Stories from 6 May 2013
Côte d'Ivoire: Opinions on Marriage for all
France’s adoption of the ‘Marriage for All’ bill has given rise to incomprehension, sometimes with a jokey tone, in Francophone Africa, Here, we look at opinions of commentators from the Côte d'Ivoire.
RuNet Speculates on Protest Rally Size, Again
Every Russian opposition rally and march attracts wild online speculation about the numbers of the participants -- both by observers and the participants themselves.
Iran Tightens Grip on Internet Even More
Several reports indicate that the Iranian regime has taken another step to control the already heavily censored internet. Psiphon, Kerio and Open VPN, are no longer effective against the Iranian state's efforts to block websites.
‘Hope, Service, Passion': Meet Laura Boldrini, Italy's Likable Leader in Parliament
Italy's most recent elections swept several non-career politicians into office. Among these new players on the Italian political scene is writer and human rights activist Laura Boldrini, whose popularity during her short time in office has skyrocketed thanks to a reputation for sincerity and compassion at a time when corruption is ever present in the country's politics.
In Venezuela, Still No Justice in Indigenous Leader's Murder
Two months after the assassination of Yukpa indigenous leader Sabino Romero in Venezuela, activists and community members question why no one has been charged for the murder.
Allegations of Election Fraud as Malaysia's Ruling Party Wins Again
Malaysians from all walks of life are currently in a state of outrage following the outcome of the nation's 13th General Election, which has been marred with what appears to be widespread and massive electoral fraud and gerrymandering.
Costa Rican Blogger (Almost) Meets Obama
While Laura [Chinchilla] was talking, at one point he [Obama] turned and looked toward my direction. I took the opportunity and put on my best smile and raised my hat...
Stop Somonizing Tajikistan!
It is a pity that instead of the 'leninization' of the monument space we now have its 'somonization'. Every town erects a Somoni statue. How much more can we take? Why do we need so many identical monuments? Somoni might have been a heroic figure (which is impossible to ascertain now because the country's history is excessively ideologized and politicized), but we should not turn him into a new Lenin, a 'father' or 'grandfather' of the nation.
South Korean Women Protest Electioneering
South Korea’s intelligence agency went under fire for hiring bloggers and using its agents to manipulate public opinion before the presidential election. Korean female net users from the ‘Women’s Generation’ [ko]...
Rat Meat Sold as Lamb in China
Chinese police have caught a gang of traders who bought rat and fox meat and sold it as lamb. When the scandal was featured in Chinese newspapers and websites, it...
China: More Suicides at Foxconn Factory
Two Foxconn employees recently jumped to their deaths in Zhengzhou, raising concerns about the poor working conditions in the world’s largest electronics manufacturer.
French a Must in Nigerian Military
Mensah wrote on koaci.com: For Nigerian soldiers, enlisted men, officers and even aspirants, the military hierarchy has decided that the knowledge of the French language is now a prerequisite for...
Documenting West Papua’s Political Prisoners
West Papuan civil society groups have launched the website Papuans Behind Bars to document the cases of political prisoners in West Papua. West Papua is part of Indonesia although many Papuans have been fighting for independence in the past 50 years.
China Censors Chemical Plant Protest
Residents of China’s southwestern Kunming city took to the streets on May 4, 2013 to protest against the potential production of a toxic chemical at a nearby factory. China's state media kept the news of the protest quiet, and online censors aggressively deleted information and photos about the demonstration on social media.
