Stories from 16 September 2012
Ukraine: “Ashes of Freedom of Speech”
A few hundred people gathered at Kyiv's Independence Square on Sept. 16 to honor the memory of Georgiy Gongadze, a Ukrainian journalist who disappeared on this day 12 years ago, and of more than 60 other journalists who lost their lives in the years since Ukraine gained independence in 1991.
Syria: Reflections from the Balkans
Macedonian non-profit outlet Diversity Media published an article/podcast [mk, sq] about the Balkan states’ reactions to the situation in Syria, featuring a statement by GV Author Ruslan Trad (among others, including the Macedonian politician Stojan Andov [en, mk], who served as the Yugoslav Ambassador to Iraq in 1987-1991).
Iran: Jailed Activist Denied Right to Call Family
Several Iranians reported in Balatarin, a link sharing site, that Majid Tavakoli, a jailed student activist has been denied the right to call his family from prison for 20 months.
Iran: Street Stage Play
Tehran Live has published photos from a street stage play in front of Iranshahr Theater in Tehran.
Nigeria: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Declines WTO High Post
Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria's Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy is not interested in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) top job. Pascal Lamy will retire soon and there's been speculations that Okonjo-Iweala may seek to replace him.
China: Censor Machine Suspended for Anti-Japan Mobilization?
As the tension between China and Japan over the disputed Diaoyu Islands (also known as the Senkaku Islands) has elevated, large scale anti-Japan protests have taken place all over China in more than 50 cities over the weekend. But what lies behind the scenes of the weekend's demonstrations?
Malaysia: Parenting Guidelines on How to Spot Gays and Lesbians
A parenting seminar in Penang, Malaysia became controversial after it issued guidelines for parents on how to detect symptoms of homosexuality. The guidelines were allegedly endorsed by the Ministry of Education. According to the guidelines, gays often wear V-necks and sleeveless tops
Russia: Forecasts for the Protest Movement's Elections
On October 20, the new "Central Elections Committee" will hold elections to select 45 individuals to form the first "Coordinating Council of the Russian Opposition." When this process is complete, the protest movement will have a representative body for the first time, providing a powerful institution that at last formalizes opposition leaders' legitimacy in Russian politics.
East Timor: Contact Details of Government Officials
La’o Hamutuk links to a page containing the contact details of East Timor's Parliament members and ministry officials.
Thailand: Mobile App for Traffic Reports
Thailand's National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre has released a mobile application called FM91BKK which helps users to access specific traffic reports in their areas.
Peru: Alternative Mistura: Eating in the Street
Peruvians and foreigners visited the famous Mistura gastronomic fair in Lima from September 7 to 16. However, in the Peruvian capital you can find great food at any time of the year, even in the most unexpected places. Juan Arellano takes us on a video tour through the various foods that can be found on the streets of Lima.
