· September, 2011

Stories about Latin America from September, 2011

Cuba: Inequitable Party

  30 September 2011

Generation Y compares the official distribution of “rental properties, cars, businesses [and] houses” to a pinata at a children's party, saying: “What is most worrying is [that] the…existence of such a mechanism will undoubtedly feed corruption, ‘socialism,’ and put into the hands of government sympathizers the fattest strings for when...

Brazil: Citizens Blame Governor for Police Charge on Teachers

  30 September 2011

Brazilian citizens used the hashtag #CidEspancaProfessores (Cid beats teachers) in solidarity with public school teachers who were beaten by the police on September 29. That day, a proposal of the governor Cid Gomes for changes in the career development of teachers was passed in the Legislative Assembly of Ceará. After...

Cuba: Jailed Activists

  29 September 2011

Uncommon Sense continues to keep a close eye on three members of the Damas de Blanco who were arrested recently, as well as political prisoner Sara Martha Fonseca, whose son was allegedly attacked after trying to obtain information about his jailed parents.

Mexico: Baja California Anti-Abortion Law Upheld by Supreme Court

  29 September 2011

The Mexican Supreme Court failed by one vote to overturn a Baja California law that declares that life begins at conception. Aguachile calls this “tragic news” and argues that in “In other states, PRI and PAN local legislators will feel emboldened by the Supreme Court decision to press similar legislation.”

Chile: Indigenous Leaders to Meet With Congress

  29 September 2011

In Indigenous News, Ryan Seelau reports that “on October 4th and 5th, Indigenous leaders from across Chile will meet with the Chilean Congress to discuss the implementation of ILO [International Labor Organization] Convention 169, and particularly, the right to consultation.”

Brazil: The Sexist Ad of Supermodel Gisele Bundchen

  29 September 2011

Thalita, from the blog Futepoca, comments [pt] on a lingerie advertisement featuring the Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen that has been object of intense discussion because of its alleged sexist content.  

Brazil: The Tie of the Case Folha Versus Falha

  29 September 2011

It's a tie, says [pt] the journalist Luiz Carlos Azenha about the sentence of the case of the newspaper Folha de São Paulo versus the satirical blog Falha de São Paulo. Journalist Rodrigo Vianna discloses [pt] an interview he made with Lino Bocchini, Falha's creator, and also reproduces the legal...

Cuba: A Tireless Defender of Gay Rights

  29 September 2011

Francisco Rodríguez Cruz is a Cuban journalist and activist who for over a year has maintained a controversial blog committed to advancing the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community in Cuba.

Puerto Rico: Online Forum for Good Dads

  28 September 2011

“Over the years, I've worried about how I'm doing as a father”, says Gil the Jenius – which is why he has nothing but praise for a new website that “bring[s] good Dads together and let[s] them…share what it is to be a father.”

Cuba: 14 on Trial for Girl's Death

  28 September 2011

“It seems that we’re destined to remain in the dark about yet another case that we’ve only found out about through foreign newspapers and independent bloggers”: Rosa Martinez, writing at Havana Times, doesn't understand the authorities’ silence on the death of a Cuban minor.

Cuba: Female Prisoner on Hunger Strike

  28 September 2011

Pedazos de La Isla uploads a video showing “what happened on Saturday, September 24th, to Sara Marta Fonseca Quevedo and other dissidents who were peacefully protesting”, while Uncommon Sense notes that Fonseca has since begun a hunger strike.

El Salvador: Youth Participation in Elections

  28 September 2011

Blogger Jjmar from Hunnapuh [es] comments on youth's lack of interest in the elections and in politics in general, a problem which Jjmar argues is reflected in the low number of registered young voters in the 2009 elections and for the upcoming 2012 elections.

Cuba: More Arrests Post-March

  27 September 2011

More reports of activists being arrested in the wake of a peaceful protest march that took place this past Saturday.

Colombia: Bogota's Mayoral Campaign

  27 September 2011

Mike Ceaser comments on Bogota Mayoral candidate Enrique Peñalosa's decision to “campaign with ex-President Alvaro Uribe.” Mike argues that “by campaigning with the conservative Uribe […] Peñalosa is giving up any chance for the vote of young progressives, altho [sic] few supported him as it is.”

Chile: Students Protest Mayor's Decision

  27 September 2011

Erwin at The Latin Americanist updates readers on the student movement: “Last week Cristian Labbe, mayor of Providencia, ordered the suspension of the school year and permitted police to remove student protesters who have been residing on local campuses.[…]” Labbe also declared that students who lived outside of Providencia would...

About our Latin America coverage

Gabriela Mesones Rojo
Gabriela Mesones Rojo is the Latin America Spanish-language editor. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.

Fernanda Canofre
Fernanda Canofre is the Brazil editor. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.