Stories about Weblog from June, 2013
Social Media Plays Crucial Role in Brazil's ‘Vinegar Revolt’ Protests
Citizens all across Brazil are collaboratively covering the street protests that erupted nationwide this June. A number of new websites, tools and blogs have emerged to help publicize complaints and mobilize protests throughout the country. Check out some of the platforms that have being used.
China Announces Campaign to Weed Out Party Corruption
The Chinese Communist Party is launching a year-long campaign to clean up the party to do away with corrupt elements in its organization. But many Chinese netizens have expressed skepticism toward the campaign, arguing that democracy with the open participation of the people, and not a closed internal process, is the best way to get rid of corruption.
Inter-oceanic Canal Project Leads to Doubt and Rejection in Nicaragua
A controversial law granting a Chinese company the concession to build an inter-oceanic canal in Nicaragua has generated great discussion among the population. Although the law was passed by the National Assembly as a matter of urgency, a feasibility study of the real impact on the country has not yet been conducted.
A Year of Demanding Justice in Paraguay: What Happened in Curuguaty?
A year after a clash that resulted in the death of 11 farm workers and 6 police officers in Curuguaty, Paraguay, organizations that defend human rights and farm workers point out that the criminal case investigating the incident is partial and that there were several human rights violations during the proceedings, such as executions and subjecting the farm workers to torture as acts of revenge.
‘Qandisha’, the Women's Webzine that is Ruffling Feathers in Morocco
A webzine for women in Morocco is causing a stir for its frank treatment of religion and sexuality. Global Voices recently caught up with the founder, Fedoua Miski.
Interview: “How Are Things in Bamako, Mali?”
At the time of writing, June 2013, France is still fighting Islamists in Mali. Paris-based Anne Morin and Awa Traoré, her friend in Bamako decided to share a video journal of their conversations on Skype on YouTube. Anne wanted to stay up to date with the region's news, and also with her friends. She told Global Voices' Anna Gueye more about this journal as well as her links with Mali.
Egyptians Plan Protests for #June30 to Topple Muslim Brotherhood Rule
Egyptians are back to the drawing board, planning protests for June 30, to “topple the regime.” The date, being circulated on social media under the hashtag #June30, marks the first anniversary of the rule of President Mohamed Morsi, a Muslim Brotherhood candidate, who was elected after massive protests started on January 25, 2011, had uprooted Hosni Mubarak.
Colombia: Learning from Vallenato
Amongst Colombian Twitter users, the trend of publishing phrases from Vallenato songs -under the tag #Elvallenatomeenseñó (Vallenato taught me)- has emerged, with the intention of highlighting famous lyrics immortalised in songs that reflect different life lessons.
Anti-Government Protests Rock Bulgaria's New Leadership
Mass protests begin in Sofia and across Bulgaria after the appointment of controversial politician Delyan Peevski to the position of Head of the Bulgarian National Security Agency.
China Shoots Down Accusations that Edward Snowden is a Spy
Edward Snowden, the whistleblower behind the revelations of the United States massive Internet spying program, turned to the Guardian newspaper once again, this time for an online Q&A, shortly after China broke its silence over the leaking scandal and said Snowden was not a spy for the country. Despite a cautious response from the government, China's online world has been abuzz with chatter surrounding the case.
‘China Open Mic': Examining China's Development Footprint in Africa
The arrests and the release of Chinese gold miners was the topic of the very first China Open Mic Google hangout organised by China Open Mic Sunday, June 16, 2013. China Open Mic (@ChinaOpenMic) is an open space that aims to inform and transform thinking on China in global development in the digital age.
Ecuador Passes Controversial Communications Law
After almost four years of debate, the Ecuadorian National Assembly passed a controversial Law of Communications propelled by President Rafael Correa. While government authorities have celebrated the passage of the law, journalistic organizations and the opposition consider it a "gag" on freedom of expression in the country.
Nothing Can Stop Brazil's Vinegar Revolt, Not Even FIFA
As the international Confederation Cup football tournament played on in Brazil, massive protests against rising bus fares spread throughout the country.
Caribbean: Is Somebody Watching?
The ongoing saga with U.S. Internet surveillance whistleblower Edward Snowden has captured the attention of the world. In two blog posts, one from Trinidad and Tobago and the other from Cuba, there is an interesting juxtaposition between high-tech spying and old-fashioned intelligence, even though they both pit the citizens against the state.
Julian Assange, Calle 13, and Twitter Users Write a Song Together
René Pérez, from the musical group Calle 13, and Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks, gathered ideas and suggestions from Twitter users to write a song together that will go on Calle 13's next album.
Baloch Separatists Bomb Historic Residence of Pakistan's Founder
A series of bombs planted by militant nationalists in southwestern Pakistan have destroyed the 19th-century residence of the country's founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
Rise in Gas Prices Revives Debate over Campaign Promise in Peru
President Humala had promised to set the price to 12 soles (around 4.39 U.S. dollars). But the problem with hydrocarbons is more complex on the international scene.
Fed up with ‘Rats’, Mexicans Support ‘Candidate Cat Morris’ for Mayor
The people of the state of Veracruz express their support for Morris, a cat who is "running" for the upcoming mayoral elections on July 7 under the slogan of “no more rats”. However, some think that this campaign could benefit a specific political party.
Venezuelan Universities On Strike Demand Economic Improvements
Venezuelan universities have declared an indefinite strike to demand an improvement in professor wages. As such, with the controversies that have taken place in recent months between government representatives and public universities, another episode of a long conflict is being written.
Experts and Citizens Discuss ‘Free Culture’ in Quito, Ecuador
The Second International Congress on Free Culture was held in Quito, Ecuador, focusing on universal access to knowledge, artistic and cultural creation, the administration of culture, collective production, open access to scientific works, the use of alternative licenses, new teaching models, and the benefits for the people.
Paying Tribute to Captain Mbaye Diagne, The Senegalese Hero of Rwanda
At the time of writing, June 2013, official commemoration of victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide is continuing around the world. But few people still remember Captain Mbaye Diagne. However, this young officer from the Senegalese army showed bravery at a time when the rest of the world was demonstrating cowardice. Enrico Muratore has been fighting for years to ensure that the name of this hero is not forgotten.
