Stories about Weblog from April, 2013
Hundreds Killed and Trapped in Bangladesh Garment Factory Collapse
Yet another factory disaster in Bangladesh, this time a nine story building collapsed killing more than 142 and injuring close to a thousand people. Many more are still trapped, and rescue operations continue. The tragedy is man-made as the factory management forced labors to work in an unsafe building.
Saudi Judge Bars Women from Trial of Human Rights Activist
Just ten days after the first Saudi woman was granted a lawyer's license, a judge prohibited women from attending the public trial of activist Dr. Abdualkareem al-Khudar, founding member of the Kingdom's defiant leading human rights organisation, the Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association (ACPRA).
Diaper Ad Hit for ‘Twisting’ Philippine History
A popular diaper manufacturer has been ordered to stop airing a TV advertisement that parodies an episode in Philippine history. An online petition was also initiated which criticized the ad for “insulting the Filipino people.”
Cheap Gold Puts China in a Frenzy
Mainland Chinese tourists tempted by the plunging price of gold emptied Hong Kong's local banks and jewelry shops over the weekend of the precious metal.
Tokyo Joins NASA's App Challenge
Japan participated in NASA's International Space Apps Challenge 2013 with a hackathon in Tokyo on April 21 and 22, 2013. Eighteen project teams developed apps with the aim of improving life on Earth and in space, including an app to create dishes in a shape of celestial bodies [ja] such as...
China Says ‘No’ to Japan's Earthquake Aid Offer
The Chinese government has turned down Japan’s offer to help with relief efforts following an earthquake in China's southwest Sichuan province that left at least 193 people dead and more than 12,000 injured.
Documenting Cases Of Discrimination To End Untouchability
Video Volunteers, an international media and human rights NGO, launched the ARTICLE 17 campaign last year which involves taking actions on testimonies of different forms of untouchability documented on video by Community Correspondents. So far 30 videos are available which documents untouchability practices across India.
Video: Shop Assistants Beat South African Woman Accused of Shoplifting
Mother of four Esther Mankge, 49, was filmed begging for mercy while two alleged staff members of a local shop in Limpopo, South Africa, were beating her with ropes, belts, a broom and a rubber hammer.
Expectations Run High for Immigration Reform in the United States
In a massive rally in Washington DC, protesters, activists and community leaders called for immigration reform that would legalize the status of some 11 million immigrants in the United States. Their cause seems to have been heard by a bipartisan group of senators who have just proposed a new immigration bill. Netizens weigh in.
Malawi: Presidents, Pop Stars and the ‘White Savior’ Complex
It started out as a disagreement over definitions, and soon it escalated into a war of words between President Joyce Banda of Malawi and Madonna.
Japan's Next Election Campaign will be Tweeted, Emailed and Blogged
Japan has approved a bill that will allow political candidates to tweet and blog during their election campaigns. Up until recently Japanese electoral candidates had to cautiously navigate their Facebook pages, Twitter accounts and blogs to avoid breaking the country's strict election laws which banned all online political activity.
Ghana's First Ever Social Media Award Winners
The results are in for Ghana's first ever social media awards.
Trinidad & Tobago: Jack Fell Down and Broke His Crown
Years of accusations against former FIFA Vice-President turned Trinidad and Tobago's Minister of National Security, Jack Warner, came to a head yesterday as the country's Prime Minister accepted his resignation from Cabinet. Netizens are watching the developments with interest, as they wonder who, if anyone, will come tumbling after...
Your Legal Guide to Digital Security for Arab Human Rights Activists
The Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression, in Egypt, issued a “legal guide to digital security” as part of its digital freedoms programme. The guide was produced for campaigners and human rights activists and lawyers interested in freedom of digital expression and the confidentiality of communications and information stored on mobile phones, computers or any other device used to store or distribute data or information..
Saudis Debate 1,000-Mile Yemen Border Fence
Earlier this month, BBC reported that Saudi Arabia is building a 1,000-mile fence on its border with Yemen. The news was barely reported in Saudi national press, but it was widely and critically reported in Yemeni press. The development was debated tensely in the Saudi Twittersphere. Supporters cited its absolute necessity for the safety of the kingdom while opponents spoke about the tighter siege it will impose on the Yemeni people.
Brazilians Accuse FIFA of Stamping Out Local Culture
Anger in Brazil is on the rise as World Cup authorities refuses to allow street vendors in the northeastern city of Salvador, one of 12 cities hosting the 2014 football competition, from selling a typical local food known as "acarajé" during the Cup. Some are accusing FIFA of trying to snuff out Brazilian culture from World Cup branding.
Venezuela: The Start of Reconciliation?
In the midst of the confusion and clashes that set the standard in the streets and on the Internet after the elections on 14th April, citizen media were also the stage of much reflection.
Indonesia: Reflections on Women's Emancipation Day
Kartini Day or Women's Emancipation Day is celebrated every year on April 21 in Indonesia to honor Raden Ajeng Kartini, a champion of women's rights. For many Indonesians, Kartini's vision of gender equality has yet to be realized
Hong Kong Man Arrested for Cursing China's President with Graffiti
The excessive use of police force in the recent arrest of a man who wrote graffiti cursing the Chinese President has outraged many in Hong Kong.
The Future of a Community Library in Puerto Rico is Threatened
Library users were saddened to learn that this local institution would be closed until further notice because of insufficient funds to repair its damaged roof. The Library is exploring sources of financial assistance to meet immediate needs and protect its collection.
Venezuela: Post-Election Suspicion and Uncertainty Spark Violence
Heated arguments about the outcome of Venezuela's elections on April 14 continue in the streets and on the Internet. Social networks are full of angry messages and accusations from both sides of the political aisle that separates followers of Chavismo from anti-government supporters.
