Stories from 4 August 2011
Mozambique: Behind the Detention of MC Azagaia
MC Azagaia, a controversial activist musician from Mozambique, had been arrested for possession of cannabis on the same day that he was going to present his latest hip hop work. Netizens have been wondering about real motivations for his arrest while discussing the limits of freedom of expression. Azagaia has been released and the presentation took place on August 4.
Lebanon: Abolition of Reduced Sentences for Honor Crimes
Lebanese Tweeps and bloggers are congratulating themselves for the abolition of reduced sentence on crimes of honor on August 4th, 2011. Roy Tohme, tweets: ” Finally, we're catching up with...
Poland: Story of a Bazaar
Michael Dembinski of W-wa Jeziorki tells the story of the Warsaw Bazar Różyckiego – once one of the few marketplaces in communist Poland where sought-after western goods could be purchased
Iran: Water Fight in Tehran Leads to Arrests
Everyone knows not to play with fire. In Tehran, it seems, even playing with water can cause problems. At least this a ‘lesson' that several Iranian youngesters learned when they were arrested last week by security forces for taking part in a game of water war in the streets
Latin America: Should News Broadcasters Provide More English Content?
Robert Valencia from My Humble Opinion blogs about a couple failed attempts by Latin American news organizations to provide content in English. He argues: “If Latin American broadcasters wish to...
Ukraine: People as Expendables
Taras of Ukraïniana comments on two recent mine accidents in Ukraine, causing 38 deaths, and posts a video [ru] of a miner who says that mine-owners treat their employees as...
Ukraine: Pulling off Medals
Leoš Tomíček of Austere Insomniac writes about two Ukrainian historical nationalists, Stepan Bandera and Roman Shukhevych, who have been deprived of their posthumous distinctions as heroes of Ukraine by President...
Ghana: Towards the ‘Ideal Woman': Meet Blogger And Journalist Linda Annan
Though she shares a last name with a globally famous Ghanaian, Linda Annan is not related to former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan. Linda is a Ghanaian journalist and blogger who contributes to Global Voices Online and is the founder of Obaasema, an online magazine for Ghanaian women.
Armenia: Pagan tradition and Soviet entertainment
Ianyan features two special reports accompanied by photographs on the traditional annual water fight at the pagan temple of Garni and an old Soviet-era games arcade that remains intact and...
Chile: Students Defy Government and March Through Alameda Avenue
Although the government refused to authorize today's demonstration on Alameda Avenue in Santiago, Chilean students are protesting for education reform once again. This time netizens are using the hashtag #4deagosto...
China: Anger Over State TV Attack on Microblogging Platforms
Bloggers in China fear that a recent broadcast by state-controlled China Central Television (CCTV) entitled, 'Where is the moral bottom line of Microblogs?', was a direct attack on citizen media freedom. Oiwan Lam discusses the issue.
Russia: Blogger Reveals Corruption at Moscow Journalism Faculty
This is the story of how one blogger was able to overcome corruption in the Department of Journalism at Moscow State University. It seems unbelievable and impossible even, that this issue revolves around entrance exams for the most powerful and prestigious university in Russia.
China: When the Concept of Tibet Enters the Stock Market
Tibet 5100, high-end mineral water brand, makes its profit by hooking with the China Railway Bureau and is now listed in Hong Kong's stock market. Michelle from interlocals.net translates the...
China: Taxi Drivers’ Strike in Hangzhou
Ministry of Tofu translates a local feature story on the Taxi drivers’ strike in Hangzhou city in China.
Chile: Starbucks Baristas Hunger Strike for Higher Wages
Chilean Starbucks workers have revealed that their country's baristas are paid less per hour than the cost of a cup of coffee. Three employees are now on hunger strike demanding better working conditions, but Starbucks has yet to even respond to their requests.
China: Symbolism of the High Speed Train
Eli from Chengdu Living discusses about the symbolism of the high speed train in China and its backlash as a result of the Wenzhou train crash.
Russia: Police violence towards journalists and bloggers
Russian journalist and photoblogger Ilya Varlamov was threatened and attacked by Russian policemen when he covered oppositional demonstration in Moscow. He posted his story and photos [ru] of the attacker...
