Stories from July, 2013
Saudi Website Founder to be Imprisoned, Lashed
Free Saudi Liberals website founder Raif Badawi was charged with "setting up a website that undermines general security" and ridiculing Islamic religious figures.
In Egypt, Young Men “Die for Nothing”
Egyptian blogger Zeinobia shares photographs and a video of an 18-year-old revolutionary artist Eissa Essam. Essam was killed during clashes on July 26 with Muslim Brotherhood supporters camped in the Rabaa Al Adawiya neighbourhood in Nasr City. Zeinobia describes Essam as the liberal son of an MB member, who was...
Bogus Doctors Apply for Qatar Hospitals
Group Qatari blog Doha News reports: Some 66 percent of job applicants for nursing positions at state hospitals last year were found to have forged their educational qualifications, the Supreme Council of Health has said. Some 13 percent of people applying for jobs as doctors and 21 percent up for...
Qatari Doctor Detained in UAE for Muslim Brotherhood Ties
On Doha News, Shabina Khatri shares the story of a Qatari doctor Dr Mahmood Al Jaidah, detained in the neighbouring UAE under suspicion of having ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. Doha News reports: According to his lawyer Abdullah Tahir, who has been tweeting about the case, Al Jaidah has also...
Laughing at Putin's Pike
Vladimir Putin's presidential photo-ops, which grow more absurd with each passing year. In his latest publicity stunt, Putin joined Prime Minister and Defense Minister on a fishing trip in Krasnoyarsk.
Brunei Bans Daytime Dining in Muslim Restaurants
The new directive which surprised many people applies to foreigners and tourists as well during the holy month of Ramadan
E-book Offers ‘Pearls’ From Women Around the World
Catherine Beeckman explains how Global Voices provided inspiration for the free anthology "Pearls Around the Neck": "Your writings feed mine!"
Bangladeshi Blogger Writes About Prison Experience
Bangladeshi Blogger and activist Asif Mohiuddin, the winner of the best social activism blog from the Deutsche Welle Best Of Blogs Awards 2012, was arrested last April on charges of “hurting religious sentiment of Muslims through writing”. He has been released under bail and is now writing about his experiences...
Trinidad & Tobago: Will Warner Win?
Tomorrow, Jack Warner fights to reclaim the parliamentary seat for Chaguanas West - but his questionable campaign tactics and race-centric rhetoric have some bloggers concerned.
VIDEO: Pakistani TV Host Gives Away Babies on Primetime Ramadan Show
Televangelist Dr. Amir L. Hussain has gifted two babies during the month of Ramadan in an attempt to boost viewership during the Islamic holy month's fierce battle for ratings.
Three Days to Go: Telkom-Highway Africa New Media Awards 2013
Three days are remaining for submmiting entries for the 13th edition of the Highway Africa New Media Awards. Sponsored by Telkom, these are unique and prestigious awards on the continent that reward innovative use of Information Communication technologies (ICTs) in journalism that serves Africa and its citizens.
INFOGRAPHIC: Singapore Waste Statistics
According to Singapore's National Environment Agency, every person in Singapore generated 1,370 kg of waste in 2012. About 60 percent of the waste were recycled and 40 percent were disposed in incinerators and landfills
Hazreen Shaik Daud: Malaysia’s First Transgender in Politics
Some netizens described Hazreen's appointment as a "surprisingly courageous, righteous and respectable initiative."
Follow the Presidential Election in Mali in Real Time
Today (July 28) is the first round of the presidential election in Mali. To keep track of the proceedings in real time, updates are available on twitter via the hashtag #Mali2013, on the twitter accounts @Malivote (and its website) and @angaelections (site) and on the news group “Info élections 2013″ on Facebook [fr].
State Funeral for Tunisian Opposition MP as Protests Continue
A state funeral has been held for opposition Tunisian MP Mohamed Brahmi, shot dead outside his home on July 25. His assassination has sparked angry street protests.
Bhutan's First Female Minister
According to Bhutan's Buddhist traditions and values men and women are seen as equals. However, women are rarely seen in high positions. Blogger Nawang P. Phuntsho celebrates election of the country's first female minister. Aum Dorji Choden, an MP elect from Trashigang, has recently been appointed as the Minister for...
Taiwan: Flash Protests Against Land Expropriation
The dispute over land expropriation in Miaoli County has lit a fire for a series of flash protests targeting the President and the Premier for their indifference to citizens’ suffering. Several policemen from a “special district branch” were reported to check protesters’ I.D. and take away those who refused to...
South Korea: Over 25 Thousands Protested Against the Secret Agency Scandal
Mass protests against the state secret agency's electioneering scandal thundered across South Korea over the weekend. More than 25 thousand Koreans (Police estimated little below 8000 people) allegedly have attended a candlelight vigil in Seoul and dramatic photos and a video clip of the protest have been shared in major online venues.
South Korea's Military Culture Under Scrutiny After Teen Boot Camp Deaths
Five students drowned at a private summer boot camp after instructors made them take off their life jackets and jump into the sea.
Lesbian Couple Arrested After Marrying in Secret in Bangladesh
The women's marriage is being described as the country's first same-sex marriage. Bangladesh's laws criminalize homosexual relationships with life imprisonment.
Anti-Gay Protesters Violently Disrupt Montenegro's First Pride Parade
About 500 people along the parade route tried to stop the historic event, according to police.