Stories from 21 December 2012
Massive Police Presence on “Friday for Detainees” in Saudi Arabia
Shortly after the arrest of Suleiman al-Rashoudi, the head of independent human rights organization Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association (ACPRA), anonymous activist group @e3teqal [which translates to detain] announced that today, December 21, will be a “Friday for Detainees” and called for country-wide sit-ins. Despite heavy police presence, many were able to protest in the country where demonstrations and sit-ins are banned.
Russians Prepared for the Post-Apocalypse with Parties, Stockpiling, & Orgies
That the world failed to come to an end today, "21-12-2012," must come as a relief to many Russian bloggers who have spent the past several weeks obsessing over the coming apocalypse prophesied by the Mayans. Of course, as with many things, Russia's take on Armageddon had its own peculiarities.
Mexico: “Mayans Didn't Predict the End of the World”
According to the Mayans, what we are about to celebrate is the beginning of b’ak’tun 14. Very similar to us about to celebrate the beginning of 2013, or as happened...
The Sinai Peninsula: Egypt's “Wild West”?
In April of this year, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dubbed the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt a “kind of Wild West” after rockets were fired from there targeting the resort town Eilat in Israel.
Two Coins for the Boatman
From Guatemala, Fe de Rata‘s blogger Juan Pablo Dardón, lists his plan [es] for the end of times: I woke up early and put two golden coins one for each...
Transparency in Extractive Mega Projects in Mozambique
Mozambique's richness in natural resources has placed the country at the centre of large international investment in the African continent. While the economy is growing at 7% per year, the opportunities for social development are few. An "Open Terrace" in November, in Cabo Delgado, brought citizens together to debate the lack of transparency in the mega projects.
Honduras: “Don't Worry, Be Happy”
La Gringa, from La Gringa's blogicito shares her sentiments about so long anticipated December 21, 2012: Today is December 21, 2012, the last day of the Mayan calendar. Enjoy it...
Guinean Journalist Mysteriously Disappears in Angola
Where is Milocas Pereira? The question echoes through social networks on the disappearance, six months ago, of the journalist and university professor in the Angolan capital city Luanda, where she has lived since 2004. On the Internet a petition directed to the UN High Commission of Human Rights has been launched.
China Cautioned: “The Internet is Not Outside the Law”
On December 18, 2012 China's government backed People's Daily published an article on the front page titled “The Internet is Not Outside the Law”. Most netizens feel disappointed by the cautious note and are worried that there will be more censorship online in the future.
Veteran Director Raises Curtain on China's Arbitrary Film Censorship Policy
The screening of controversial film V for Vendetta on the state broadcaster China Central Television has stirred up hope for censorship reform in China. On December 15, 2012, 70-year-old film director Xie Fei, a heavyweight in China's film industry and professor at the Beijing Film Academy, published an open letter on his micro-blog, advocating for the replacement of movie censorship with a rating system.
Hungarian Protesters Occupy Bridge, Three Students Arrested
Student protest rallies continue in Hungary. On Wednesday night, the protesters occupied a Budapest bridge, and three of them ended up getting arrested.
