Stories from 13 September 2012
Is Tanzania's Peaceful Reputation in Danger?
Tanzania has experienced several crises since the October 2010 general elections. The most recent case is the violent death of Tanzania journalist Daudi Mwangosi, who was killed by a tear gas cannister in Iringa, Southern Tanzania, whilst police tried to disperse a group of opposition party supporters.
Peru: Gastronomy and Culture in Mistura 2012 Fair
"Mistura", Peru's Gastronomy Fair, opened its doors in Lima for the fifth consecutive year. On social networks, Peruvians and foreigners alike share their opinions and offer their advice.
Zambia: Mining Proposal Threatens Lower Zambezi Ecosystem
Potential mining activity in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, part of a greater World Heritage Area, is threatening its ecosystem and that of the adjacent Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe.
Tajikistan: ‘Blogosphere is a Democracy’
The blogosphere is a democracy. Blogs give anyone and everyone a voice on the World Wide Web. This is a real voice which can be heard all over the world…
Pakistan: On ‘The Innocence of Muslims’ Film
A 13 minute trailer of controversial film ‘The Innocence of Muslims’ was recently released via YouTube. The movie is said to be strongly anti-Islamic and protests against it were held in several countries, leading to the death of the US Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens and his three aides. Pakistani netizens react.
Tajikistan: Singer Praising Putin Draws Anger
Since the beginning of the year, Tajik singer Tolibjon Kurbonkhonov has recorded three songs that extol the virtues of Russian president Vladimir Putin. The songs have become hits on YouTube and made the singer famous in Russia. Back in Tajikistan, however, the songs anger Kurbonkhonov's compatriots who accuse him of "sycophancy" and "disgracing the country".
Argentina: Blog Covers Trial for Crimes Against Humanity
The blog Juicio V Cuerpo Ejército Bahía Blanca [es] has been following a trial over crimes against humanity committed in the city of Bahía Blanca during Argentina's military dictatorship. In the blog you can read a detailed report about the case [es] and the victims [es]. You can also follow...
Eastern Europe: An Informal Economy Develops in Times of Crisis
“Governments should be worried about this [trend], because it leads to potentially negative consequences for competitiveness and growth, harms social programs, undermines social cohesion and law and order, and erodes tax revenues.”
Guinea: Are Guineans less Capable than their Neighbours?
“You can't say that our neighbours are more intelligent than us, but they have had forthright leaders who have maintained the basis of a modern administration system and laid the foundations of an educational system which gives their citizens the means to take on international competition.”
Macedonia: Human Rights Activist Trajanoski on Trial
Today, at 13:00 CET, the Basic Court Skopje 1 will hold the main session of the trial against human rights activist Zarko Trajanoski, charged with defamation of Milenko Nedelkovski, a pro-government talk show host. Trajanoski is on trial [mk] for using the term “media charlatan” in a statement on the...
Guinea: Acts of Torture, Symptoms of a Country Still Divided
Guinea's transition from the notorious military regime of Moussa Dadis Camara towards a democratic political system has not gone smoothly. The country is still experiencing strong internal divisions as indicated by the attempted coup d'etat against the president. The rule of law is still under construction and there are numerous accounts of torture within the military.
China: Hulunbuir Grassland Destroyed by Coal Mining Activities
Hulunbuir Grassland, one of the most beautiful landscapes in inner Mongolia, is eroding as a result of coal mining near the surface of the ground. A Chinese blogger has pointed out that the mining activities are not only a destruction of the natural environment, but also a cultural invasion.
