7 May 2012

Stories from 7 May 2012

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

  7 May 2012

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

  7 May 2012

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 transportation workers are protesting a law that reforms the municipal transportation system. You can follow the day's events on Twitter...

Belgium: Video Shows Campaign to Curb Texting and Driving

  7 May 2012

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 their behind the wheel driving test were surprised to know there was a new test section requiring them to text...

China: Rural Left-behind Children

  7 May 2012

Acopy.net introduces a Chinese documentary, the Road, directed by independent documentary worker Jiang Nengjie on “left-behind children” in rural China.

China: Middle-class Discontent

  7 May 2012

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 China because of the polarized power structure.

Colombia: Nationwide Demonstrations Mark May 1

  7 May 2012

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.

East Timor: Government Results Portal

  7 May 2012

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 campaign.