Stories from 14 June 2013
European Award for Helping Victims of the Spanish Mortgage Crisis
The European Parliament has awarded its European Citizen's prize to the Mortgage Victims Platform, a Spanish grassroots organization that helps those affected by the housing crisis and champions legal reforms of mortgage lending practices. The ruling party had harsh words for the award, while netizens were strongly in favour.
PHOTOS: Hundreds Arrested in Brazil's Bus Fare Protests
Police are responding with teargas and violence as protesters crusade against the increase in public transportation fares during the fourth consecutive day of protests in Sao Paulo. The demonstrations are part of the Free Fare Movement that has already spread to other major cities throughout Brazil.
Orphaned in US, SOPA Finds Home in Russia
America’s controversial Stop Online Piracy Act is back—and it’s poised to become law in a matter of weeks. SOPA, however, isn’t coming to the US, where a wide coalition defeated the legislation in January 2012. A law that creates similarly harsh penalties for online copyright violations is on the cusp of finding a home in Russia.
Kazakh Minister Fired as Netizens Criticize Pension Plans
A Facebook-driven reaction to the government's attempt to ram through a pension reform without public discussion has given people approaching retirement age in Kazakhstan a rare voice. The republic's Social Affairs...
Tajik President is ‘A Real, Normal Man’
On the video from [his son's] wedding, Emomali Rahmon shows himself as a real, normal man - he has fun, dances with joy, and encourages everyone else to do the same. Don't all our men behave the same way at their sons' weddings?
Parliament Restricts Kyrgyz Women's Rights
After lengthy debates, the parliament in Kyrgyzstan has adopted legislation banning young women from travelling abroad without parental consent. On Registan.net, Alisher Abdug'oforov suggests that the new legislation not only...
More Violence for Russia's Gays, Supporters
These days supporting LGBT rights in Russia can earn you a trip to the hospital.
Anger Over Attacks Against Myanmar Migrants in Malaysia
The ethnic violence in Myanmar seems to be spreading in nearby countries. Some Myanmar Buddhist migrants in Malaysia have been attacked in recent weeks which many people believe are related to the ongoing ethnic and religious tension in Myanmar. The initial response of the Myanmar government to deny the issue angered many netizens
Australian DJ Asks PM if Partner is Gay
Mia Freedman of popular website Mamamia attacks the “disgraceful” behaviour of shock jock Howard Sattler when he asked Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard whether her partner Tim was gay. [Wikipedia:...
Pastor for South Korea's Biggest Church Charged with Financial Crimes
The largest Pentecostal Christian congregation in South Korea, and the world, Yoido Full Gospel church went under fire as its founder and senior pastor Cho Yong-gi await trial along with his two sons. They have been indicted on charges of breach of duty, embezzlement and tax evasion involving tremendous amount of money, a sensational event involving an iconic, mega-church in the country.
