Stories from 4 April 2013
Argentina: Floods in Buenos Aires Leave 35 Dead
The province of Buenos Aires was severely affected by abundant rainfall recorded during the night of the 1st and 2nd of April. Recurrent damage caused by the rains have prompted Argentine bloggers to debate whether minimal investment in infrastructure, fast-growing real estate, or climate change is to blame for the disaster.
Russian Oligarch Berezovsky's Last Words: Yet Another Version
Pavel Pryanikov, of the blog ttolk.ru (Blog Tolkovatelya, The Explainer's Blog) has published [ru] yet another “last interview” with the deceased Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky [GV]. According to Pryanikov, the conversation was meant for a book on Russian political refugees in England, and took place two days prior to March 23, 2013,...
Talking about Cuba with Ellery Biddle and Elaine Díaz
Global Voices author and editor Juan Arellano interviews bloggers Ellery Biddle and Elaine Díaz, who cover the complicated Cuban blogosphere for Global Voices.
First Saudi Human Rights Association for Abolishing Execution Launched
Following last month's court ruling to dissolve the Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association (ACPRA) and to confiscate its (nonexistent) properties, a group of activists yesterday announced a new independent association called the Union for Human Rights. Among its stated goals, the association is seeking an end to deterrent executions, an issue rarely raised in the kingdom.
Iran's ‘Oldest’ Blogger Passes Away
Ahmad Falsafi, an 82-year-old dentist and blogger who wrote in his blog for about eight years, has died. Many considered him as the oldest blogger in Iran.
Chinese Envy the Return of Private Media in Myanmar
As Myanmar's media landscape opens up, Chinese consumers wonder whether privately controlled media will ever see the light of day in their country.
Philippines: ‘Save Manila Bay’ Campaign
Various groups in the Philippines are petitioning the Manila City government to cancel a contract that would allow the reclamation of 148 hectares covering three islands in Manila Bay. Aside from possibly blocking the fabled Manila Bay sunset view, the reclamation is seen as a threat to the environment
Cuban Blogger Denied US Visa
Cuban blogger, teacher and GV author Elaine Díaz Rodríguez was denied a visa to enter the US [pt] Wednesday, April 3, 2013, preventing her from participating in the International Congress of Latin-American Studies. Brazilian journalist Alex Haubrich reported Elaine's frustration with and criticism of the US government's criteria.
Myanmar Now Sells Cheap SIM Cards
Great news for mobile phone users in Myanmar. Authorities from different divisions and states will start selling[my] mobile SIM cards for CDMA and WCDMA network at only 1500 kyats or about 2 US Dollars. Just five years ago, a SIM card in Myanmar could cost more than $2000.
Hackers in Arab Cities: Fab Lab and Tech in Egypt
A new web-documentary about hackers in Arab cities shines a spotlight on the hacker labs and makers spaces emerging in the Maghreb and in the Middle East. In this post, we share an outtake of an interview with Mahmoud el Safty from Egypt.
In Global Downturn, Sustainable Development Begins at Home
It is becoming even more clear that sustainable development in the world's poorest countries should not be based on external wealth or redistribution, but must instead be generated at home.
Towards Better Support for French Entrepreneurs in 2013
Excerpt: In 2013, the spotlight is on innovation and entrepreneurship in France. But before putting the tools in place, the entrepreneurs had to have their say, to ensure that the measures matched their needs as closely as possible.
Hong Kong Dock Workers Strike Against Long Hours, Low Pay
A strike by Hong Kong dock workers demanding a pay raise and protesting arduous working conditions is delivering a costly blow to the city's port operators and winning widespread sympathy from the public.