Stories from 7 May 2012
Switzerland: An Initiative to Establish Basic Income for All
An initiative to establish a new federal law that would give a basic monthly income to all citizens, regardless of employment status was formally introduced in Switzerland in April. Stanislas Jourdan looks into the details of the initiative.
Spain: Barcelona Sieged During European Central Bank Meeting
On May 2, 3, and 4 the European Central Bank meeting took place in Barcelona, Spain, a city that became sieged by the police. For this meeting, Spain temporarily suspended the Treaty of Schengen on the border with France.
Russia: Violence Plunges Opposition into Debate About Tactics
Yesterday, the Russian opposition's mass protests against Vladimir Putin for the first time produced mass violence. Dozens of protesters and police officers alike reported injuries, with several on each side requiring hospitalization. Why did yesterday's rally at Bolotnaia Square, the site of two previous peaceful demonstrations, end with blood spilled and Muscovites brawling?
Brazil: Blog Countersues Newspaper Over Web Domain
Another chapter in the legal dispute between the Brazilian newspaper Folha de São Paulo and the satirical blog Falha of São Paulo is being written. However, this time, Falha is the one who decided to file a lawsuit against the newspaper.
Bolivia: Netizens Report on Transportation Strike
Blogger Mario R. Duran from Palabras Libres [es] is gathering citizen reports and reactions to a transportation strike in El Alto and La Paz taking place today, May 7. Public...
Belgium: Video Shows Campaign to Curb Texting and Driving
The Impossible texting and driving test is part of a campaign to raise awareness to the dangers of texting using mobile devices while driving in Belgium. Several young people doing...
Tunisia: Campaign for Freedom of Expression Launched
The collective blog Nawaat, and the Tunisia Monitoring Group of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange have launched a campaign for freedom of speech in Tunisia, which remains under threat despite gains made during the last year.
Egypt: Anger at Arrest of Lawyer in Saudi Arabia
Relations between Egypt and Saudi Arabia have been under pressure because of the arrest of the Egyptian lawyer Ahmed El Gizawy in Saudi Arabia. News reports stated that he was sentenced to 20 lashes for “defaming the Saudi king”.
Global Voices Partners with International Relations and Security Network (ISN)
Global Voices and the International Relations and Security Network (ISN) in Switzerland have launched a partnership to seek out citizen voices on international relations and security issues worldwide.
China: Rural Left-behind Children
Acopy.net introduces a Chinese documentary, the Road, directed by independent documentary worker Jiang Nengjie on “left-behind children” in rural China.
Russia: Surprise Resignations Threaten New Governor Elections
On April 25, the Russian Duma passed a law that restored direct elections of federal governors, reversing a policy of direct presidential appointments. A few days later, Medvedev accepted the resignations of two governors, leading to fears that the Kremlin is reneging on promises to loosen its grip on central power.
China: Middle-class Discontent
China Bubble Watch looks into the economic and political role of middle class in China. The blogger is not optimistic about the influence of middle class on policy decision in...
Colombia: Nationwide Demonstrations Mark May 1
Colombian workers took to the streets to commemorate May 1 and protest against the free trade agreement with the United States, the high rate of unemployment, low salaries compared to the high cost of living, among other topics. In this post we gather some citizen reports and reactions to the day.
Laos: Luang Prabang Airport
Sao Darly posts photos and a video clip of the new airport of Luang Prabang in Laos
East Timor: Government Results Portal
East Timor Government Results Portal is a website that aims to publish outcomes information for the most important government targets, projects and programs. It is part of the government's transparency...
Brunei: Decreasing Population Growth
Emmagoodegg discusses Brunei's decreasing birth rate and shares some of the funny suggestions made by netizens on how to increase the country's population
