Stories from 10 June 2012
Cuba: Symposium Against Homophobia, for Inclusion and Diversity
In Cuba, since 2008, a symposium against homophobia has been held in May with activities against all types of discrimination related to gender identity and sexual orientation. As expected, the Cuban blogosphere was the center of heated debates.
Colombia: Governor of Antioquia Denounces Death Threats
On June 7, during a press conference via Twitcam, Governor Sergio Fajardo of Antioquia announced [es] that his security is at risk. Authorities told him on Saturday, June 2, that someone “wants to kill you”. Fajardo said that intelligence services have taken action and that an investigation is underway. The governor's...
Nepal: Protest of the Opposition Parties in Kathmandu
Nepali blogger posts photos and videos of yesterday's protests of 22 opposition parties in Kathmundu.
Nepal: The Confusion With MRP
Passu writes about the inconsistent retail prices printed on the products in Bhutanese market which lead to overcharging consumers.
Iran: #RememberIran in election anniversary
Iranian users in Twitter are sharing their ideas, memories, and feelings about Iranian 10th presidential election in June 2009, which resulted in protests called The Green Movement under the hash-tag #RememberIran. There are some tweets reminding that two protests leaders have been under house arrest for 480 days.
Brazil: Deeper Media Coverage of Belo Monte Dam Needed
A lot of information is shared daily around the world about controversy surrounding the construction of the Belo Monte dam in the Amazon. At the same time, however, it is unclear how well circulated the concerns of those to be directly affected - the river-dwellers, 'caboclos' and indigenous peoples - by what some have labeled 'pharaonic' construction work.
Peru: Violence on Sixth Day of Cajamarca Strike
Media and citizen reporting on violence in Cajamarca on the sixth day of the strike against mining activity and the Conga project. As we reported previously at Global Voices, various organizations had agreed to an indefinite strike starting May 31.
Egypt: Is Mubarak Dead?
Is ousted Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak dead? This question is being raised on social networking sites for the umpteenth time. Here is how Twitter users reacted to the latest rumours.
Kenya: The State of Social Media
Collins Mbalo speaks with Mark Kaigwa Mark about the state of social media in Kenya. Mark is a Kenyan communications consultant working with brands, businesses and nonprofits across Africa helping them use media across mobile and web technology to impact Africans.
Egypt: Sexual Harassment as a Weapon Against Dissent?
June 8 was “Determination Friday” in Cairo, and people gathered at Tahrir Square in protest against verdicts from former president Mubarak trial. Fewer remained for the anti-sexual harassment protest starting at 6pm, a clear stand against increasing sexual harassment female protesters suffer. Rayna S. gathers reactions after the protest was attacked.
Myanmar: Who Started the Tension in Arakan State?
Writing for the New Mandala, Sai Latt analyzes the situation in Arakan State in Myanmar where riots have spread in several villages. The author writes about the racist campaign against the Rohingya people.
Vietnam: Mysterious Disease Caused by Mining?
Adam Bray visits the Ba To District, Quang Ngai Province in central Vietnam to investigate a mysterious disease which has spread in the area. The author asks if the disease is linked to mining activities in the province.
Vietnam: Vanishing Green Space in Ho Chi Minh City
Backwater Views writes about the “severe lack of green space” in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The author cites a report that the city lost 50 percent of its green spaces between 1998-2008.
Oman: Arrests of Rights Activists Continue
Human Rights activists in Oman are being targeted by authorities amid world silence. Omanis take to their keyboards the keep their struggle alive, writes Mona Kareem, who brings us the latest from Oman.
Uzbekistan: Blogger Makes Skype Accessible to Uzbek Speakers
Uzbek blogger Gulasal Kamalova has translated [ru] Skype software application into Uzbek. Kamalova explains [ru] that she did the translation in order to make Skype – a service that connects millions of users around the world via Internet-based telephony and video – accessible to people who speak no other language but Uzbek.
Myanmar: Department of Historical Research Website
Myanmar's Department of Historical Research has a new website which provides access to documents and studies about the history of the country
Myanmar: Rakhine Villages Attacked
Tensions are running high in the Rakhine area of Myanmar after a series of violent incidents. Netizens have criticized 'inaccurate' Western media reporting, which highlighted the continuing tension among ethnic groups in the country.
Tajikistan: After Being Banned, ‘The Dictator’ Movie Goes Viral
After the new spoof blockbuster, 'The Dictator', was banned in Tajikistan, it has become one of the most searched for movies in the country's pirate-DVD shops. Tajik netizens believe that there is a direct link between the ban and the movie's popularity in the country.
Poland: Obama's “Polish Death Camp” Gaffe Causes Controversy
In the last days of May, a storm of controversy struck the Polish public opinion when the US President Barack Obama used the expression "a Polish death camp" rather than stating clearly that what he meant was a Nazi Germany-operated death camp on the Polish territory. Anna Gotowska reports.
