Stories from 23 October 2013
92 Countries Sign Minamata Convention to Prevent Mercury Poisoning
The Minamata Convention on Mercury, a global legally binding instrument on mercury was adopted in Minamata, Japan. The city known for tragedy now hopes to be known for solutions.
Codeshare Request from Serbia's New Airline Met with US, EU Pushback
The oldest and largest airline trade association in the United States called the request bizarre. Serbian media has so far chosen to ignore the story.
Saudi Women Gear Up To Defy Driving Ban
Saudi women are planning to defy a ban on driving on October 26. Many have already started driving, filming themselves doing so and sharing the footage online.
The Suspended Martyrdom of Russia's Alexey Navalny
After his tumultuous guilty verdict and five-year prison sentence last July, a court recently suspended Alexey Navalny's sentence, leaving the Russian opposition's most prominent leader on probation but free.
Chinese Newspaper Defies Censors, Publishes Front-Page Call for Journalist's Release
Reporter Chen Yongzhou was detained by police after the publication of his numerous investigative reports on the business practices of a large Chinese construction company.
Macedonia Imprisons Investigative Journalist For Reporting On Local Murder
Journalists and watchdog organizations are outraged by the sentencing of Macedonian journalist Tomislav Kezarovski to four and a half years in prison for an article he wrote.
Video: Saudi Girls Blamed for Being Attacked Outside Mall
Girls are being blamed for being attacked by youth in a shopping mall in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, for not covering their faces - and actually going to a mall.
Only Football Divides Tanzania
Tanzania prides itself on its unassailable ethnic and religious unity. But on the day of the Dar es Salaam Derby, neutrality takes a back seat to passionate fandom.
In Wake of Suicide Bombing Russians Question Their Security
An explosion aboard a Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad) commuter bus caused a stir in Russia’s blogosphere on Monday.
