Stories from 1 June 2013
Indian Filmmaker and Gay Icon Rituparno Ghosh's Death Stuns Fans
Known for his masterly storytelling and sensitive portrayal of human relationships, gifted Indian filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh, was equally known for the bold flamboyance with which he celebrated his alternate sexuality and gender choice. Fans mourn his untimely death.
Turkey: “A Tree Dies, A Nation Rises”
The situation in Istanbul turned violent when police cracked down on peaceful protesters on Friday, May 31. The peaceful sit-in started five days ago where several tens of people gathered to oppose plans by the government urban reorganization of Istanbul's only green spot: the Gezi Park. The brutality used by police forces — teargas, water cannons, fists and batons — to expel protesters from the park generated a national outcry.
Spaniards Vote for Universal Healthcare in Popular Referendum
Almost 1 million people in Madrid, Spain, voted in favor of universal healthcare in a popular referendum carried out by various independent groups in May in Madrid.
France's Employment Law Tries to Please Businesses, Workers
On April 9, France's National Assembly approved a new bill on employment--a legal transposition that successfully sanctions months of negotiations, during which the social partners agreed to improve business flexibility without compromising worker safety.
Protests Over ‘Religious Tolerance’ Award for Indonesian President
Some Indonesians think their president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, does not deserve the World Statesman Award given to him by a US-based interfaith group. When the award was announced, many people immediately pointed out that the president has done little to address the growing religious intolerance and religious violence in the most populous Muslim country in the world.
Is the Russian Opposition Playing a Losing Hand?
Blogger, professional poker player, and municipal deputy Maxim Katz has left the Coordinating Council of the Russian Opposition. Has the Russian opposition's e-democracy experiment failed?
