23 October 2010

Stories from 23 October 2010

Indonesia: Torture video

  23 October 2010

A video shows Indonesian soldiers torturing prisoners in West Papua. Human rights groups describe the footage as “Indonesia's Abu Ghraib.”

Thailand: New book on Lese Majeste

  23 October 2010

David writes about a new book that tackles the rise of lese majeste cases in Thailand. Between 2006 and 2009, at least 765 persons were prosecuted for lèse majesté.

Ukraine: Dog does Parkour

  23 October 2010

This video is once again making its rounds internationally, adding a twist to the usual parkour video. In it,  a  Staffordshire Terrier can be seen running up walls, trees and jumping from obstacle to obstacle.

China: Looking at Xi Jinping, possible future ruler

  23 October 2010

As with all of China's top leaders, little is known or allowed to be known about the country's likely next ruler, Xi Jinping, despite a curious public. The man has lots of fans, though, and despite wide-ranging censorship, together they have a few important things to say about Xi and China's future.

Saudi Arabia: Genie in Court

  23 October 2010

"I was under the influence of a genie" is the latest excuse for administrative corruption in Saudi Arabia. A corrupt judge, a genie and a religious investigation panel, which claims to have interrogated the genie, create a plot to good for Saudi netizens to pass on. Haifa Alrasheed brings us the latest reactions on the story.