Stories from 10 December 2013
Ukrainian TV Show Angers Tajiks
A popular Ukrainian travel series has recently aired an episode about Tajikistan. Many Tajikistanis then turned to social media to curse the video.
Brazil: Do You Admire Mandela? Then Support Human Rights
A banner paying homage to Nelson Mandela takes on the unanimous popularity of the South-African leader in Brazil to call those who admire his legacy to support human rights. The message was spread by the non-governmental organization Conectas Human Rights in the International Human Rights Day, 10 December 2013. “Do...
The Caucasus Network: Grozny Blogger, Ali Suleymanov
A 28-year-old Chechnya native, Ali Suleymanov, "Archidesigner," spent most of his adulthood in the Moscow region, where he studied and later worked as exterior designer.
Cuba Temporarily Reestablishes Consular Services in the United States
The Cuban Interest Section, the country's diplomatic mission in Washington, has temporarily reestablished its consular services until 17 February 2014. The decision comes after M&T Bank Corporation indicated they would postpone closing the Cuban diplomatic mission's accounts in the United States. The official announcement by the Cuban Interest Section is...
Bolivian Feminist Organization is the ‘Little Rock in the Government's Shoe’
This is a very conservative government as far as gay rights and abortion or anything having to do with women or women’s rights. […] This government doesn’t really see us as an enemy, but rather we’re like a little rock in the shoe, a constant irritation. Benjamin Dangl and April...
Italian Newspapers Mistakenly Call Nelson Mandela ‘Father of Apartheid’
Mandela was, in fact, instrumental in the dismantling of apartheid, South Africa's system of racial discrimination.
Bogotá Mayor Dismissed, Barred from Politics Over Imperfect Trash Collection
Colombia's Inspector General dismissed Bogota's Mayor Gustavo Petro and banned him from public office for 15 years, alleging Petro's mismanagement of a new public rubbish collection system.
Prison for Homeless Man Carrying Cleaning Products During Protests in Brazil
Authorities accused the man in Rio of carrying the ingredients for a molotov cocktail, though many dispute the claim.
The Caucasus Network: Special Forces Blogger, Hard Ingush
Based in Ingushetia, Hard Ingush claims to be an officer in the Special Forces. In the last couple of years, he has led the North Caucasus’ blogosphere.
Introducing the Blogosphere of Russia’s North Caucasus
Our new study explores the people and culture of the blogospheres of Chechnya, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Kabardino-Balkaria, and Ossetia.
“Digital Hooligans” from Iran Attack Messi's Facebook
Iranians posted a flood of nasty comments on the Facebook page of the Argentinian footballer ahead of the World Cup.
Mandela: Friend of Timor Leste and Indonesian Batik Fashion Icon
Nelson Mandela played an important role in the independence struggle of Timor Leste; and he is recognized as the most popular endorser of batik, a traditional Indonesian shirt.
