Stories from 3 May 2013
Hostages and Ransom Payments: What is France's Policy?
Around three months after the French President François Hollande’s January 2013 decision to stop paying ransoms to hostage takers, the Moulin-Fournier family were finally released, to the immense relief of their family and friends. The exact circumstances behind their liberation have not been disclosed, leading many to wonder whether money was used to secure their release, and, if so, what this says about France's policy towards hostage takers.
Internet Freedom Camp in Lima, Peru
Are you in Lima? Would you like to do something to preserve the Internet? Sign up for the 2013 Internet Freedom Camp: two days of free culture and activism in...
From Russia with No Love…for Central Asia
Migrants from Central Asia and the Caucasus are the usual victims of racist sentiment in Russia. Aware of deepening anti-migrant feelings, many of Moscow's politicians promote right-wing policies. But there is one politician that always goes a step further than the rest.
VIDEO: Turkish Police Crack Down on May Day Protesters
Violent clashes between Turkish police and May Day protesters in Istanbul left 25 civilians and 22 police officers injured, including one man who reportedly lost an eye due to a teargas canister and another 17-year-old girl with head injuries who was left in a coma for a short time.
Absurdity Takes to the Streets in Russia
"A Monstration is a parody of a traditional demonstration, with absurd demands and slogans, where every participant says what they want."
St. Vincent & the Grenadines: Environmental Entrepreneur
In an era where youth…are seen as being dissolute it is truly heart warming to recognise the drive and talent of this young man. Abeni salutes Kamara Jerome, a 20-year-old...
Turkmen Leader Falls off Horse
The Turkmen leader has recently fell off his horse after winning a race. The footage of the embarrassing incident had been made public by international media, and Turkmen dissidents are using the video as an opportunity to ridicule the president.
Peruvian Movie Sets Record Amid Praise and Criticism
In local movie theaters since April 11, 2013, Peruvian feature film “Asu mare” is about to set a record. In just three weeks of screening amidst praises and criticism, more than two million spectators have seen the movie.
Singapore’s May Day Protest Against Population Policy
An estimated crowd of 5,000 gathered in Singapore’s Hong Lim Park on May 1, 2013 to protest the government’s White Paper on population. The May Day protest was the second time that a big crowd gathered in the park to speak out against the population program.
Chinese Academic Snubbed at Home, Lauded in the U.S.
An outspoken Chinese scientist who was passed over two years ago by China's Academy of Sciences has been scooped up by the United States National Academy of Sciences as a non-voting member, prompting netizens to take a harsh look at the priorities of China's academic world
Trinidad & Tobago: Warner's Future History
Like all urban legends, Jack will linger on minds of both the mindful and mindless. Tongue firmly in cheek, aka_lol predicts Jack Warner's legacy.
