Stories from 23 August 2009
Armenia: Ultra-nationalist homophobic death threat
Unzipped: Gay Armenia comments on a death threat made against a prominent LGBT writer by an ultra-nationalist group in Armenia. The blog says that this latest development in what still remains a traditionally homophobic society marks a new move to create internal enemies and hopes that law enforcement agencies will...
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.
Iran: Tohidloo, a reformist blogger was released
Somayeh Tohidloo, an Iranian female reformist blogger, walked free [fa] from jail today. She had been arrested 71 days ago.
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.