Stories from 14 March 2012
Macedonia: March for Peace Scheduled for Saturday, March 17
The people of multi-ethnic Macedonia are organizing a March for Peace this Saturday as an expression of concern that the recent hate crimes are a harbinger of civil war. Filip Stojanovski reports.
Rising Chinese Investments in Cambodia
Alex Watts probes the impact of rising Chinese investments in Cambodia. Some local residents are worried over the sale of huge tracts of lands to Chinese investors.
Cuba: Debate on Yoani Sánchez's Twitter Account
An opinion article published in the Mexico City-based daily newspaper La Jornada has called Cuban blogger Yoani Sánchez a "fraud" because of her high levels of activity and popularity on Twitter. Critics and supporters weigh in.
India: Don't Work at Night and You Won't Be Raped
The police of Gurgaon has asked women working at commercial enterprises, malls and bars in Gurgaon to stop working after 8pm to prevent rape incidents. Netizens express their anger towards this unreasonable directive and question the negligence of the authorities.
A Documentary of the History of Black People in France
The blog Afro Europe reports on a new film about the black community in France: ” Noirs de France” (“Blacks of France”) is a new documentary of the history of black people...
Both Koreas Appear on Reporters Without Borders’ Annual List on Internet Censorship
Reporters Without Borders released its annual report on internet censorship. North Korea again appeared on the “enemies of the internet” list and South Korea joined the list of “countries under...
Malaysia to Impose Minimum Wage Policy Soon
Malaysia has reportedly set a minimum wage policy for the first time in the country’s history. Netizens discuss whether the measure will be good for the economy.
Senegal: Discovering Exotic Local Produce
Khady discovers exotic local produce in Senegal: “Recently I challenged myself to start discovering some of the more exotic local produce available on the vendors’ stands in Senegal. I started...
Colombia: Barranquilla Short Film Festival Call for Entries
Friday March 17th is the last day to submit a 30 minute or less short film or documentary for the XII International Short Film Festival A la Calle in Barranquilla,...
Hong Kong: UNHCR's Subsidy Cut and Donation Black Hole
The UNHCR in Hong Kong is being questioned by several non-governmental bodies regarding its reduction in the day-to-day financial aid for refugees in Hong Kong, in spite of the huge amount of donation coming from private donors in Hong Kong.
Trinidad & Tobago: The Gender Card (and other political missteps)
The Eternal Pantomime is upset that the Prime Minister has played the gender card in her attempt to justify the state paying for travel expenses for her sister: “If you...
Trinidad & Tobago: Constitutional Reform
Of “the Constitutional Reform Series being piloted by the Congress of the People”, Plain Talk says: “The [issue] that sticks in most people's craw is the inability of the people...
Trinidad & Tobago: Poverty of Spirit
As another gang leader is killed, B.C. Pires says: “The poverty he grew up in – poverty of education, opportunity, example, love, poverty of everything except prejudice and licks –...
Europe: Will ACTA Treaty Pass After Protests?
The ratification of the Anti-Counterfeiting Treaty (ACTA) by the European Parliament has been delayed in expectation of an opinion from the European Court of Justice on its conformity with fundamental rights.
Cuba: 50 Years of the “Libreta”
“Citizens are divided between those who fear that its disappearance will result in hunger among the poor and those who believe that it is cheaper to subsidize people than products”:...
Honduras: The Effects of Open-Pit Mining
Poet, activist and blogger Fabricio Estrada blogs [es] about the effects of open-pit mining in the town of San Ignacio, Honduras. His posts includes numerous photos of the town.
After Kony 2012, “What I Love About Africa” Reclaims Narrative
An online campaign about Ugandan war criminal Joseph Kony has caused enormous controversy in Africa. A counter initiative to highlight positive aspects of the African continent #WhatILoveAboutAfrica is now trending on Twitter.
Georgia: Bloggers assaulted
Shota tweets that two bloggers were physically assaulted allegedly by representatives of Tbilisi University's Student Union, itself reportedly controlled by the ruling party of power in the country. News of...
Armenia: Bridging the divide?
Global Chaos comments on the launch of a new web site by the Armenian Ministry of Diaspora. Charged with the task of bridging the divide between Armenians in Armenia and...
El Salvador: Netizens Cover Legislative and Mayoral Elections
Netizens covered the legislative and mayoral elections held on Sunday, March 11, through blogs and on Twitter with the hashtag #eleccionesSV. As results were reported, bloggers analyzed what the new National Assembly will look like after a victory of the conservative party ARENA.
Bolivia: A Serious Bid to Lift UN Ban on the Coca Leaf?
Bolivia's government is seeking the international depenalisation of the coca leaf with the support of coca growers and others within the country, but faces both internal and foreign challenges.
