Stories from 19 November 2011
Egypt: Have Activists and Journalists Been Targeted in Tahrir Square Clearing?
Tear gas, rubber bullets and bird shots were used today, injuring scores of people, to clear Tahrir Square of protesters. Egyptians on Twitter were both sad and angry for what happened, accusing the new rulers of Egypt of targeting activists.
Brazil: Students’ Eviction Strengthens Movement Against Militarization of University
In the morning of November 8, the Brazilian Military Police evicted the University of Sao Paulo's Dean building, which had been occupied by around 70 students in the end of October.
Israel: Netanyahu Threatens to Replace Interns with Indian Doctors
After months of protests, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested replacing medical interns with foreign labor contractors from India if an agreement can not be reached with them. Interns react online, with humor and sarcasm.
Egypt: Ultras Push Police Back as the Battle for Tahrir Continues
Police and protesters spent a day battling over Tahrir Square, the epicentre of the Egyptian revolution. A few minutes ago thousands of football fans, known as ultras, descended upon the square pushing back the police. Here are reactions from Twitter.
UAE: Female Twitter User Rowda Hamed Summoned for Interrogation
Female Twitter user Rowda Hamed, from the UAE, tweeted saying that she has been summoned for interrogation. She is one of the few Twitter users from the country who support five detained activists who recently went on hunger strike.
Morocco: Call to Free Rapper Haked
In Morocco, a call has gone out for netizens to join in a campaign to free jailed rapper Haked. Mamfakinch tweets: “Help free Moroccan democracy activist & rapper Mouad Haked. Take pic of yourself w/ sign reading #FreeHaked. Send it to FREEMOUAD@GMAIL.COM.” Mamfakinch posts more details on his case here.
Greece: Thessaloniki declared the 2014 European Youth Capital
Yesterday, the 18/11/2011, was an extremely happy day for the city of Thessaloniki which was declared the 2014 European Youth Capital.
Iran: A top missile designer killed in explosion
Pandar writes [fa] that Reza Mir Husseini, a member of Revolutionary Guard and a top missile designer was killed blast in a military base near Tehran last week.
Egypt: The Question of Election Symbols
A car, a gun, a toothbrush, a spaceship and an eye! Those are just some of the symbols you can see on the election banners on Egyptian streets as the countdown for election day in Egypt nears. Tarek Amr looks up what netizens have to say about those symbols.
Spain: Creative Counter-Campaign Spreads on the Net
Spain's general elections campaign this Sunday has an entirely different online version. The digital counter-campaign, propelled by the 15-M movement, is hyperactive and rapidly spreading through social networks.
Philippines: Former President Arrested
Former Philippine President Gloria Arroyo has been placed under 'hospital arrest' after she was charged with electoral sabotage. Online reactions made the hashtag #ArroyoArrest one of the trending topics worldwide.
Philippines: Anti-budget Cut Campaign
A round-up of the 2011 anti-social services budget cut campaign in the Philippines.
Singapore: Government Social Media Directory
Government Social Media Directory allows the public to search for social media initiatives by Singapore government agencies.
Petition for ‘Support a Debt-Free Timor-Leste’
An online petition opposes the plan of the East Timor government to obtain foreign loans next year. East Timor is urged to learn from the mistakes of other developing countries whose economies were crippled by huge foreign debt.
Thailand: Impact of Flooding on Colleges
Suluck Lamubol writes about the impact of the Thailand flooding disaster to the country's higher education system. Aside from damages in facilities, many schools are postponing the start of the new school semester.
