Stories from 19 March 2012
Brazil: Cyclist's Death in São Paulo Sparks Protests and Debate
On the morning of March 2, 33-year-old Juliana Dias was killed by a bus while riding her bicycle on her way to work along São Paulo's main street, Avenida Paulista. Her story shocked cycling rights activists, sparked spontaneous protests across the city and opened a national debate.
Ethiopia/Eritrea: Netizens Denounce Winds of War as Ethio-Eritrea War 2.0 Looms
Ethiopia and Eritrea fought one of the most gruesome war in the world between May 1998 and June 2000. Following the attack on Eritrea by Ethiopian troops on 17 March, Ethiopians are voicing their opinions online denouncing the winds of war in the renewed conflict between the two countries.
Cuba: Bloggers Uncomfortable as Pope's Visit Looms
As Pope Benedict XVI's controversial visit to Cuba draws closer, online discussion is heating up. Bloggers are upset over what they perceive as a partnership between communism and Catholicism, especially in light of reportedly ongoing human rights abuses and other surreptitious methods of curtailing personal freedoms.
Bolivia: Remembering Domitila Barrios de Chungara
Emily Achtenberg, in the blog Rebel Currents, profiles Domitila Barrios de Chungara, “long-time social activist, union leader, feminist, revolutionary, and national heroine who died March 13 in Cochabamba at age 74. She is best known as the miner’s wife who led a hunger strike in 1978 that brought down the...
Peru: Abancay Under Alert Due to Heavy Rainfall
Juan Arellano gathers [es] photos, tweets and reports on the state of emergency in Abancay, the capital of the Apurímac region in southern-central Peru, due to heavy rainfall.
Cambodia's First IPO
Sihanoukville Journal writes that the Cambodia Stock Exchange opened last year but no company has been listed yet. But three state corporations will soon trade stocks which are being keenly anticipated by global investors
Hong Kong: Indie Music Made Illegal by Contradictory Policies
Contradictory to the government's policy in the development of the cultural and creative industries in Hong Kong, autonomous indie music venues and performances have become targets for harassment by a number of government departments, including the police force.
Bahrain: When is a Molotov Cocktail Acceptable?
Marc Owen Jones collects videos allegedly showing Bahrain police forces throwing molotov cocktail (petrol bombs) at protesters and property in this post. Meanwhile, Bahrain has just charged 28 civilians with “attempted murder” for throwing molotov cocktails at policemen.
Brazil: Should Pinheirinho Eviction go to the International Criminal Court?
Brazilian blogger and Amnesty International fellow Carlos Alberto Ungarzo argues [pt] about the need to take the case of the violent eviction of Pinheirinho, which took place on January 22 in the state of São Paulo, to the International Criminal Court.
Philippines: Electric Jeepneys
Prime Sarmiento writes that the Philippines has recently launched the largest electric public transport fleet in Southeast Asia with its first commercial franchise of electric jeepneys (e-jeepneys). The jeepney is the most popular public mode of transport in the country
Jamaica: Corresponding with Vybz Kartel
Jamaica Woman Tongue shares a letter she received from Adidja Palmer, aka Vybz Kartel, who is in prison on murder charges, as well as her response.
Egypt: A Stranger in my Own Country
Dr. Nadia El Awady, Egyptian blogger and Science journalist, discussed the different dreams people had when they participated in the 25 January, 2011, Egyptian revolution, and how she is shocked that these dreams turned out to be different than hers.
Bahamas: The “Get Ahead Syndrome”
Rick Lowe thinks that the only thing that's consistent about Bahamians is their inconsistency.
Trinidad & Tobago: Same Old Politics
The Eternal Pantomime is disillusioned with Trinidad and Tobago politics, saying: “A lot happened this week to paint both the ruling Government and the Opposition in a bad light, if you ask me. And in all instances the public’s reactions and responses revealed that as a country many of us...
Jamaica: The Tivoli 73
Active Voice blogs about an art exhibit that references the 73 Jamaican citizens killed during the 2010 Tivoli Gardens occupation: “The 73 flags were suspended with clothespins from a simulated clothesline. You couldn’t help think…were the 73 hung out to dry by the Jamaican government?”
Peru: Controversy and Tributes on 120th Anniversary of César Vallejo's Birth
The 120th anniversary of the birth of César Vallejo on 16 March, 2012, was celebrated with recitals, lectures and new publications. Netizens also remembered the poet and his work through blogs and social networks. The day also included the hashtag #BlameVallejo after the publication of a controversial article.
Russia: “Anatomy of a Protest” Film Causes “NTV Lies” Scandal
On Sunday, March 18, there were old TV sets, a mock coffin, and plenty of flowers and cookies outside the Ostankino TV tower in Moscow, where a few hundred protesters gathered for a mock funeral of the "truthful television."
