Stories from 9 February 2015
Bahrain Shuts Down Al Arab TV, Saying it Does Not Have “Necessary Permits” to Operate
Bahrain today officially announced the suspension of Al Arab satellite channel, which went off air hours it was launched, nine days ago. Netizens lament free speech in the country.
Netflix is Coming to Cuba — But Will They Have Any Customers?
Netflix seems unaware that even those Cubans who have Internet access do not have a strong enough connection to watch videos online.
GV Face: Protests are Banned in Houthi-run Yemen
Yemen is in political limbo, without a president and government, since the Houthi militias took over government institutions and the presidential palace in capital city Sanaa.
Ukraine Arrests Journalist on Treason Charges for Calls to Boycott Mobilization
Ukrainian journalist Ruslan Kotsaba called for boycotting the latest wave of military mobilization in Ukraine—and now faces treason charges. Is he really a traitor? Internet opinion is divided.
Twitter's New Transparency Report Shows Massive Spike in Demands from Russia
"We went from having never received a request to receiving more than 100 requests for account information. We did not provide information in response to any," Twitter's report says.
#FreeSavchenko: Ukranian Pilot's Hunger Strike in Russian Prison Hits Ninth Week
International campaigns for the release of Nadiya Savchenko continue. Russian authorities don't seem to have plans to release her. Neither does Savchenko have plans to end her hunger strike.
Gardeners Are Repurposing Coconut Waste as Eco-Friendly Plant Pots
Using coir pots that can be planted can save an estimated 100 million plastic pots from ending up in garbage cans.
Girl Draws Map of Palestine Using Israeli Bullets Collected from Around her Home
This photograph of a Palestinian girl is making the rounds on social media. Reports say the girl collected the bullets, she used to draw Palestine's map, from around her home.
A ‘Last Prophet’ Faces Jail for Land-Grabbing and Polygamy in Tajikistan
Seven wives, twenty kids and tens of disciples: Sheikh Temur reportedly claimed to be God's messenger, but his Judgement Day came sooner than he may have expected.