has new Islamic references to Egypt's system of government as well as clauses which infringe on women's rights and freedom of speech.
40,000 Syrian Lives Lost in 20 Months
According to human rights organizations, more than 40,000 Syrians have been killed during the 20 months conflict in Syria. The violence in Syria has caused rapid deterioration of the humanitarian situation, where 4 million people expected to require assistance in Syria by early 2013, writes Rami Alhames
Virtual Game Leads to Real Job as Football Manager in Azerbaijan
A 21-year old university graduate who's favourite past-time is playing the computer game Football Manager was confirmed as the new manager for Azerbaijan side FC Baku's reserve team earlier this month. In an unprecedented move this gamer pipped former footballers including Frenchman Jean Pierre Papin to secure the job.
Wiping Out Ethiopia's History for the Sake of Development
Ethiopian netizens react to unconfirmed reports circulating online that iconic statues of Emperor Menelik II and Pope Abule Petros might be destroyed because of the construction of an Addis Ababa rail tunnel.
Peruvian Junior Volleyball Team Wins South American Cup
On Monday November 26, 2012, the Peruvian junior volleyball team won the South American Female Volleyball Championship. This is a historic result, after 32 years without getting any titles in that sports category. Bloggers have joined the celebration, and Twitter is buzzing with comments with the hashtag #matadorcitas (the team's nickname).
Palestine Gets “Symbolic” Upgrade at the UN
The upgrade of Palestine from an "entity" to a "non-member state" at the United Nations received a lukewarm reaction from netizens - who asked what a 'symbolic' gesture like recognising Palestine at the United Nations would do to Palestinians, particularly those living under Israeli occupation and refugees.
Nairobi Pulls Together During Matatu Vehicle Strike
On Thursday 29 November, most Nairobi city dwellers woke up to the harsh reality of the public service transport system going rogue. The Kenyan public service vehicles popularly known as matatus were demonstrating against the latest Traffic Amendment 2012.
Trinidad & Tobago: Kublalsingh's Hunger Strike Continues; So Does the Debate
Dr. Wayne Kublalsingh's ongoing hunger strike to protest the proposed route of a highway in south-western Trinidad is raising questions of transparency, good governance and the approach to political debate. Some bloggers feel that the current administration is out of touch with the needs of the people and they are concerned about the way in which the government is dealing with dissident voices.
‘Industrial Scale’ Hunting of Migratory Amur Falcons in Nagaland, India
Each year thousands of migratory Amur falcons are hunted by locals in the Indian State of Nagaland during their passage through that region. On November 1, 2012, Shashank Dalvi and Ramki Sreenivasan first documented the massacre at ‘Conservation India‘ site and the news went viral on social media which resulted in a ban on capturing or killing of the raptors.
“My Vote Under Arrest” Support for Iran's Opposition Leaders
Iranian former presidential candidates and Green Movement leaders, Mir-Hossein Mousavi, and Mehdi Karroub have been under house arrest for around 650 days. A group of Iranian netizens have turned to social media to raise awareness and push for their release.
Tortured Sudanese Female Journalist Speaks Up
Sudanese journalist Sumaya Ismail Hundosa, 34, was abducted from near her house on October 29, 2012, later to be found thrown inside a mud pit in a remote area in Khartoum on November 2, 2012, five days after her abduction. As the details of Hundosa's unprecedented torture unfolded, Sudanese netizens largely responded with shock and outrage, showing sympathy and solidarity with the journalist, writes Usamah Mohamed
Developing Latin America Hackathon Draws Near!
We are only 2 days short of commencing the regional hackathon Developing Latin America 2012. Anca Matioc, who is in charge of organising the event, spoke with us about the preparations. She also answered some questions relating to the development of a hackathon like Developing Latin America.
Tunisian Police Use Shotgun Shells Against Protesters
Over the last two days, Tunisian security forces fired shotgun shells at protesters in Siliana (north-west of the country), injuring 265 persons. Clashes erupted in this impoverished interior province, when police clashed with protesters calling for the departure of the local governor.
2013 Dakar Rally Will Visit Peru, Argentina, and Chile
For five consecutive years, the Dakar organization has chosen South American territory for its annual off-road competition. The 2003 route will cross three countries: Peru, Argentina, and Chile.
Life Sentence for Qatari Poet for Insulting Amir
The poem is said to praise the Arab Spring, drawing comparisons to other countries living in repression and under dictatorship. According to Qatari journalist Abdulla Al Athbah, Al-Deeb's poem was seen as insulting to the Qatari Amir, and called for overthrowing his rule.
Chinese Shareholders Trapped in the Stock Market's “Fraud”
As China's economy has been growing, its stock keeps sinking. Why is that so? Many shareholders blame corruption and economic experts call for finance regulation reform.
Politically-Charged Questionnaire Triggers Tibetan Student Protest in China
On November 26, 2012 about one thousand Tibetan students protested in Chabcha County, Qinghai Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, against a politically-charged questionnaire on a Medical School campus .
Singapore: Bus Drivers Participate in “Illegal Strike”
About 171 Chinese bus drivers from SMRT – a major public transport provider in Singapore – went on strike to protest the salary discrepancy between Chinese and Malaysian bus drivers working for the company. A government official condemned the action as an 'illegal strike'
Egypt: Down with The Tyrant – Take Three!!
In what is being described as the third wave of the Egyptian revolution, Egyptians across the country and not only Cairo took to the streets again to make a strong message that they are more than willing to take down another tyrant in the making.
Spotlight on China's ‘Re-education Through Labour’
Ren Jiayu, a former village official in Chongqing, who was sentenced to re-education through labour for criticizing the government was released and put under the spotlight of state-controlled media. Many believe it is a showcase for upcoming reform in China after the 18th National Chinese Communist Party Congress.
Impunity Prevails over State of Law in Guinea
Arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture, rigged trials and executions are not difficult to find in Guinea's history. The impunity enjoyed by the officials guilty of these crimes is reviewed by different observers from Guinea.
