Stories from 1 November 2013
Egypt: Virginity Soap?
Egyptian activist Nelly Ali exclaims: While #egypt is busy… Shit like this is on the shelves ruining lives "Virginity Soap" (Alpha Market) #women pic.twitter.com/IXplFn2kY7 — Nelly Ali (@nellyali) November 1, 2013 In response, she gets this reply: @nellyali it has been on shelves allover the Arab countries like Saudi Arabia...
Proposed Law in Pakistan Would Pave Way for Human Rights Violations
A proposed law in Pakistan meant to give more teeth to anti-terrorism legislation would allow law enforcement to perform searches without a warrant and take away right to bail.
“Driving is Dangerous for Saudi Women”
On Blue Abaya, Layal writes a satirical piece on Saudi Arabia's ban on women driving. http://www.blueabaya.com/2013/10/26th-october-the-day-the-world-almost-came-to-an-end.html She notes: A new road sign was designed to spread awareness and remind any forgetful females that driving was not allowed. Clerics tweeted about the adverse affects of women driving cars which no doubt...
UAE Police Reward Drivers for Good Driving
Saudi Amani Al Awami's tweet on a Lebanese female driver getting a reward from UAE police for good driving is making the rounds online. She tweets: أوقفت الشرطة الإماراتية زميلتي اللبنانية اليوم، وأعطتها 1000 درهم مكافأة لها لالتزامها بقواعد المرور! #الإمارات pic.twitter.com/5xjeMIy8F5 — أماني العوّامي (@Al_Awami) October 30, 2013 The UAE...
Saudi Arabia Arrests Writer for Supporting Women Drivers
Six days ago a Saudi writer was arrested for lending his support to the right of women in his country to drive cars. Now, netizens call for his release.
Former Bosnian Refugee Running for US Congress
Bosnian-born Anesa Kajtazovic was the youngest woman ever elected to the Iowa House of Representatives. Now at the age of 27, she is running for Congress.
Russian Internet Surveillance: Meet the New Boss, Same as the Old Boss
In the latest news from Russia's slow but inexorable march to tighter control over the Internet, the Russian security apparatus is expanding its surveillance requirements for Russian ISPs.
Watch Movies for Free in The Dialog of Cultures Film Festival
The on-demand film streaming site MUBI is hosting the 2nd Dialogue of Cultures International Film Festival, whose mission is “to unite nations, cultures and religions by jump-starting a dialogue through the universal language of cinema.” The online festival features 20 films from Morocco, Portugal, Argentina, Philippines, Spain, Egypt, France, United Kingdom, Germany,...
Social Media Guidelines for Election Campaigning In India
Citing certain violations of the Electoral Law in the social media, the election commission of India has issued some guidelines for the use of Social Media for election campaigning. Nikhil Pahwa at Medianama analyses the guidelines.
Unchecked Violence Continues in Michoacán, Mexico
Violence and impunity continue in the state of Michoacán while every day more people are talking about a 'Failed State.'
Facepalm Politics in the Russian Parliament
Tension is mounting in Russia's managed party system. What will one pseudo-opposition group, A Just Russia, do to maintain its grip on power?
Hong Kong: Facebook Privacy, Anonymous Sources, Political Censorship
A newspaper asked their reporters to hand over a Facebook account, which they had used to connect with sources of information on sensitive topics, before resigning.
Life in Kyrgyz Prisons Through Camera Eyes
Photographer Eric Gourlan spent over a month in prisons in Kyrgyzstan, documenting the life of both inmates and guards. Photographs he took there provide a rare “view from the inside” the country's prison system. Kloop.kg publishes some of the remarkable photos that are now displayed at a museum in Bishkek. The documentary...
Workers Launch General Strike in Indonesia
More than a million workers reportedly joined Indonesia's two-day general strike. Workers are demanding an increase in salaries, the implementation of universal health care and protection of domestic workers
