Stories from 25 September 2011
United States: “Occupy Wall Street” Takes the Heart of New York's Financial District
In New York, a peaceful protest has developed: "Occupy Wall Street." Inspired by the events in cities throughout Arab and European countries, demonstrators are protesting against the way in which the U.S. economy has been managed.
Bulgaria: Clashes Between Roma and Ethnic Bulgarians in Katunitsa
Violent clashes in the Bulgarian village of Katunitsa broke out Friday night, following the death of a 19-year-old ethnic Bulgarian, who had been run over by a vehicle driven by a man linked to the local Roma clan leader. Ruslan Trad reports on the Bulgarian netizens' reactions.
Syria: Official Websites Under Anonymous Attack
Official websites in every major Syrian city have been hacked, as part of hacktivist group Anonymous' Operation Syria. On Twitter, netizens are exchanging screen grabs and views under the hashtag #OpSyria.
Bahrain: Protests on Election Eve
Protesters in Bahrain tried returning to Pearl Square, the centre of massive protests against the regime in February, on the eve of election night. Over two days, the unarmed protesters were pushed back to villages, where security forces continued to battle them until the early hours of this morning.
Bhutan: Asian Youth Congress Inspires
Tshering Tobgay reports that the Eighth Asian Youth Congress, which took place in Thimphu recently, saw bright performance from the Bhutanese participants.
Cuba: Historic Wedding
Paquito el de Cuba celebrates and narrates the historic wedding [es] in Havana between a man and a transgender woman: Ignacio and Wendy.
Puerto Rico: Lecture on Planning and Development
The International Development Group (IDG) and the Community Innovator's Lab (CoLab) at MIT's Department of Urban Studies and Planning (DUSP) will be hosting a lecture by renowned planner Lucilla Fuller Marvel, titled “Planning in Puerto Rico since 1940: An Examination of Opportunities Presented and Choices Taken.”
Saudi Arabia: Women Allowed to Join Shura Council
Saudi women, who cannot drive in their own country, will be granted the right to become members in their country's 150-member consultative or Shura council, an advisory body which has limited powers in government and legislation. The decision was welcomed by netizens.
Russia: “For Russia Without Putin” Rally in Moscow
Ilya Varlamov (@varlamov) and Roustem Adagamov (@adagamov) are tweeting [ru] and posting pictures from the not-too-numerous “For Russia Without Putin” opposition rally in downtown Moscow.
Algeria: Football Matches New Venue to Air Dissent
Algerians have discovered a novel way to make their voices heard. Spectators in football matches are using the opportunity to voice political views, in a country which has so far shielded itself from the revolutions of the so-called Arab Spring.
China: Interview with a digital dissident
Tom from Seeing Red in China interviews Xiaomi (twitter: @xiaomi2020), one of the organizers of Yizhe, a group which translates Western journalism on China so that they are more accessible to ordinary Chinese. Though not politically-oriented, some members of the group were identified by authorities because they translate news considered...
Colombia: Outrage at President of Congress Over Oil Subsidy
Last week, Juan Manuel Corzo, Senator and president of Colombia's Congress, caused outrage on social networks when he tried to justify a fuel subsidy for congresspeople. The issue became "personal" when Senator Corzo declared that Twitter users criticizing him were being "rude," adding: "I'd rather not steal from the State and that [others] pay for my gasoline."
