Stories from 12 May 2013
Pakistani Fashion Designer's ‘Be My Slave’ Shoot Called ‘Racist’
A magazine photo shoot for an emerging fashion designer's collection has touched off anger throughout Pakistan for its depiction of a dark-skinned child serving as a slave to a fair-skinned model.
Pakistanis Vote in Huge Numbers Despite Threats, Alleged Poll Rigging
Amid threats of terrorism and reports of rigging, determined voters in Pakistan turned out in high numbers and braved chaotic polling stations and long lines on May 11, 2013 to have their say in the country's first ever democratic transition of power.
Is Iran's Most Believable Presidential Candidate a Fictional Character?
The iron fist of Iran's regime allows no chance for opposition candidates to run in the presidential election, but in the virtual realm, a new graphic novel character is the champion of a free and fair election.
Italy: Art Historians Rally in L'Aquila
Four years after the devastating earthquake that hit L’ Aquila, in Abruzzo, Italy, little or nothing has been rebuilt and the picturesque old town remains largely uninhabited, while many residents live in...
Peru: “Freedom Camp” Raises Awareness of Possible TPP Consequences
The "Campamento por la Libertad" ("Freedom Camp") took place last weekend in Lima, focusing on raising awareness of the consequences that the signing and implementation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) could bring. Find out here about what transpired and what was created.
Shanghai Residents Protest Battery Plant Over Potential Pollution
Hundreds of residents marched along a street in the outskirts of Shanghai on May 11, 2013 to oppose plans for a lithium battery plant, marking the country’s second protest in a week over potential environmental pollution.
After Two Years in Hiding, Bahraini Blogger Ali Abdulemam Flees to London
Bahraini blogger Ali Abdulemam surfaced in London, after escaping from Bahrain, where he has been in hiding for two years. In absentia, Abdulemam, 35 years, was slapped a 15-year prison sentence for belonging to a terror organisation and for seeking to topple the government. Abdulemam's story has been the talk of the netizens since it's details were unveiled.
‘What Else Do the Chinese Want?’ Election Headline Enrages Malaysians
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak blamed Chinese voters for the slim majority of the administration party in the general elections. He called it the 'Chinese Tsunami.' Then, a Malay newspaper ran an article titled ‘Apa lagi Cina mahu?’ (What else do the Chinese want?), immediately causing backlash in Malaysia
Wikipedia to Appear in Shughni
“Good news Pamiris,” writes [ru] Bektour Iskender, President of Kloop Media, a Kyrgyz news portal and blogging platform. “Wikipedia has provided permission to begin a version of the site in...
