Stories from 8 November 2012
Map Tracks Forest Encroachment in Thailand
Thanya Kunakornpaiboonsiri writes about the new map developed by Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation which was introduced to the public ‘to fight against forest encroachment and avoid land conflict in...
Racism in European Football: Will New Rules Help?
October 2012 has seen racism rear its ugly head again, mainly in the European Leagues, especially in England affecting both the Premier League clubs and players as well as the national team. Many have wondered whether the major football bodies UEFA and FIFA will act as some have been trying to do like the Football Association (FA) in England.
A Legal Solution to Mob Justice in Nigeria?
On 5 October 2012, four students from the University of Port Harcourt were beaten and burnt to death for allegedly robbing a blackberry and a laptop. The brutal murder of these students has triggered debate and an online mobilization against mob justice in Nigeria.
Journalist's Kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan: Bad Joke or Crime?
She was abducted at gunpoint and taken blindfolded to a deserted area. She was then ordered to undress partially as several men threatened to rape and kill her. Afterwards, she was told this was all a joke.
Chile at the Internet Governance Forum 2012
Claudio Ruiz blogs [es] about the Internet Governance Forum and Chile's scant participation: there are only two Chileans attending the forum, and both represent civil society.
Guinea-Bissau: Chinese Loggers near Buba River
The minutes of a youth and citizenship meeting held in October 2012 in Guinea-Bissau mentions [pt] the “massive logging of pau de sangue” woodtrees (Pterocarpus violaceus Vog.) by Chinese companies in...
Instructions on the18th Party Congress in China
Today is the opening of the 18th Party Congress in China. Netizens shared instructions issued by security on what should and should not be done during the congress in Beijing....
Indigenous Severely Affected by Colombian Armed Conflict
Servindi [es] published Bulletin N°3/2012 [es] by the National Indigenous Organization of Colombia (ONIC) [es], where they report that the organization will go to the International Criminal Court to denounce that numerous Indigenous...
China: China observers’ Twitter Accounts Hacked
China Digital Times reported that several high profile China observers’ Twitter accounts have received warning messages that their accounts are hacked.
US Drones Hit Yemen a Day After Obama Won
Less than 24 hours after the re-election of President Obama, news of a new drone strike in Yemen broke. The attack is different from previous ones because it took place less than 40km from the capital Sanaa in the hometown of former president Ali Abdulla Saleh.
Mending Japan and China Relations
Following anti-Japan protests in China, official ties between Japan and China are still at an impasse as of late October. While both governments are struggling to improve relations, some success has been seen among civil society. We take a look at some initiatives in this post.
Hong Kong ‘Artificial Beach’ Will Destroy 200+ Coastal Habitats
Despite strong opposition from environmental groups and concerned citizens, the Hong Kong government is insisting on an artificial beach construction project that will destroy more than 200 coastline habitats.
Russians React to Obama's Reelection
With America's presidential elections finally over, Russians are reacting to Barack Obama's reelection, voicing fears and hopes about topics ranging from the Reset to America's waning global hegemony. Politicians and netizens have already begun weighing in.
Senkaku Dispute Widens Gulf Between Japan and China
Ever since the Japanese government purchased and nationalized three of the disputed Senkaku Islands a year ago, there have been widespread anti-Japan demonstrations in China. Among the hundreds of thousands of protesting across China, some have even resorted to violence. We take a look at some reactions from Japan to the protests and the widening gulf between both countries.