Stories from 2 June 2011
Moldova: Liga Islamica and the (Limited) Religious Tolerance
The official registration of the Islamic League early this spring in Moldova has led to negative reactions and protests from the local politicians, the Orthodox Christian clergy and the public. Diana Lungu translates some Moldovan bloggers' responses.
Brazil: After All There is a Place for Belo Monte Dam
Despite the disastrous social and environmental impact in the Amazon, the brazilian government has allowed for the construction of Belo Monte dam. Netizens are raising awareness by sharing a photo...
Sri Lanka: Presidential Intervention
Freedom Of Expression In Sri Lanka reports that “the head of the President’s media unit has pressurized all newspaper institutions to remove the head line they had in their news...
Russia: Social Networks and Civic Mobilisation
What effect can the rapid development of social networks, the growth of the number of users, and the strengthening of their capacity for social impact and mobilisation have, and when? Marina Litinovich analyses the factors contributing to public mobilisation via social networks.
Argentina: Controversy Over Debate With Opposition Intellectual Beatriz Sarlo on TV Show ‘678’
The appearance of the famous literary and cultural critic Beatriz Sarlo in the popular television program '6, 7, 8' on May 24 triggered a burst of reactions on Twitter and in blogs, as it was the first time the program, notorious for its position in favor of officialism, invited an opposition figure to debate.
Bhutan: Do Not Ignore Facebook
Tshering Tobgay writes about the growing influence of social media in Bhutan and comments that the Bhutanese government should use Facebook, not ignore it.
Russia: Freelance Researcher Reveals Skype Source Code
Efim Bushmanov, Russian ‘freelance researcher’ and a programmer, publishes reverse-engineered source code of Skype internet messenger. Bushmanov explains: “While “Wall Street Journal” makes politics and skype today's trend, i want...
Mexico: Afro-Mexicans Protest After Death of Nigerian Immigrant
Daniel Hernandez in La Plaza explains the case of Nigerian immigrant Isaac Chinedu that “has led to demonstrations among Mexico City's African and Afro-Mexican communities, which are laying blame on...
Argentina Approves Anti-Tobacco Law
Legislators approved a law that bans smoking in “indoor work spaces, schools, hospitals, museums, clubs and public transportation systems,” The Argentine Post reports: “It also places strict limits on the...
Honduras is Readmitted to Organization of American States
On Wednesday, June 1 Honduras was readmitted to the Organization of American States following Manuel Zelaya’s peaceful return to the country. Only the Ecuadorian representative voted against Honduras’ reinstatement into...
Bahamas: Which Path to Economic Success?
“Bahamians can become successful in a growing economy but to think we can get along by trading within our borders only, rather than the outside world is a pipe dream”:...
Cuba: Female Dissidents
Without Evasion explains why credibility is such an important asset to dissident bloggers, while Pedazos de la Isla profiles the plight of female dissidents, here and here.
Caribbean: WICB Hypocrisy
WICB Expose calls out the West Indies Cricket Board for its hypocritical behaviour: “WICB director Hilary Beckles compares Chris Gayle to a criminal and gets away with it. Shivnarine Chanderpaul...
Barbados: Police Brutality Allegations
Barbados Free Press comments on revelations of police brutality from the country's Bar Association President: “The Royal Barbados Police Force doesn’t have to be third-rate, but it will remain so...
Trinidad & Tobago: The Beginning of Warner's End?
Conflicting stories about suspended FIFA vice-president Jack Warner's actions: ttgapers links to a report that suggests in-fighting between Warner and Blatter, while B.C. Pires wonders whether “With Sepp Blatter duly...
Greece: Another victim of police brutality
Greek journalist and blogger Modestos Siotos on Protagon recounts being roughly accosted by police [el] when he tried to defend an immigrant they were beating. “Be more careful with your...
Tunisia: Inevitable Postponement of the July 24 Elections
Tunisians are due to elect a national constituent assembly on July 24. Recently, however, news started to spread about postponing the elections to October 16. Tunisian bloggers did not welcome the news and some of them have even called for fresh protests.
Syria: Opposition Drafts Declaration in Antalya
Just a day after President Bashar Assad announced a general amnesty for political prisoners, a varied group of Syrian opposition members are meeting in Antalya, Turkey, to create a declaration outlining their plans for a democratic transition in Syria.
Egypt: More Information on Jailed Blogger Mikel Nabil Needed
Caledoniyya complains there isn't much information about Mikel Nabil – an Egyptian blogger sentenced to three years in prison for insulting the Armed forces. “With so many bloggers being persecuted...
Lebanon: Security Forces Attacked over Illegal Bar Construction
“Security forces were attacked by local residents in a Beirut neighborhood during their attempt to bar an illegal construction,” reports Now Lebanon.
Egypt: Phone Company Gets a Hate Site
Egyptian blogger Mahmood Salem tweets: “http://ihatevodafoneegypt.com/ @vodafoneegypt , the only mobile provider whose antics inspired a hatesite against them. Good job u guys! :)”
