22 August 2007

Stories from 22 August 2007

Russia: Blogger on Trial for Writing Fiction

Blogger Dmitry Shirinkin faces trial for having written on his blog that he had purchased a gun and was going to kill a few dozen people in one of the city’s colleges. According to Shirinkin, the text - posted on April 21, but made private on April 22 - was a work of fiction, "inspired" by the Virginia Tech shooting. According to the prosecutor's office, however, Shirinkin has violated Article 207 of the Russian Criminal Code by "distributing false information on a planned terrorist act." The trial is likely to take place in September; if convicted, the Russian blogger may receive a three-year prison sentence.

22 August 2007

Russia: Intermarriages

Of the more than 60,000 marriages in Moscow in the first half of 2007, a quarter were between native Muscovites – “typically an ethnic Russian woman – and a citizen...

22 August 2007

Jamaica: Media Emergency?

“I am a big supporter of the media and their freedom of speech. I do believe in the public’s right to know. However, I don’t know that the media has...

22 August 2007

Estonia: Russia

Yet another blog battle is raging in the comments section of Edward Lucas’ post on the Russo-Estonian relations.

22 August 2007

Cuba: Visit to Cuba

“In the end, despite all of Cuba's festering sores, I embraced the country like no other before. It was an odd feeling…I knew I could never live in the country,...

22 August 2007

Tanzania: How to shoot yourself in the foot

How to Shoot Yourself in the Foot is the lesson Tanzania’s parliament is delivering, at least for the time being, after its decision to suspend a Member of Parliament for Kigoma North, Zitto Kabwe, has turned into a mini victory for the opposition. Zitto, who keeps a blog, was suspended for allegedly lying to the parliament and humiliating the Energy and Minerals Minister, Nazir Karamagi.

22 August 2007

Belize: Safe After Dean

“It was like nothing I have ever experienced. I always thought that a hurricane would be loud, but it was almost deafening at times.” Belize-y Livin’ recounts her experience of...

22 August 2007

Barbados: Embracing Africa

Barbados is the venue for an African Diaspora conference that starts tomorrow – Caribbean Comment is all for the region forging links with Africa, but says: “Whatever we in the...

22 August 2007