Stories from 19 June 2013
Interview: “How Are Things in Bamako, Mali?”
At the time of writing, June 2013, France is still fighting Islamists in Mali. Paris-based Anne Morin and Awa Traoré, her friend in Bamako decided to share a video journal of their conversations on Skype on YouTube. Anne wanted to stay up to date with the region's news, and also with her friends. She told Global Voices' Anna Gueye more about this journal as well as her links with Mali.
Egyptians Plan Protests for #June30 to Topple Muslim Brotherhood Rule
Egyptians are back to the drawing board, planning protests for June 30, to “topple the regime.” The date, being circulated on social media under the hashtag #June30, marks the first anniversary of the rule of President Mohamed Morsi, a Muslim Brotherhood candidate, who was elected after massive protests started on January 25, 2011, had uprooted Hosni Mubarak.
Colombia: Learning from Vallenato
Amongst Colombian Twitter users, the trend of publishing phrases from Vallenato songs -under the tag #Elvallenatomeenseñó (Vallenato taught me)- has emerged, with the intention of highlighting famous lyrics immortalised in songs that reflect different life lessons.
Brazil: “Gay Cure” Approved by Chamber of Deputies
The proposed law allowing psychologists to undertake treatment to reverse homosexuality was approved yesterday, June 18, by the Human Rights Commission of the Chamber of Deputies. The commission president, anti-gay preacher Mr Marco Feliciano, took the opportunity of promoting this issue while everyone was protesting against the issue of reducing...
Anti-Government Protests Rock Bulgaria's New Leadership
Mass protests begin in Sofia and across Bulgaria after the appointment of controversial politician Delyan Peevski to the position of Head of the Bulgarian National Security Agency.
Russia’s Bid For International Prestige: A White Elephant?
As Putin continues to pursue his policy of using international events like the Winter Olympics to show that Russia is worthy of investment, the country's taxpayers are coming to realize that they are the ones footing the bill.
China Shoots Down Accusations that Edward Snowden is a Spy
Edward Snowden, the whistleblower behind the revelations of the United States massive Internet spying program, turned to the Guardian newspaper once again, this time for an online Q&A, shortly after China broke its silence over the leaking scandal and said Snowden was not a spy for the country. Despite a cautious response from the government, China's online world has been abuzz with chatter surrounding the case.
Song, Video Shed Light on Congo War
‘In the Congo’ is a song and video that shed light 20 year conflict over minerals used in mobile phones and electronics: The video is produced and directed by Zavara Mponjika, the respected hip hop pioneer and filmmaker from Tanzania and features New York based female hip hop group Rhyme...
Bermuda: A Milestone for Human Rights
‘It’s kind of absurd to me that we’re even having this discussion. The God I serve says we are to love one another.’ Breezeblog comments on Bermuda's “pass[ing] [of] the amendment to the Human Rights Act making it illegal to discriminate against someone because of their sexual orientation.”
Open Letter to Germany's Cultural Foundation
Safia Dickersbach (@ArtsSafia) challenges a new programme dedicated to foster “German-African cultural relations”: 3. The Kulturstiftung claims to support the new African initiatives in the area of contemporary and innovative art. But on the other hand: a. Africans are not allowed to apply for the funds directly. b. The African...
Analysis on North Korea's Nuclear Talk
North Korea has recently tried to open discussion with South Korea and the United States on the denuclearization issue. 38 North project site posted a detailed analysis on current inter-Korean dynamics and future prospects.
‘China Open Mic': Examining China's Development Footprint in Africa
The arrests and the release of Chinese gold miners was the topic of the very first China Open Mic Google hangout organised by China Open Mic Sunday, June 16, 2013. China Open Mic (@ChinaOpenMic) is an open space that aims to inform and transform thinking on China in global development in the digital age.
Russians See Themselves in Turkish Protests
As Turkish protests continue, Russians draw parallels between events in Turkey and their own protest movement and hard-line political leader.
Miguel Bosé on Peruvian Cuisine
Spanish singer and artist Miguel Bosé, currently visiting Peru, became a trending topic on Twitter with the hashtag #PreguntasParaMiguelBose [questions for Miguel Bosé] when he refused to answer if he had tried pisco sour and cebiche during a press conference.
Belize: Conservation Limits?
Belize is facing a difficult balancing act when it comes to determining the limits of environmental and cultural conservation. Kevin Edmonds at nacla blog explains.
Ecuador Passes Controversial Communications Law
After almost four years of debate, the Ecuadorian National Assembly passed a controversial Law of Communications propelled by President Rafael Correa. While government authorities have celebrated the passage of the law, journalistic organizations and the opposition consider it a "gag" on freedom of expression in the country.
