Stories from 8 May 2014
Freedom of Speech, the Right that Makes the Defense of Other Rights Possible
The freedom of the press is an essential right established in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that protects all members of society.
Saudi Blogger Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison, 1000 Lashes
Yesterday, a Saudi court sentenced Raif Badawi to 10 years in prison and 1000 lashes for setting up a liberal website.
PHOTO: Censored Iranian Writer Dowlatabadi Caught Next to Iran's Chief of Censorship
The photo left a poignant mark on viewers familiar with Dowlatabadi work, which have been banned on occasion by Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.
50th Anniversary of Dictatorship in Brazil: A French Torturer in South America
Documents obtained by a researcher in France shed light on the activities of Paul Aussaresses, the executioner of Algiers, military attaché in Brazil in the 1970s.
Erykah Badu Still Plans to Perform for Gambian Dictator Yahya Jammeh
US singer Erykah Badu has become the target of criticism over a planned performance for President Yahya Jammeh of The Gambia.
Alleged Human Rights Violations During Agrarian Strike in Colombia
The website People's Congress publicly denounces [es] human rights situation during the ongoing agrarian strike [es] in Colombia. They report alleged human rights violations in different regions: Catatumbo and Cúcuta, San Pablo–Bolívar, Sogamoso – Boyacá, Northern Santander- Hacarí, Yopal- Casanare, Boyacá, Berlín – Santander, Pinchote – Santander y Arauca. They...
Guatemala: ¡PODER!, Tale of Two Girls
Stories are powerful. They define who we are and what we care about. When the stories that are told about us are positive, they can empower us. When they are desolate, they can make us feel insecure or question ourselves. ¡PODER! (Spanish word that means power) is a docudrama film,...
China-Vietnam clash in the Paracels
“South Sea Conversations” analyses China's motivation behind its aggressive move in the Paracels: maximal claim to maritime rights and forcing Vietnam to consider the “joint development” of energy resources in the disputed area.
Hong Kong: Domestic Worker Slapped, Kicked and Forced to Work 21 hours a Day
Another foreign domestic worker abuse case was exposed. The victim Rowena Uychiat was allegedly forced to work 21 hours a day (6am till 3am) without a day off. She claimed to have been slapped, kicked, verbally abused and had her hair pulled. Tom Grundy reported the case in detail.
Russia's War of the Roses
After the deadly fire in Odessa, and months of tensions between Moscow and Kiev, it's no surprise that a WWII memorial has become an important stage in Russian politics.
Helping Children Learning Urdu Alphabets
Chowrangi blog informs about a free interactive mobile app which introduces kids to Urdu alphabets and words. The app titled “Urdu Ustad” originally had the diaspora Urdu-speaking families as its target audience, but recently majority of download requests have come from Pakistan proving its usefulness.
Saint Lucians Defend Country's Image After Hotelier's Murder
After a rich businessman is murdered in St. Lucia, netizens discuss the impact his killing might have on the international perception of the island and by extension, its tourism industry.
