Stories from 17 November 2013
Insulting a Dead King is a Crime in Thailand
David Streckfuss cites a Thailand Supreme Court ruling about a Lese Majeste (anti-royal insult law) case which upheld the verdict against a citizen who reportedly defamed a dead king: Although the [defamatory] action was against a past king who had already passed on, it is still a violation….The defamation of...
Croatian Activists Protest Concert of Nationalist Rock Band in Zagreb
These signs were placed on the Hall of Sports in Zagreb by Croatian activists just days before Thompson, a Croatian rock band, held their concert there on Saturday, November 16. The band bears its name after the nickname of their lead singer, Marko Perković, received during service in the military...
Chileans Abroad Hold Symbolic Vote with Surprising Results
Results show a surprising difference with the forecasts made by pollsters, which placed Michelle Bachelet as the winner and Evelyn Matthei in second place.
Online Magazine Publishes Leaked Emails of Serbian Government Agency
Online magazine Balkanist was among several media to receive over 300 leaked emails from the Investment and Export Promotion Agency of the Republic of Serbia (SIEPA) that allegedly reveal corruption, nepotism, misappropriation of Agency funds and several other malpractices of the government agency's top officials and employees. SIEPA Director Božidar...
PHOTOS: Heavy Rains Hit Saudi Capital
Many commented how a rich country like Saudi Arabia has a poor infrastructure, which cannot handle rain, after the Saudi capital was flooded, following a storm.
Waiting for Freedom of the Press in Bulgaria
Bulgaria has been rated as having the least media freedom in the EU. During a time of political turmoil in the country, Bulgarians are turning to new media tools.
Does Tennis Pro Viktor Troicki's Doping Ban Go Too Far?
"It's one thing to not allow him to participate in tournaments, entirely another to limit his freedom of movement."
Anonymous Hacks Ukraine's Customs Services, Leaks Documents
Watcher.Com.Ua reports [uk] that hackers representing themselves as members of the Anonymous group have hacked into one of the servers of Ukraine's customs officials, leaking a number of documents pertaining to the operations of Danube and Black Sea marine customs. In particular, the group stated [en] the following: Inside you...
PHOTOS: Rally of Mozambique's Main Opposition Party Attacked by Riot Police
The final mayoral campaign rally of opposition party MDM in Beira ended with three people killed and several injured – the injured included the candidate's own son – following an attack by riot police who used tear gas grenades and shot bullets to the air. When the tumult began, incumbent...
Why CNN is Getting Praise and Flak for its Philippine Storm Coverage
CNN is praised for its extensive coverage of the destructive impact left by super typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. But some are not happy with its 'exaggerated' reports
Discovering the Bouquinistes of Colombo
Paris may be famous for its bouquinistes, stalls selling second hand and antiquarian books lining the banks of the River Seine, but Colombo also has them. They don’t line the banks of the Beira Lake and tourists seldom find them but they are invaluable for the traveller. In this lovely...