Stories from 17 January 2014
Preserving The Hidden History Of Old Dhaka
Writer and blogger Jenny Gustafsson highlights the works of The Urban Study Group, a non-profit voluntary organization, which is campaigning for the conservation of the rich architectural /urban heritage of old Dhaka.
Enforced Disappearances in Sri Lanka: 2006-2013
Groundviews highlights a report (pdf), which aims to facilitate the criminalization of enforced disappearances in Sri Lanka during 2006-2013, recognize and uphold the rights of the victims families.
Ukraine Stifles Freedom of Speech, Peaceful Protest With New Law
The Ukrainian parliament has passed a law that openly restricts free speech, peaceful protest and free communications in the country, leaving citizens and journalists outraged.
Mexican Filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón Nominated for Oscar for ‘Gravity’
Mexican director Alfonso Cuarón has been nominated for the Oscar for Best Director, plus 9 others, for his work on 'Gravity'.
Remembering Congolese Leader Patrice Lumumba's Struggle Against Colonialism
Iconic freedom fighter Patrice Émery Lumumba was the first democratically elected prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He was executed 53 years ago.
North Sulawesi in Indonesia Hit by Flashflood and Landslide
The town of Manado in Indonesia was hit by a massive flashflood and landslide that displaced more than 40,000 residents. The landslide reportedly buried dozens of cars and passengers.
The Sad Fate of Multimillionaire Marriages in Russian Officialdom
Russia’s leading anti-corruption blogger, Alexey Navalny, is making waves again with his latest online work, a series of allegations against Maxim Liksutov, the head of Moscow’s department of transportation.
Two Opposite Arguments on Whether CAR Crisis is a Religious Conflict
Has the CAR Crisis Turned into a Religious Conflict ?
Job Market Trends in the Mobile Phone Industry of Côte d'Ivoire
Alain François Loukou, a research fellow and teacher at the Alassane Ouattara University in Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire, wrote an extensive report on the evolution of IT in Côte d'Ivoire [fr]. He shares the following table on the recent evolution of the mobile phone market in his country in terms of mobile penetration, jobs, turnover...
Being Gay in Nigeria Now Means Arrest, Prison
Nigeria has arrested dozens of gay men under the country's new anti-gay law, Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act, signed by President Goodluck Jonathan on January 7, 2014.
Creating Japanese Food With Ingredients from Crete
Five prominent Japanese chefs and five of their Greek counterparts got together at a hotel in Crete on January 14, 2014 to create ten dishes representative of the respective origins using local products. At the culinary event dubbed “CRETE delicious” [el], Japanese chefs demonstrated how Cretan products can be incorporated...
Online Platform ‘Ojo al Voto’ Seeks to Lure Young Costa Rican Voters
The interactive platform Ojo al voto [es] wants to provide young voters with useful and straightforward information about the upcoming presidential and legislative elections in Costa Rica, scheduled for February 2, 2014. The Hivos Central America website explains: Ojo al voto is an interactive platform, independent from the mainstream media,...
GV Face: Bangkok Shutdown and the Way Forward
In this episode of GV Face we speak to Saksith Saiyasombut, a Thai political blogger based in Germany, our Thailand author Aim Sinpeng & SE Asia Editor Mong Palatino.
Mauritius Tops Index of Economic Freedom Ranking in Africa
The Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal published the latest Index of Economic Freedom and Mauritius ranks highest among African nations [fr]. It also ranks in the top ten worldwide. The index cites the following reasons for Mauritius high ranking: Efficient and transparent regulations underpin a dynamic entrepreneurial environment and...
Japan Scores Well on Internet Freedom Status Report
U.S. based watchdog organization Freedom House compiled a report on Freedom on the Net 2013 and included the report on Japan for the first time. Japan was evaluated as “Free”, where the constitution protects all forms of speech and prohibits censorship, and Internet and digital media freedom are generally well established. For...
Philippine Petition Against Dog Meat Restaurants
An online petition is circulating to pressure the mayor of Baguio City to close down dog meat restaurants in the city. Baguio is a famous tourist destination located north of the Philippines: I was recently made aware that there are at least ten dog meat restaurants operating in open violation...
#RespectMyVote Movement Vs ‘Bangkok Shutdown’ in Thailand
As 'Bangkok Shutdown' campaign enters its fifth day, Thais from other parts of the country are asking Bangkok protesters to respect their vote and participate in the coming elections
Call for Better Crime Fighting Policy in the Bahamas
The government has failed…the prime minister…continues to pass the buck, throwing words and rhetoric at the cycle of violence, instead of mustering common sense and workable responses. Bahama Pundit takes on what it calls the Prime Minister's “disastrous leadership on crime”.
Looking Back at Russia's Divided New Year Celebration
President Putin delivered two New Year's addresses in 2013 -- one for Russia's Far East, and another for the rest of the country.
Fireworks Set Off Online Protests in Trinidad and Tobago
After a particularly ear-splitting Christmas season, animal rights activists have begun an online campaign advocating for a permanent ban on what many deem to be illegal fireworks.
