Stories from 6 December 2012
Sex Tapes of Chinese Official and Anti-Corruption Fight
While the Chinese Communist Party (CCP chief secretary's anti-corruption talk still lingered in our ears, an obscene sex tape of former Chongqin CCP Secretary went viral online and within 63 hours he was sacked. People wonder the CCP really serious about anti-corruption work?
Africa: Online culture magazine crowdfunds to print special issue
Buala, an online magazine on culture in contemporary Africa, is crowdfunding to finance its first print edition next year. In existence for two years, publishing over 900 articles by over 300 contributors, Buala has had over 430,000 hits. With versions in French, English and Portuguese, it attempts to present a...
New Technologies Monitor Ghana Elections 2012
As Ghanaians get ready to go to the polls that will be held on 7 December 2012, we would like to point out local initiatives using new technologies to ensure free and fair elections. One such initiative is Ghana Votes 2012, which uses a Ushahidi-based map to display election related reports.
Still Shaking from Kim Kardashian's Bahrain Trip
Reality show celebrity Kim Kardashian's trip to Bahrain is still making the rounds on news - and social media. In a series of tweets, New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof makes it clear how unhappy he is to be denied a visa to visit Bahrain, where Kardashian was invited to open a milkshake shop, writes Mohamed Hasan
Mapping the Conflicts in DRC in 2012
The Crisis Group has created an interactive map of the conflicts in the Kivu region, DRC in 2012 [fr].
Argentina's Impending ‘Monsanto Law’ is Not Welcome
A bill by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of Argentina regarding genetically modified seeds has generated much controversy in different sectors who argue that Argentina could lose its food sovereignty if the law moves forward. Social organizations called for an event to protest the law.
Jamaica: Environmental Concerns
As I ponder what else I should be doing, what else we all should be doing about the relentless risk and sacrifice of Jamaica’s natural resources by an unholy alliance of politician, civil servant and citizen, I find no answers. I look at my watch. I’m late for yet another...
Counting the Hours Before Ghana's Presidential Elections
It is just one day to Ghana's election day and campaigns are intensifying – some early morning street campaigns are accompanied by horn blowing, loud singing and clapping. Some people are proudly wearing party-affiliated shirts around town while others are taking the subtle route of keeping it private.
The Future of #YoSoy132 Under Enrique Peña Nieto
What is the future of the youth movement #YoSoy132 (I am 132) under the administration of new Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto? In Vivir México, Link Tilldemann argues [es]: I think the future of the movement is the political way: it is already a political movement, since they are against...
Fear of Food Crisis after Locust Invasion in the South of Madagascar
A national security warning has been issued in Madagascar over the invasion of locust in the southern region [fr]. WFP estimates that 10 millions dollars are needed to counter the upcoming food crisis from the damages.
Death of Colombian Football Player Miguel Calero Shakes Mexico
Mexicans expressed their support and solidarity on Twitter after learning that Colombian and former football player Miguel Calero had been declared brain dead. Hours after this post was published in Spanish, the Pachuca Football Club announced Calero had passed away.
7D: Argentina Prepares for New Media Law
On December 7, 2012, the new Media Law will come into full effect in Argentina. The date is known as 7D. What do the media, government and citizens think about this new law?
The Many Faces of Everyday Violence Against Women
The United Nations General Assembly designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Abdoulaye Bah gives an overview of reactions in the francophone blogosphere on this important day.
Need for Concrete AIDS Policy in China
An HIV carrier in Tianjin was forced to conceal his condition in order to receive lung cancer surgery. Once the incident was brought to the spotlight by Li Hu, an HIV/AIDS advocate, during the week of World AIDS Day, it generated sensational responses in China and immediately captured attention of the incoming Chinese leadership.
Besieged and Bickering, Russian Online Portal Begins Anew
As her conflict with authorities came to a head last week, Aksana Panova, editor-in-chief of the embattled Yekaterinburg internet news agency URA.ru, said her last goodbyes on behalf of the website in a Facebook post.
Petition to Release Imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize Winner Liu Xiaobo and Wife Liu Xia
Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, launched a petition calling for the Chinese Communist Party New Leader Xi Jinping to release the imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize Winner Liu Xiaobo and his wife Liu Xia. The petition says: …send a clear message to the Chinese government that the continued detention...
