Stories about Weblog from August, 2009
Global: Ramadan Mubarak
With the advent of Ramadan around the globe this weekend, Muslim and non-Muslim bloggers everywhere are wishing each other Ramadan mubarak (or "blessed Ramadan").
Peru: Contamination in Mining Town La Oroya
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights recently declared the petition admissible against the Peruvian State for committing human rights abuses against the residents of the mining city of La Oroya.
Greece: Wildfires encroaching on Athens
Forest fires are blazing still closer to Athens, the capital of Greece, threatening to consume even more land and property. Meanwhile, citizens are tracking developments via the web and Twitter.
World: Reactions to the Release of the “Lockerbie bomber”
A huge debate is brewing in both the mainstream media and the blogosphere regarding the release of the only man ever convicted over the bombing of Pam Am flight 103, Libyan Abdelbeset Ali Mohmed al Megrahi. Katharine Ganly sums up reactions here.
Armenia: Homophobia turns deadly
Even if homosexuality was decriminalized in Armenia in 2002, society remains largely intolerant and traditional in its values. With blogs providing LGBT activists with a medium through which to voice their concerns, such fears can now be highlighted more openly than before.
Serbia: Threats to LGBT Population
Serbia's gays are facing plenty of problems - and on Sept. 20, they are planning to hold a gay pride parade in Belgrade. Sinisa Boljanovic reviews some pro and contra reactions published on Serbian blogs and in other online venues.
Brazil: On the meaning of “Minorities with a majority complex”
A catchphrase uttered by Senator Renan Calheiros in an argument with another senator reinforces the presumption of a long-standing rivalry between São Paulo and the rest of Brazil.
Japan: Whaling. Scientific research or commercial hunting?
Only "scientific whaling" is allowed in Japan, since commercial whaling was banned in 1986. But this is often regarded by environmental organizations as a ruse to continue commercial hunting.
Ecuador: Continuing to Face the H1N1 Virus
With the number of deaths due to the H1N1 virus across the region reaching 1300, Ecuadorians provide their opinions on how the media is informing citizens, as well as a blogger's brush with the virus.
Iran: Testimonies of torture and rape
The Iranian authorities have been accused by UN experts and the opposition of torturing protesters of the June 12 presidential election results. Iranian civil society activists have been using citizen media to highlight testimonies about the Iranian tragedy.
Azerbaijan: Eurovision scandal continues
Despite attempts by the authorities to downplay the incident, news that the names and addresses of 43 citizens who voted for the Armenian entry in this year's Eurovision Song Contest had been obtained by police in Azerbaijan continues to send out shock waves through the Internet.
East Timor: Celebrating Global Solidarity for Freedom
Ten years after the referendum, global voices are again spreading the word for East Timor, but this time celebrating the strong international solidarity that back then culminated in the country's recognized self-determination.
Caribbean: “Gold Rush” in Berlin
If there was doubt in anyone's mind that Jamaica can lay claim to having the fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt's 19:19 win in the 200m final must have removed any skepticism. Once again, regional bloggers celebrate with their Jamaican counterparts.
Zambia: Reactions to Chiluba's acquittal
A magistrate in Lusaka acquitted former Zambian President Frederick Chiluba of corruption charges this week in a ruling that has received mixed reactions in Zambia.
South Africa: Is Caster Semenye a man or a woman?
Caster Semenye, a young South African runner who recently won a gold medal at the World championships in Berlin has been thrown into the spotlight, and not due to her victory but rather her gender. The question is: Is Caster Semenye a man or a woman? In this post we are summarising bloggers' reaction to the controversy.
Puerto Rico: Public News Channel Dismantled
The newsroom of Puerto Rico's only public channel was practically dismantled recently, allegedly due to budget cuts. The Puerto Rican blogosphere has been loaded with comments.
Afghanistan: Voting Day
Millions of Afghans defied Taliban threats and voted Thursday in the country’s second-ever presidential elections. Afghan bloggers share their experiences and feelings on this historic day.
Peru: Proposal Shortens Time for Media to Correct Inexact Information
The Peruvian Congress has begun to debate a bill that shortens the time for “inexact information” to be corrected by the media. Many journalists and bloggers are wondering who will decide what that term means.
Hong Kong: School drug testing scheme
The Hong Kong government insisted to go ahead in implementing the school drug testing scheme despite a growing concern over its violation of children's rights.
Palestine: Gaza's Culture Of Resistance
The first feature film produced by Hamas had its premiere in Gaza on August 1, part of an attempt by the movement to win support through cultural initiatives, building a "culture of resistance". In the same week, a play about filmmaking opened in Gaza. Bloggers have attended both, and give us their opinions.
Mauritania: A New Era?
Following a coup d'état a year ago, the election of the coup's leader, General Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, to the presidency, and the country's first-ever suicide bombing in early August, Mauritania continues to experience massive changes.
