4 April 2013

Stories from 4 April 2013

Argentina: Floods in Buenos Aires Leave 35 Dead

  4 April 2013

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,...

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.

Philippines: ‘Save Manila Bay’ Campaign

  4 April 2013

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

  4 April 2013

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

  4 April 2013

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.