Stories about Weblog from June, 2013
New Regulations for Skype and Viber in Bahrain
“Security considerations” are being cited as reasons behind new regulations which could put an end to the use of popular services such as Skype, WhatsApp, Viber and Tango in Bahrain. A government official says a study is being conducted to regulate Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications - popular services, whose use is costing telecommunication companies.
Saudi Forces Hunt and Kill ‘Wanted’ Protester in Residential Area
According to netizen reports, Saudi Emergency Forces entered residential areas in the eastern city of Qatif over two nights, and opened fire. An innocent bystander was killed on the first night, and a man 'wanted' by authorities for protesting and demanding reform in the Kingdom, was shot dead on the second night.
Yemen, Beyond the Headlines
Yemen is a country rich in culture, heritage, and history, as well as extremely friendly and hospitable. But that doesn't make the news, and Yemen is often reduced to Al-Qaeda, poverty, and wars in Western media coverage. But through film, photography, blogging, and social media, some Yemenis are trying to change that.
Chinese Social Web Slams Local Dog Meat Festival
The annual dog meat festival in China’s southwestern city of Yulin in Guangxi province is a summer tradition for many. But this year the festival was met with outcry online and calls for a boycott.
#FueraChepo: Mexican Fans Want National Football Team's Coach to Quit
Mexican national football team fans are demanding that the team's coach, José Manuel "Chepo" de la Torre, resign or be fired, after the team's results in the FIFA Confederations Cup and in the qualifying stage for the 2014 World Cup.
Haze Chokes Singapore and Malaysia
Air quality in Singapore and West Malaysia hit hazardous levels after forest fires swept neighboring Indonesia. It's the worst haze in recent years in Southeast Asia. Malaysia has suspended school in affected states while Singapore advised its citizens to prepare for a prolonged haze. Indonesia has already formally apologized for the haze.
Indonesia Fuel Price Hike Ignites Protests
Indonesia's decision to raise fuel prices has ignited a lot of debates and protests as well. Thousands of students and workers trooped to the streets to condemn the new fuel price scheme. However, the government insists the price hike is necessary to save the economy.
Saudi Human Rights Activist Sentenced To 8 Years in Prison
Abdulkareem al-Khadar, founding member of the Kingdom's defiant leading human rights organisation, the Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association (ACPRA), was sentenced to eight years in prison for inciting public opinion and establishing an unlicensed human rights organization, among other charges.
Palestinian Assaf Wins Arab Idol Singing Contest
Palestinian Mohammed Assaf won the title of this year's Arab Idol, the Arabic version of American Idol. Because there are contestants from different Arab countries, the citizens of each country consider the win a national trophy. Assaf's win sent thousands to the streets celebrating, chanting and dancing.
Spanish Taxman Confuses Princess’ ID for Another's in Corruption Investigation
A supposed administrative error by the Spanish tax agency falsely attributing the sale of 13 estates to the Princess Cristina as part of the ongoing corruption case against her husband has Internet users taunting the agency for its clumsy mistake.
Salafists Attack Shia Homes in Egypt, Killing Four
Four Egyptian adherents of the Shia faith were killed in Egypt today when the house they were meeting in was attacked by Salafists, following two weeks of instigation against the Shia. According to various reports, the house the Shia were meeting in, in Giza, Cairo, was attacked and burned. Al Badil News quotes a witness from the mortuary [ar] who says that one of those killed was slaughtered and the remaining three had injuries to their heads. The horrific incident unleashed anger online.
Peru: Anti-mining Protests Against Conga Resume
Starting in the early hours of Monday, June 17, the residents of several villages in Cajamarca headed to Lake Perol, on the grounds of the Conga mining project, to demonstrate in its defense.
Outrage in the European Union over United States Espionage Program
After Edward Snowden revealed the existence of PRISM, a North American secret service program, a few days ago, European Union authorities have demanded explanations from the North American government.
Floods, Landslides Devastate Northern India
Devastating floods and landslides in northern India have killed more than 500 people and left about 70,000 with little food and shelter because of damaged or blocked roads.
Zimbabwean MP Killed in ‘Suspicious’ Car Crash
Outspoken Zimbabwean member of parliament Edward Chindori-Chininga, who was investigating the ties between the ruling party and the country's diamond industry, has died in an automobile accident under what some are calling suspicious circumstances.
Iran: “We're Going to the World Cup!” (VIDEOS)
Iranians are relieved to be celebrating for a change. On Tuesday, June 18, 2013 they stormed the streets with joy after Iran's national football team qualified for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Censorship and Police Brutality Mark Three Weeks of Turkish Protests
It's been three weeks since massive protests started across Turkey. Since their start on May 31, the country has witnessed media censorship, police brutality, protests by the thousands and the deaths and injury of protestors. Here is the summary of past three weeks.
Weather, Umpire or Poor Strategy to Blame in West Indies Cricket Elimination?
Caribbean cricket fans are still disappointed over the West Indies Cricket team's elimination from the 2013 Champions Trophy after they drew with South Africa (via the Duckworth-Lewis method) in their final, rain-shortened, group match.
One Dead as Massive Wave of Protests Sweeps Across Brazil
A young man was killed after he was hit by a car in Ribeirao Preto and dozens were hurt in confrontations with the police in Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, and Salvador as more than a million people took to the streets of large and small cities throughout Brazil in the biggest protests seen in the country in two decades.
‘V for Thailand’ Protesters Call for Ouster of Thai Prime Minister
The group which calls itself ‘V for Thailand’ has already organized three mass assemblies in Thailand’s capital this month demanding the ouster of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Wearing white Guy Fawkes masks, protesters have decried the alleged corruption in the government.
Brazilians Poke Fun at Intelligence Agency Spooks
In the face of protests that have swiped across Brazil, the Brazilian Intelligence Agency (ABIN) were summoned by the government to monitor protesters through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and even WhatsApp. Brazilian netizens are in fits of giggles at the news.
