Stories from 4 October 2012
Russia: A Schism Between Pussy Riot Member and Defense Team?
One of the imprisoned members of Pussy Riot has decided to change her lawyers and defense strategy. Her lawyers have reacted by claiming she is being pressured.
Philippines: Anti-Cybercrime Law Sparks Online Protests
Many websites and social networks turned 'black' this week in the Philippines as internet users protested the passage of the Anti-Cybercrime Law which critics believe threatens internet and media freedom in the country. Hackers also targeted several government websites as a protest against the law
Peru: Pardon Requested for Former President Alberto Fujimori
On Thursday night, September 27, 2012, the hashtags #noalindulto (no to the pardon) and #sialindulto (yes to the pardon) competed to gain visibility on Twitter. They referred to a possible humanitarian pardon for former President Alberto Fujimori, who is currently serving a 25-year sentence for human rights violations.
Iran: “Leave Syria Alone, Think About Us”
No shops were open in Tehran's Grand Bazaar on Thursday, October 4, 2012, one day after shopkeepers and merchants went on strike to protest against the free fall of the national currency. Iranian netizens published several videos of protest gatherings, the presence of security forces in the Bazaar areas, and closed shops.
Brazil: Staying Informed on Electoral Candidates
2011's Rising Voices grantee Amigos de Januária, from Brazil, posted [pt] several tips for citizens who want to use existing online transparency tools to find information about the candidates running...
Venezuela: Twitter Handbook Focuses on Citizen Election Coverage
Training platform Reporte Ya has released a handbook focusing on the use of Twitter for citizen reporting during the upcoming presidential elections in Venezuela on October 7, 2012.
Peru: “Talk to My Back, Mr. President”
Peruvian Twitter users show their wit after the release of a video that captures what seems to be a harsh exchange of words between the presidential couple.
Belize: The LGBT Community Seeks A Strategic Plan
How do we get political and build alliances in a small civil society environment where organizations are sheepish to take a public stand? Caleb Orozco asks how the LGBT community...
Venezuela: Where's the Capriles Excitement?
[…] from what little I have seen in two days in Venezuela, the excitement is greater on the side supporting incumbent President Hugo Chávez, rather than challenger Governor Henrique Capriles....
The Breakthrough of Films in Local Languages in Sub-Saharan Africa
Nicole Gillet, General Delegate of the Festival International du Film Francophone de Namur, now in its 27th edition, was interviewed by Falila Gbadamassi [fr] on afrik.com: In the past, Senegalese films...
Kuwait: Shotgun Used Against Stateless Protesters
On the International Day of Non-Violence, the stateless community of Kuwait decided to demand their right to citizenship. More than 3,000 protesters took part in the protest, which was repressed with rubber bullets, smoke bombs, tear gas, sound bombs, and for the first time shotguns.
