Stories from 22 November 2012
Mobs Burn Dalit Homes in Response to Intercaste Marriage in India
On 7 November 2012 up to 2,000 people attacked three Dalit settlements in the Dharmapuri District of Tamil Nadu, India. A nursing student, from a Shudra community married a man from a Dalit community and when the father of the bride committed suicide in disgrace, mobs attacked the Dalit community.
Lebanon: France, Oil and Independence Day
Nadine Mazloum puts together a collection of Lebanese Twitter user reactions to Independence Day (Nov 22). She ends her article with a sarcastic comparison of the various occupiers of Lebanon in which France wins the first place. Thus, France is called upon to come back, especially now that oil was discovered in Lebanon.
Russia: Attempted Hijacking of Regional News Website
When internet domains are hijacked, the theft is usually facilitated by hackers. A stolen email password, a virus, or compromised server can wreak havoc on the ability of owners to maintain control of a website. However, it now appears that technological savvy is unnecessary for such a hostile takeover.
Israeli Media Criticized for Coverage of Gaza Conflict
The latest round of fighting between Israel and Gaza militants was covered around the clock in Israel. Media outlets largely adopted the government's narrative and justifications for the offensive. Leftist Israeli bloggers and netizens, while criticizing the government throughout the operation, also attacked what they saw as a biased coverage of the events.
Honduras’ Presidential Candidates for 2013
On Sunday, November 18, 2012, three Honduran political parties (Liberal, National, and Libre) chose their presidential candidates for next year's election. Blogger David Moran from El Catracho [es] writes about Sunday's elections and the country's electoral system: For common Hondurans it's about choosing between a known evil and the evil...
Mapa76: Database Journalism Reveals Abuses of the Argentine Dictatorship
Paula Gonzalo of Periodismo Ciudadano (Citizen Journalism) highlights the work of Sandra Crucianelli in the field of database journalism and the Mapa76 project, a map that compiles information about the victims of human rights abuses during the dictatorship in Argentina (1976-83).
New Art Exhibit Draws Attention to the Disabled in Jamaica
The debut of Jamaican artist Astro Saulter's first exhibition was significant not only because it introduced a new artist to the local art scene, but also because it brought attention to the need for greater access to arts education, particularly by disabled persons.
Why Vote-Rigging in Ukraine's Elections Shouldn't Go Unpunished
Ukraine’s recent parliamentary elections were marred by allegations of vote-rigging and other forms of corruption. Veronica Khokhlova reveals some of the criticisms leveled by Ukrainian civil society against the elections, and argues that this may be the time for the opposition to rally around a common cause.
Mauritanian Teachers Break into Education Minister's Office
A group of secondary school teachers broke into and entered the office of the Minister of Education in protest against the arbitrary transfer of 120 teachers following their participation in last year's strikes.
Kazakhstan as Seen by Camera Phone Users
Sometimes you don't need to be a professional photographer or have fancy cameras and lenses to take great pictures. Vox Populi is now featuring pictures of Kazakhstan taken by camera phone users and uploaded on Instagram photo-sharing network.
Russia, Tajikistan: Who is Insulted by the Migrant Worker's Guide?
The youth wing of the ruling People's Democratic Party of Tajikistan has condemned the 'Migrant Worker's Guide' published in Russia. However, a blogger thinks that Russia is doing more for Tajikistan's migrant workers than their home country.