Stories about Latin America from May, 2013
'14 Million: Life, Family & Liberty’ Movement Sparks Controversy in Ecuador
"14 million" is a citizen initiative that seeks to protect the rights of the family by opposing the free distribution of the day-after pill and other family planning policies in Ecuador. Even though part of the citizenry supports the movement, others -including President Rafael Correa- reject the group's ideas.
Private Plane Trip Rocks Costa Rican Government
Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla has been questioned for using a private airplane owned by a company linked to a businessman who is allegedly involved with drug trafficking in Colombia. Some of the President's closest officials have had to present their resignations as a result of the incident.
Update on Colombia Peace Process
WOLA (Washington Office on Latin America) has published an update on the talks between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The report concludes: As they...
Panama President Levels Dirty Accusations Against Journalist on Twitter
The president called a journalist who wrote an article about his electricity-related business dealings a "sexual harasser" and "crooked" (accepting bribes or blackmail). The social networks reacted in a variety of ways.
Nicaraguans Defend Law Against Violence Towards Women
In April a campaign entitled "I Support Law 779" began on social networks demanding that the "Integral Law Against Violence Towards Women" be respected before numerous reforms that religious leaders and members of the Supreme Court of Justice proposed.
“Who Wants to be Prestigious?”
On the blog section [es] of Chilean newspaper El Mercurio [es], columnist Leila Guerriero analyzes the meaning of prestige [es] and notes: Rock musicians have been smart: ‘rock star’ is...
Peru: Strike in Iquitos in Protest of Corruption
A 24 hour strike in the city of Iquitos, in the Peruvian Amazon, attempted to call attention to suspected acts of corruption within the Regional Government of Loreto and the apparent involvement with which the Judicial Power is taking these cases.
Bolivia's Evo Morales Approved for Re-Election Bid
Amid protests and strikes by workers seeking better pensions, Bolivian lawmakers approved legislation that allows President Evo Morales to run for re-election in December 2014.
Latin American Congress of Living Cultures
Rituals, reflections, poetic “assaults”… From May 17 to 23, 2013, the first Latin American Congress of Community Living Cultures [es] will invade the streets of La Paz, Bolivia. The city will...
Jorge Videla, Argentina's Ex-Military Leader, Dies in Jail
At the age of 87, the last Argentinean dictator sentenced for crimes against humanity, Jorge Rafael VIdela, died in jail.
Bolivian Workers Protest Seeking Better Pensions
Tension is growing in Bolivia as miners, teachers, health service workers and public university staff -all affiliated to the Central Workers Union- are on strike since May 6 demanding an increase in their retirement pension scheme.
Mothers of Missing Mexicans Go On Hunger Strike
Mothers and other family members of the missing in Mexico have been holding a hunger strike since May 9 to demand that the government keep its promise to search for their loved ones.
Uprooted by Brazilian Power Plant, River Residents Try to Rebuild
Due to flooding caused by the Jirau power plant under construction in the Brazilian Amazon, river dwellers were removed to a village specially built to house displaced victims. Unable to adapt to that new style of life, they moved closer to the river. They worry about what will happen with the community once construction is finished and the jobs are gone.
Dominican Catholic Church Sues NGO for Sexual Education Campaign
The Catholic Church filed a claim against the Dominican Association for Family Welfare (Profamilia) to withdraw their advertising campaign, "Your sexual and reproductive rights are human rights."
Brazilian Boy Band Tour Continues Despite Rape Indictments
Despite nine members of the 'pagode' boy band New Hit being indicted for the gang rape of two sixteen-year-old girls, the group has continued with its national tour regardless
Chilean Michelle Bachelet's Bid for Presidency
Center-left coalition leader and former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet looks for a second Presidential term, focusing on themes of inequality, universal education, and tax reform. But have lessons been learned...
Peru: “Freedom Camp” Raises Awareness of Possible TPP Consequences
The "Campamento por la Libertad" ("Freedom Camp") took place last weekend in Lima, focusing on raising awareness of the consequences that the signing and implementation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) could bring. Find out here about what transpired and what was created.
Domestic Violence Protection for Everyone
Blogger and feminist lawyer Verónica Rivera Torres writes [es] about the piece of legislations that seeks to extend the Law Against Domestic Violence (Law 54) in Puerto Rico to same sex...
“I Am a Director”
Alternative blog Puerto Rico Indie reviews [es] the recent Puerto Rican film “I Am a Director,” which was partially financed through Kickstarter: The film, made in the ‘mockumentary’ style or fictitious...
“Mom, I Am in Love With a Woman”
On occasion of the celebration of Mother's Day, tomorrow Sunday May 12, feminist activist Amárilis Pagán writes about the experience [es] of telling her mother she was in love with another...
Mapping the Cuban Blogosphere
Blogger Yasmín S. Portales comments on the challenges of mapping the Cuban blogosphere, including everything and anything written in blogs. This is her most recent project: A directory is a...
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