1 February 2011

Stories from 1 February 2011

Russia: Online Freedom of Expression in 2010

RuNet Echo

In 2010, as the Internet became an increasingly important medium of communication for Russians—which a 40 percent spike in RuNet’s daily audience (RuMetrica) indicates—the issue of freedom of expression online gained in prominence. To a greater extent than ever before, Russians have begun to use the Internet as a channel for political activism and mobilization, a development that Russian leadership has found unnerving, as evidenced by its efforts to clamp down on cyberspace activity.

1 February 2011

Egypt: Thugs Unleashed to Terrorise Protesters

Government-paid thugs have been unleashed on protesters across Egypt, in a bid to scare them and let them break their protests, which have been on going for eight days. On Twitter, netizens from around the world shook their heads in horror as the provocation unfolded.

1 February 2011

Egypt: “We Want Mubarak to Go Now!”

A defiant Hosni Mubarak addressed the Egyptian people for the second time since protests calling for an end of his regime started eight days ago. His first address fired back on him, drawing more anger from the crowds who want to see him gone, after he has been at the helm of their country for 30 years. And his second speech is not faring any better. Tonight, he told Egyptians that he will not run in the November presidential elections, rallying the impatient crowds at Tahrir Square even more.

1 February 2011

Video: Explosive Chinese Popcorn

Videos of a unique Chinese popcorn making technique are doing their rounds on the internet. While for many popcorn popping has a unique rhythm to it that trickles from a single popping kernel to a deluge of pings and pops;  in China, popcorn pops with a bang.

1 February 2011

Portugal: Reflections on Egypt

Portuguese bloggers react to the wave of revolts in Tunisia and Egypt in recent weeks, relating it to issues in their country. In this post we select some of reflections by Portuguese citizens on the scenario of change in comparative, and local and international perspectives.

1 February 2011

Bangladesh: Asian University Of Women Blossoming

Marina Mahathir, daughter of the ex-Malaysian statesman Mahathir Mohamad, visited the Asian University For women in Chittagong, Bangladesh for the second time in three years and reports its progress.

1 February 2011

Peru: Gay Marriage Becomes Presidential Election Issue

Same-sex marriage has been debated for some time, and its possible legalization has become a part of the election platforms of presidential candidates in Peru. This follows the rejection of the matter by a representative of the Catholic Church. The issue has generated many diverse reactions.

1 February 2011

Mexican Ambassador in London Demands Apology From BBC

In Mexico Unmasked, Tim Johnson reports: “[…]‘outrageous,’ ‘vulgar,’ ‘inexcusable,’ ‘offensive,’ ‘xenophobic’ and ‘humiliating.’ Ambassador Eduardo Medina Mora used those words in a public letter demanding that the BBC apologize for...

1 February 2011

Cuba: Uncovering Martí

Repeating Islands blogs about the commemoration of the 158th birthday of national hero José Martí, while Iván's File Cabinet says: “The government likes to sell the image of a sad...

1 February 2011

Arab World: A Revolution Time-Table

An Arab revolution time-table is being circulated online, with potential revolution dates pencilled in for Sudan, Syria, Algeria, Libya and Morocco. The dates are January 30 (Sudanese students are already marching the streets), February 5, February 12 and March 3, respectively. Here's some of the chatter from Twitter.

1 February 2011

Egypt: Millions March Across Egypt, Calling on Mubarak to Step Down

Different figures are being circulated online, but the fact remains one. Millions of people from all walks of life marched across Egypt today, calling on president Hosni Mubarak to step down. Even more people are cheering on them to insist on their demands, as the world continues to watch them on news channels, which are broadcasting developments live worldwide.

1 February 2011