Stories from 23 October 2011
Egypt: Man Jailed for Three Years for Insulting Islam on Facebook
Egyptian Ayman Youssef Mansur has been sentenced for three years with hard labour in Egypt for “insulting Islam” on Facebook, reports Brian Whitaker in Al Bab.
Tunisia: Voting NOT Extended by Two and a Half Hours
Journalist Yasmine Ryan tweets: “Tunisia's polling booths will be open an extra 2 and a half hours due to such high turnout, until 9.30pm.” She then amended her tweet: “CORRECTION: polls still shut at 7pm, but all those with people still inline are to remain open.”
Jordan: Alternative Voices on the World Economic Forum
From October 21 to 23, Jordan hosted the World Economic Forum's Special Meeting on Economic Growth and Job Creation in the Arab World. This year, as the Arab world continues to awaken and reshape its existence, a vocal and alternative narrative is growing online.
Tunisia: Long Queues and Mixed Feelings on Election Day
Today will be engraved in the memories of Tunisian voters, who poured into polling stations, from the early hours of the morning. Tunisians are electing a national constituent assembly to re-write the country's constitution. Long queues and hours of waiting did not dampen the spirits of voters who were determined to have a say in the way their country will be run.
Tunisia: A Rendezvous With History
Today Tunisians have been voting for a Constituent Assembly, the body charged with writing a new constitution and appointing a new transitional government. In the run-up to the elections, bloggers voiced their feelings about the historic moment.
Turkey: 1,000 People Feared Dead in Van Quake
A massive earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 hit eastern Turkey a few hours ago. Up to 1,000 people are feared dead. The quake hit Ercis, in the mountainous province of Van close to the Iranian border, the hardest. On Twitter, users are checking on loved ones and exchanging updates on the death toll and rescue efforts.
Arab World: Cheering on Tunisia's Elections
Tunisians are receiving positive vibes from netizens across the Arab world as they go to the polls today to elect a 218 member constituent assembly which will rewrite the country's constitution, appoint an interim president and a caretaker government. The elections are historic in that they are described as the Arab world's first free elections following revolutions which toppled the dictators of Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. All eyes are on Tunisia today, as Tunisians reap a fruit from their revolution.
Egypt: Watching the Tunisian Elections
The Tunisian revolution preceded the Egyptian one and since then the Tunisians pursuit of democracy has been inspiring to the Egyptians. And now it's time for Egyptians to watch the Tunisians electing for the first time. Here is a snap shot of their reactions on Twitter.
Syria : The “Free Army” defies the regime
Wearing bullet-proof vests and Kevelar helmets and holding assault rifles, 13 men make their way through an enthusiastic crowd (AR) which is warmly welcoming them with slaps on the back. It is the beginning of September in the Boustan al-Diwan district of Homs. For the towns activists today's "haul" is substantial. They are deserters from the Syrian army. Madjid Zerrouky explains:
Coworking Spaces and Nomad Workers in Japan
Coworking is a growing worldwide movement, and Japan is no exception. Surprising to see in a culture where the idea of physically being in the office at all hours is ingrained in the psyche of the salaried worker? Perhaps not.
France: Tunisian Diaspora Open “The Blue Finger Club”
The three-day anticipated vote for Tunisian living abroad is now over and has established a new "blue fingers club" on social media networks. Tunisian voters in France flaunt their ink-stained fingers - proof that they are part of the select club of early voters in the historical Tunisian constituent elections.
Tunisia: A Crowdmap to Monitor the Elections
The Independent Tunisian electoral commission has set up a crowdmap to monitor the voting process in Tunisia, in French and Arabic. Citizens are encouraged to report irregularities they may witness during the October 23 constituent elections. The crowdmap is also accessible from the official homepage of the electoral commission.
Tunisia: It is Election Day!
Tunisians embark on an historic day today. It is election day where they will head to the polls to elect a national constituent assembly, which will be responsible for writing a new constitution, and forming a new government. Here are some thoughts from election eve.
Russia: Success of National Wrestling System Explained
Russian wrestlers are often considered to be the best in the world. Citizen media suggest that a possible explanation for this is the relationship between politics and wrestling in Russia.
Moldova, Russia: Controversial Russian Blogger Escapes Prosecution in Moldova
Russian blogger Eduard Bagirov was detained in Chisinau, Moldova, this June and charged with organizing the April 2009 post-election riots there. He was released and placed under house arrest but soon escaped to Russia. While some Russian bloggers question Bagirov's motives and integrity, many seem to trust him.
