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Philippines: ‘Pork Barrel Queen’ Senate Appearance a Dud · Global Voices
Julius Rocas

Many Filipinos were frustrated by the senate appearance of alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles who simply feigned innocence and denied having any knowledge of the corruption charges against her.
Protesters denounce senators who are implicated in the corruption scandal. Photo by James Sarmiento, Flickr (CC License)
Napoles is accused of siphoning billions of public funds into ghost non-government organizations through the pork barrel allocations of senators, congressmen and local governments.
The corruption issue which was exposed a few months ago sparked massive protests and outrage in the country and forced the government to declare that it is already abolishing the pork allocation of legislators.
The senate hearing was conducted right after three senators were implicated in the scandal.They are now facing plunder charges.
The public expected Napoles to divulge details of the massive stealing of public funds but she opted to remain silent.
Blogger BongV succinctly describes how the hearing turned out to be for nothing – except for lawmakers involved in the scam using the hearing to cover for themselves:
First and foremost, the Senate is not a court of law. It cannot render judgment nor convict Napoles .
Second, it’s not just Napoles that’s under scrutiny – it’s practically the entire legislative body (and the chief executive, too) itself.
It is foolhardy to let a party under investigation, investigate itself.
That’s a recipe for a whitewash in the making.
If we are to seek justice, let the judiciary branch handle it – not the legislative branch. That’s a no-brainer!
Indeed, if the hearing was hijacked by anyone else but Ms Napoles, it was Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago who grabbed most attention during her turn at questioning the alleged ‘pork barrel queen’. Veteran journalist Raissa Robles observes:
Sometime into the proceeding Senator Miriam Santiago appeared and managed to hijack the proceedings with a lengthy tirade-cum-lecture. about the fine points of the law on a person invoking the “right to self-incrimination” compared to saying “I don’t know”. She convinced, or browbeat, Napoles into invoking the right against self-incrimination as against just saying “I don’t know”.  There’s a difference between the two responses so it will be interesting to see what the legal fallout from this will be.
As well as the merits of turning state witness – she told Napoles that the latter will be 90 years old when she gets out of jail if she is convicted of plunder.
Santiago sounded like she was equally interested in grinding her own axes and going after her political enemies while clearing up the pork barrel issue.
And since Sen Santiago stole the spotlight during the hearings, her words came close scrutiny from followers and critics alike, The Pinoy Catholic took the lady Senator's own play on the Ten Commandments against her on the issue of the reproductive health:
Now let's paraphrase that shall we and let us turn the tables against her.
“Is it true that you are close to a certain Catholic theology school? Are you familiar with the Catechism of the Catholic Church? Are you familiar Humanae Vitae? Are you familiar with the teachings about the Catholic Church against artificial contraception? And still, with theology degrees you keep on floundering, and by authoring the RH Law and publicly insulting the bishops and priests who uphold Catholic teaching you remain and consider yourself to be a devout Catholic?”
An activist wears a ‘miss piggy’ mask in reference to the pork barrel scam. Photo by James Sarmiento, Flickr (CC License)
On the other hand, Adrian Pantonial points us to the brighter side of things as he shares his takeaways from the hearing:
1. Change-catalysts confront and correct people. The Pork Scam whistleblowers and Senator Santiago exhibited wisdom and guts, standing up for what’s right, and telling the whole truth. Their lives were put on the line by their bravery but they took the risk anyway.
(…)
3. Restraining the truth and telling lies only complicate matters. Obviously, Napoles evaded the Senators’ questions with her cautious and short answers. Santiago implied earlier that there is someone (or a group of people) “most guilty” in this case than Napoles. She advised Napoles to expose the whole truth and the Senator/s involved before she might get assassinated – probably the best advice she could have gotten from the prosecution side.
With the hearings suspended until further notice and the country focused on recovering from the devastation caused by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), there's little interest in a second appearance of Ms Napoles on the next hearing now that the public knows that she would not change her tone and open up.
There is however a growing concern that legislative hearings are counter-productive. What the people want today is for the whole controversy to be steered into a clearer path or lead into a full blown trial in the courts.

author: Julius Rocas


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Researcher to Mozambique’s President: “You Are Out of Control” · Global Voices
Janet Gunter

An open letter [pt] by Mozambican well-known economist and researcher Carlos Nuno Castel-Branco begins “Mr. President, you are out of control.” The letter frontally questions the credibility of President Guebuza in the current context of political and military tension in the country, followed by a strange rash of kidnapping. The researcher describes the latest events as “runarounds”:
Para suspender a constituição e aniquilar todas as formas de oposição, atirando depois as culpas para os raptores e outros criminosos e terroristas, ou para aniquilá-los em nome da luta pela estabilidade.
In order to suspend the constitution and to annihilate all forms of opposition, then blaming the kidnappers and other criminals and terrorists, or annihilating them in the name of the struggle for stability.
Castel-Branco even suggests that President Guebuza wants to “turn the country fascist”. The polemic text is being shared and commented on social media.

source: news-globalvoices

license: Creative Commons - Attribution - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

author: Janet Gunter


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Saudi Women Insist on Driving Despite Ban · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

Saudi women continue to challenge the driving ban imposed on them in the absolute monarchy.
This video shows a woman named as Azza Al Shammasi driving in Saudi Arabia on November 9.

author: Amira Al Hussaini


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Saudi Women to Continue to Challenge Driving Ban  · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

Now that the Saudi government's position on the ban on women driving in Saudi Arabia is clear, activists intend to continue to challenge the ban and “focus their effort on changing the government’s position instead of spending time trying to convince observers that society is not against lifting the ban.”
On Riyadh Bureau, Ahmed Al Omran writes:
Probably the most interesting outcome of the campaign was the decision of the Ministry of Interior to take a clear position on the matter. After years of vague statements by Saudi officials who emphasized that driving is a social issue and laws in the country do not ban it, spokesman Mansour al-Turki was forced to explicitly announce that they do not allow women to drive.
He adds:
Several women have tried to send cables to King Abdullah about driving. However, that effort again appears to be hindered by the Ministry of Interior.
Saudi Arabia is the only country which prohibits women from driving.


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The Curious Case of Sami Anan  · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

Egyptian blogger Zeinobia shares her two cents on the reemergence of Sami Anan, the former Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces. Is he bidding for presidency?
Global Voices Online's Victor Salama has more.


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‘The More Truth You Know, the More Distressed You Feel’: China’s Journalists’ Day · Global Voices
Abby Liu

What journalists in China “need most is a sound legal system to protect their safety and dignity,” one TV reporter reflected online on Chinese Journalists’ Day, which falls on November 8.
Other Chinese reporters joined in on the occasion, voicing their concerns about censorship, the state media and freedom of the press on Sina Weibo, the country's most popular microblogging website.
Wang Shisi, a veteran journalist, shared [zh] his thoughts:
Picture from Sina Weibo
记者节。从业22年，如下感悟：1 身体经造, 灵魂经烤；2 无冕之王只是客气，当真了就死定了；3 有时知道真相越多越苦恼；4 没良知别监督, 没常识别批评，否则难免被嫖娼被跨省；5 没法律保障，只能靠组织护佑；6 骂美国比骂村长安全；7 可以不说事实，但千万别撒谎；8 小姐的活法，圣女的操守。
Journalists’ Day. Here are my feelings after being in this industry for 22 years: 1. My body and soul have been tortured; 2. The uncrowned king is just being polite. If you take it seriously, you are dead; 3. Sometimes the more truth you know, the more distressed you feel; 4. Don’t supervise or criticize if you don’t have the common sense, lest you be prostituted; 5. No legal protection, can only rely on organization's protection; 6. Blaming the United States is safter than cursing village leaders; 7. You don’t have to tell the truth, but do not lie; 8. Live like a prostitute, but protect yourself like a virgin.
Shi’s comments have resonated among many journalists, with popular TV host Meng Fei[zh] pointing out:
今天是记者节，其实记者根本不需要用节日来提升荣誉感，他们最需要的是用健全的法制来保障安全和尊严。
Today is Journalists’ Day. In fact, reporters do not need the holiday to enhance their sense of honor, what they need most is a sound legal system to protect their safety and dignity.
In reaction to the latest “Big-V” crackdown on social media, TV host Hu Ziwei posted [zh] a poem written by her journalist friend:
沉默不是寂灭，沉默不代表认同，沉默不是放弃，沉默铸造责任；沉默也是声音，沉默就是真相；与呼号相比，爆炸是沉默的，与舆论相比，新闻是沉默的。2013，新闻业处在向下沉沦与向上挣扎的节点，为了不使虚无的喧嚣得逞，识别喧嚣中的虚无非常迫切。——一位记者同行写于记者节
Silence is not quiescence, silence does not mean identity, silence is not to give up, silence casts responsibility. Silence is a sound, silence is the truth. Compared with public opinion, the press is silent. 2013, journalism is sinking and struggling. In order not to make the hustle and bustle of nothingness succeed, identifying the hustle and bustle of nothingness is necessary.—A journalist fellow written on Journalists’ Day
Luo Changping, deputy chief editor from Caijing magazine, wrote [zh]:
在中国，若要驱散政治阴霾，推进腐败防治工作，不可能只靠政府，也需要公民社会和私营领域的共同努力。跟司法系统类似，一个独立、权威的新闻行业，是建立阳光政府与透明政治的重要基础。
A transparent government cannot only rely on the government, but also on civil society and the private sectors. Similar to the judicial system, an independent and authoritative news industry is an important foundation for establishing a transparent government.
Journalist Deng Fei called for the use of new media in the digital age:
讲传播与赋权，媒体人掌握话语权的时代结束了，但我们的文字、思想、价值观和传播动员组织优势功力还在，我们必须与时俱进，变革自身，利用各类新媒体继续前行，或自媒体或公益行动，来传播我们的价值。
Times have changed since journalists were empowered to spread news, but we still have the power of words, thoughts, values and communication skills. We must advance with the times, improve ourselves by using various new media forms and spread our values through new media or citizen media.

author: Abby Liu


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Tunisian Police Blamed for Torturing Young Man to Death · Global Voices
Afef Abrougui

On 1 November, 34-year-old Walid Denguir was chased and arrested by police before he was driven a police station in the capital Tunis. About one hour later, his mother Faouzia received a phone call from a police officer telling her that her son died of a heart attack.
Walid Denguir
At Charles Nicole's hospital in Tunis, his mother and family members noticed head injuries and bruises on Denguir's lifeless body. Several photos [warning: graphic: here, here and here] taken of Denguir's body, before he was buried on 3 November, also show signs of torture and ill-treatment.
“His mouth and his nose were bleeding, I touched his forehead and it felt as though his skull was broken because there was a crevice between his forehead and the top of his skull,” Denguir's grieving mother told Human Rights Watch.
Reporter Tom Stevenson confirms:
Police in #Tunisia appear to have caved in the skull of Walid Denguir, who was arrested and died in custody on November 1st.
— Tom Stevenson (@TomStevenson_) November 5, 2013
Denguir's funeral drew angry crowds:
In a statement released on November 3, the Interior Ministry admitted an ‘excessive use of force’ and said that an investigation to ‘identify the reasons’ behind Densguir's death was opened. The ministry added that Denguir was wanted by the authorities for ‘involvement in drug related offenses’ and for ‘forming criminal gangs’.
An autopsy was performed on Walid's body but the results have not been released yet. For Ghazi Mrabet, one of the lawyers representing Denguir's family, this delay is ‘unjustifiable’ [fr]:
Rien au monde ne peut justifier tout ce retard pour que le médecin légiste remette la rapport d'autopsie de Walid Denguir . Quelques petites heures auraient suffit au service d'autopsie de l’hôpital Charles Nicole de mettre la lumière sur les raisons exactes de sa mort . Ce jeune citoyen tunisien est peut être un multirécidiviste ou un malfrat mais rien n'explique cette torture, ce crime organisé… Alors et avant qu'il ne soit trop tard , demandons l'arrestation des policiers qui ont interpellé ou interrogé Walid , n'attendons pas je ne sais quelle enquête administrative interne et arrêtons ces présumés coupables sachant qu'un rapport d'autopsie ne détermine pas les responsables d'une mort mais révèle tout simplement ses raisons . STOP TORTURE !!!!!!
Nothing in this world can justify this delay for the forensic pathologist to release the autopsy report of Walid Denguir. Few hours should be enough for the autopsy department at Charles Nicoles hospital to shed light on the exact reasons behind his death. This young Tunisian citizen might have been a persistent offender or a criminal, but nothing can justify this torture, and this organized crime…So, and before it is too late, let's call for the arrest of the police officers who arrested or interrogated Walid. Let's not wait for an internal administrative investigation to take place to arrest the suspects, bearing in mind that an autopsy does not determine those responsible of a murder but only reveals the reasons of a death. Stop torture!!!!
On November 6, the daily newspaper Al-chourouk reported that preliminary results of the autopsy had revealed that Denguir died of a heart attack after taking an overdose of cannabis. For the Tunisian twittersphere, these allegations are ridiculous and hard to believe.
overdose de cannabis? non c'est pas une blague c'est la réponse de notre gouvernement pour cacher la torture #walid_denguir
— nidhal chemengui (@za_zou) November 5, 2013
An overdose of cannabis? No this is not a joke. This is the response of our government to hide the torture of Walid Denguir.
#Tunisie: La mort de #Walid_Denguir serait due à une overdose.  http://t.co/JLoCswGRhF de quoi? cannabis? Une première mondiale
— walid (@Elwal_AS) November 5, 2013
The death of Walid Denguir was the result of an overdose. Of what? Cannabis? This is a first in the world.
Writing for the collective blog Nawaat, Henda Hendoud reminded readers of Anis Omrani and Abderraouf Khammassi, who over the last two years passed away after they were tortured by police [fr]:
En effet, quand il s’agit de torture et surtout de meurtres, les médecins légistes, les magistrats et procureurs de république deviennent moins pertinents et beaucoup plus opaques dans leur traitement. Nous l’avons vu, lors de plusieurs affaires, comme le cas d’Anis Omrani, mort le 15 août 2011, au centre ville de Tunis, lors d’une confrontation entre des manifestants et la police.
Le Ministère de l’Intérieur avait déclaré que le jeune homme s’est suicidé en se jetant du balcon d’un appartement qu’il n’a jamais habité. Alors que des vidéos ont montré un policier en train de lui tirer dessus. Un autre cas similaire est celui d’Abderraouf Khamassi, mort le 8 septembre 2012, après avoir été torturé au siège de la brigade de la police judiciaire de Sidi Hassine à Sijoumi.
Les policiers accusés dans cette affaire étaient visiblement protégés tout au long de l’enquête administrative menée à l’intérieur du Ministère de l’Intérieur. L’autopsie laisse aussi entendre, dans ce dossier, que le décès n’est pas lié à la torture.
In fact, when it is a case of torture that leads to death, forensic pathologists, magistrates and State prosecutors become less discerning and more opaque. We have noticed this during other cases, such as that of Anis Omrani, who died on August 15, 2011, in downtown Tunis during clashes between protesters and police.
The Interior Ministry declared that the young man committed suicide by throwing himself from the balcony of an apartment he never lived in. However, videos showed a police officer shooting at him. Another similar case was that of Abderraouf Khamassi, who died on September 8, 2012, after he had been tortured at the office of the brigade of judicial police in Sidi Hassine in Sijoumi.
The police officers suspects in this case, were clearly protected during the entire administrative investigation conducted inside the Interior Ministry. The autopsy also alleged that the death of Khammassi was not the result of torture.
The death of Denguir in police detention comes as international human rights organizations were welcoming the adoption of a new law on an anti-torture body by the National Constituent Assembly established on October 9.
Rupert Colville, spokesperson for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), described the adoption of this law as ‘a significant step forward towards eradicating torture in Tunisia’.
Walid Denguir died in police custody 3 weeks after #Tunisia constituant assembly voted a law 2 prevent torture pic.twitter.com/gK3b0Fgp87
— Hisham Ben Khamsa (@HishamBK) November 3, 2013

author: Afef Abrougui


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Turk-Arab Youth Congress: Middle East Needs Greater Regional Cooperation · Global Voices
Fakiha Hassan Rizvi

Participants at the annual Turk-Arab Youth Congress (TAYC) in Istanbul, Turkey at the end of October called for a future in which Turks and Arabs work together at all levels for a better future of the region.
The Congress emphasized the need for Turks and Arabs to recognize their common heritage as well as conform to their own standards instead of those set by the West.
Since 2012, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Youth Assembly (IMMYA), a platform for Turkish youth, has held the Turk-Arab Youth Congress (TAYC). The congress is a platform in which Arab and Turkish youth and intellectuals can meet, talk about ideas and bring about a new vision for the region's future. The sessions and workshops are intended to create a comprehensive understanding for the participants and policy makers about the ground issues and challenges that region faces in order to explore new ideas and approaches for the present and future.
The theme for this year's TAYC  in Istanbul, Turkey, was “justice”, and the topics covered included: creating regional and global civil aid networks, and rethinking regional and global economic institutions. Young people belonging to 24 different Arab countries took part in the congress this year and zealously asked questions about their future, especially against the backdrop of uprisings and political unrest in the Middle East. The three-day (October 25, 2013 to October 27, 2013) program consisted of workshops, sessions and NGO presentations.
The description of the Facebook page of Turk Arab Youth Congress stated the following goals:
1.To draw a vision for the future of the New Arabic World.
2.To create the platform for the youth to meet with the Arab & the Turkish intellectuals
3.To share and to document the “Street Experience” of the demonstrations from the people of revolution
Image courtesy Gulay Kaplan. From Turk-Arab Youth Congress Facebook Page.
On the first day, notable intellectuals and advisors to some political parties in Turkey delivered opening speeches. Panel discussion were conducted to explain the current scenario of the region and future implications.
The Twitter account (@Turk_Arab) of the Turk Arab Youth Congress (TAYC) shared a steady stream of opinions and statements from the speakers. Some noteworthy ones are:
Miss Summeyye Erdogan, Advisor to the Chairman of AK party, told young people to remain united despite the divides between them:
Miss Sümeyye Erdoğan : “Turkey and Turkish people have never considered the neighbours as a tool for their own sake, we are brothers!” #tayc
— Tr&Ar Youth Congress (@Turk_Arab) October 25, 2013
The Director and Coordinator of TAYC 2013, Oguzhan Mailmail (@Oguzhan Mailmail) welcomed the participants on the first day and explained the goals of the congress to them.
Sumeyye Erdoğan: We do not accept borders driven among us in this geography. #tayc2013 @GenclikMeclisi @Turk_Arab
— Oğuzhan Mailmail (@OguzhanMailmail) October 25, 2013
Dr. Kerem Kinik (@drkerem), President of Doctors Worldwide, gave a presentation on “togetherness” and suggested that young people share their pain and suffering and speak out against oppression:
@Turk_Arab @GenclikMeclisi #R4BIA dedi @r4biaplatform pic.twitter.com/qUxb9tBt2G
— Dr Kerem KINIK (@drkerem) October 25, 2013
@Turk_Arab @GenclikMeclisi said #R4BIA @r4biaplatform
Turk Arab Youth Congress (@Turk_Arab) tweeted:
An emphasis on togetherness from Dr Kerem Kınık! @drkerem #tayc2013 @GenclikMeclisi pic.twitter.com/u4GOrET3ED
— Tr&Ar Youth Congress (@Turk_Arab) October 25, 2013
Omar Salha (@o_salha), founder of Ramadan Tent and a doctoral fellow working on global diplomacy, conducted sessions on the intervention of international organizations in local conflicts and politics. He considered the interaction with the participants an insightful one:
Great two sessions&insightful comments, debates&discussions. Look forward to presenting ‘Role of Diplomacy in the Middle East’ @Turk_Arab
— Omar Salha (@o_salha) October 26, 2013
Izzy (@islam_altayeb), a Middle East analyst, tweeted:
In a decade or so, we will be overwhelmed by a new generation of Middle Eastern poets, writers & artists. Sorrow gives birth to beauty.
— Izzy (@islam_altayeb) October 23, 2013
The “Economic and Financial Commission” was moderated by Muzammil Thakur (@M_A_Thakur), an advocate for the cause of Indian occupied Kashmir:
اللجنة الاقتصادية والمالية في ورشة عمل مع @M_A_Thakur #TAYC2013 pic.twitter.com/8WK9ELhoS9
— Tr&Ar Youth Congress (@Turk_Arab) October 26, 2013
The economic and financial committee at the workshop
Merve Serire (@karakurukiz), who studied economics at Kadir Has University, Istanbul, Turkey, moderated the social, humanitarian and cultural commission:
اللجنة الثقافية والإنسانية والاجتماعية في ورشة عمل مع @karakurukiz #TAYC2013 pic.twitter.com/wOp9GEPEU6
— Tr&Ar Youth Congress (@Turk_Arab) October 26, 2013
The cultural and humanitarian and social committee at the workshop
As an example of the impact of the platform, Dorra Amara (@DorraAmara) from Tunisia and Merve Serire (@karakurukiz) from Turkey became close at the Congress. Amara tweeted this picture:
Who rule the world? Who lead the future? @karakurukiz @Turk_Arab #TAYC2013 pic.twitter.com/TQAJaCeny2
— Dorra Amara (@DorraAmara) October 26, 2013
At the end of all the sessions and workshops, the participants were asked to devise solutions for the Syrian refugee problem. Representative from each workshop shared information with all the participants in an evaluation conducted on the evening of October 26 and October 27, 2013:
@Turk_Arab Gençlik Kongresinde 2. gün oturumları değerlendirilmesi yapılıyor #tayc2013 #TAYC2013 pic.twitter.com/cRhQFEQiH4
— İBB Gençlik Meclisi (@GenclikMeclisi) October 26, 2013
@Turk_Arab Assessment of second day sessions at Youth Congress. #tayc2013 #TAYC2013
A short video clip, highlighting the overview of the congress can also be viewed through the following link:
It is evident that events of such nature are giving the Muslim youth a chance to channel their energies in the correct direction. They are discussing their future as they alone can better understand the dynamics of their respective countries. Apart from political harmony and unity, people across the borders can interact with each other. This is significant for Arab region that is going through disharmony and uncertainty.

author: Fakiha Hassan Rizvi


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China: Vagina Talk · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Beijing Foreign Studies University Gender Activism Club organized an online photo display of “My Vagina says…” Joe from ChinaSMACK translated a number of vagina statements.
My vagina says: Don’t treat me like a sensitive word! Image via ChinaSMACK.

author: Oiwan Lam


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Comics Comparing Hong Kong and Taiwan Society · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Kevin Tang from Hong Wrong translated a series of comics depicting the differences between Hong Kong and Taiwan by a Hong Kong-based Taiwanese artist JIEJIEHK. Below is one of the comparison that vividly shows the difference between the restaurant services in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Restaurant service in Taiwan and Hong Kong by JieJieHK via Hong Wrong.


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FIFA Fines Croatia and Greece for Fans’ Racist Behaviour · Global Voices
Danica Radisic

In November 2013, Croatia and Greece joined the growing list of national football teams that FIFA has fined for racist behavior of their fans or team members. In Maqy of 2013, FIFA began implementing stricter sanctions aganist racismand discrimination. FIFA President Sepp Blatter stated recentky that this global governing organization must introduce harsher punishments to battle these issues, adding that FIFA was now even willing to “eliminate teams from a competition or deduct points” to that effect. Al Jazeera reports more details regarding the fines issued to the Croatian and Greek national football associations:
FIFA fined the Croatia Football Federation 35,000 Swiss francs ($38,000) for incidents during its 2-1 loss against Belgium in Zagreb on October  11.
“Croatian supporters made far-right salutes which were used during World War II by the fascist Ustase movement,” fan monitoring group Fare reported to FIFA.
FIFA fined the Greek federation 30,000 Swiss francs ($32,500) following reports of far-right banners displayed when Greece beat Slovakia 1-0 in Athens on October 11.

author: Danica Radisic


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Hong Kong Pride Parade 2013 · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Here is a video uploaded by Ares Ng from Youtube showing the empowering and happy rally scene of Hong Kong Pride Parade 2013 which has taken place in Hong Kong during the weekend on November 9, 2013.


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Hungary Criticized for Lenient Naturalization Policy · Global Voices
Danica Radisic

With unemployment and economic concern growing in the European Union, Hungary is among some of the EU member states being criticized by its Union neighbors for more lenient laws passed in 2011 for attaining Hungarian citizenship. Charles Richardson explains why on Crikey's blogs:
Hungary has been giving some grief to its neighbors with a new law that allows people to claim Hungarian citizenship if they have (a) a direct ancestor who was a Hungarian citizen and (b) a basic knowledge of the Hungarian language. Apparently the latter requirement is being leniently interpreted.[…]
Two things make this more controversial than it might sound. One is that substantial chunks of Hungary’s neighbors were, at times in the last century, Hungarian territory. That means that a lot of Serbs, Slovaks, Romanians and Ukrainians are potential claimants, and it may make some of those neighbors worry about whether Hungary’s leaders have really given up the dream of recreating the “Great Hungary” that existed prior to 1920.[…]
The BBC reports that more than half a million people have taken advantage of the new law since it came into effect at the beginning of 2011, with about 100,000 from Serbia alone.


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Journalist Dubbed ‘Macedonian Assange’ Arrested in Serbia · Global Voices
Danica Radisic

Zoran Bozinovski, a journalist known as “the Macedonian Assange”, was arrested in Serbia on an Interpol arrest warrant on November 7, 2013. Bozinovski runs the Macedonian site Burevesnik.org, often referred to as the Macedonian WikiLeaks due to the fact that he and others have released documents there in the past that reveal foul play and corruption in Macedonian politics and business.
Still image of Zoran Bozinovski from an interview with Croatian Nova TV.
Another Macedonian journalist recently sentenced to prison for “revealing the identity of a protected witness”, Tomislav Kezarovski, was released earlier that same day to serve the remainder of his four-and-a-half-year sentence under house arrest.
Macedonian citizens and journalists on social media were surprised to hear of the arrest of another journalist on the very day that Kezarovski had been released into house arrest, with some ironically calling it “a trade off”, and others saying there was now an open witch hunt on Macedonian journalists. Comments on Twitter regarding Kezarovski's release and Bozinovski's arrest are mostly ironic, with many suspecting authorities knew this was coming.
Aco Lazarov from Macedonia asked:
Немало место во затворот за Божиновски па го пуштиле Кежаровски?
— Ацо Лазаров (@AcoLazarov) November 8, 2013
There wasn't room in prison for Bozinovski so they let Kezarovski out?
— Ацо Лазаров (@AcoLazarov) November 8, 2013
Another Macedonian Twitter user, Jana, commented upon learning the news of Bozinovski's arrest:
Не знам зошто и како ама ова е лош ден за истражувачкото новинарство во Македонија. Уапсен новинарот Зоран Божиновски http://t.co/cKcPxUVXiz
— Јана (@PaliKukja) November 7, 2013
I don't know why or how but this is a bad day for investigative journalism in Macedonia. Journalist Zoran Bozinovski arrested http://t.co/cKcPxUVXiz
— Јана (@PaliKukja) November 7, 2013
Bozinovski was arrested by Serbian authorities on charges of espionage, extortion and criminal conspiracy. He was easily located in one of the two apartments he had been renting in Novi Sad, Serbia, where he had living for the past several months. Police confiscated two computers and several yet unspecified documents from the apartment at the time of the arrest, and stated that Bozinovski will be held in a local jail until extradition to Macedonia, after the Macedonian government officially files for the extradition.
Some Serbian and Macedonian media are reporting [sr] that Bozinovski, also known as a conspiracy theorist who has dubbed himself “Crazy Milojko” on his own site and elsewhere online, is deeply involved in espionage, although no evidence has yet been put forth:
Osumnjičeni je deo kriminalne grupe koja je pre nekoliko meseci raskrinkana kada su pohapšeni visoki zvaničnici makedonske Vlade i zaposleni u bezbednosnim službama te zemlje pod optužbom da su špijunirali u korist Grčke. Prema informacijama iz istrage, oni su špijunirali za strane tajne službe, ali ucenjivali su i pojedince iz javnog života Makedonije. Takođe, pod kontrolom su imali i nekoliko medija, kao i određene internet stranice preko kojih su pretili da će objaviti poverljive sadržaje, što su i činili.
The suspect is a member of a criminal group that was cracked several months ago when high officials of the Macedonian government and employees of [national] security services were arrested and charged with spying for Greece. According to information obtained during the investigation, they spied for foreign secret services, but also blackmailed individuals from Macedonian public life. They also had several media under their control as well as certain Internet pages through which they threatened to publish confidential content, which they did.
These accusations seem to stem from Bozinovski publishing certain files and confidential information that he obtained regarding corruption and foul play within the Macedonian government and Macedonian organized crime, which Bozinovsski and some of his associates claim are closely tied.
He has also been researching these ties and alleged manipulations in Macedonian politics, as well as the tragic death of Macedonian singer Tose Proeski, who died in a car accident at the age of 26 in 2007. Bozinovski began writing a book on this subject and, after being rejected by 32 publishers in the region, finally announced that he had found a publisher in Zagreb, Croatia willing to make his research public.
In the video below, Bozinovski gave an interview to Nova TV in May 2013, during which he listed several things that he found suspicious about the young singer's death, claiming he had evidence of how the then ruling politicians and media exploited Tose Proeski and continue to profit from the singer's legacy. Bozinovski also stated in this interview that he does not necessarily believe that the late musical prodigy is dead, citing that no real evidence of his death was ever provided. The book is planned to come out sometime in 2014.
Twitter user Parg0 from Skopje noted:
#божиновски можеби е луд, ама мислам дека не е глуп. Очекувам http://t.co/gwxwK000J7 да почне да исфрла многу интересни документи.
— Parg0 (@parg0) November 8, 2013
#божиновски [Bozinovski] may be crazy, but I don't think he's stupid. I expect http://t.co/gwxwK000J7 to begin putting out a lot of interesting documents.
— Parg0 (@parg0) November 8, 2013
Whatever the case regarding his upcoming book and work on Burevesnik.org, several media associations have condemned the arrest of Bozinovski, including the Journalists’ Association of Serbia (UNS). In an official statement on their website, they remind Serbian authorities that this arrest has also been publicly condemned by the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), as well as Central and Eastern Europe Media Organization (CEEMO), and they add:
УНС подсећа да је суд у Македонији недавно, без ваљаних правних разлога, осудио новинара дневника “Нова Македонија” Томислава Кежаровског на четири и по године затвора „због откривања идентитета једног сведока у случају нерасветљеног убиства“. […]
УНС због тога тражи од Министарства правде Србије да приликом одлучивања о изручивању Зорана Божиновског држави која спорним пресудама осуђује новинаре и тражи њихово хапшење, буде посебно обазриво и испита све околности од значаја за заштиту професионалних права интереса новинара.
The UNS [Journalists’ Association of Serbia] reminds that a court in Macedonia recently, without valid legal reason, convicted journalist from the daily “Nova Makedonija” Tomislav Kezarovski to four and a half years in prison “for revealing the identity of a protected witness in an uncleared murder”. […]
Due to this, UNS requests of the Ministry of Justice of Serbia that, during their deliberation concerning the extradition of Zoran Bozinovski to a country that convicts journalists under debatable rulings and requests their arrest, they be particularly wary and look into all circumstances relevant to the protection of professional rights and interests of journalists.
While there are reports that the extradition process has been started [mk], it is now unclear whether Bozinovski has obtained Serbian citizenship during his stay in Serbia and, if so, whether the extradition process to Macedonia will be able to be carried out. When asked by Macedonian media, the Macedonian Ministry of Interior could neither deny nor confirm whether Bozinovski was also a Serbian national at this time.
Curiously, Bozinovski posted this photograph of himself in handcuffs on his Facebook profile on October 11, 2013, adding the note:
fotografijata e od edno minato vreme. taka beše, dali pak ke bide – ke vidime!?
The photograph is from a past time. So it was, whether it will be so [again]- we shall see!?


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New Laws in Hungary May Restrict Media Freedom · Global Voices
Danica Radisic

On November 5, 2013, Hungarian Parliament adopted changes to the country's Criminal Code regarding potentially defamatory video or audio recordings. The new changes to this law include penalties such as imprisonment of up to three years for making such materials public. The longest prison sentence relates to materials published to a “wide audience” and, according to the OSCE and others, this directly targets the media. Dunja Mijatović, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, made an official statement on November 6, 2013, stressing concerns regarding the new laws and how they will impact journalism and media freedom. Ms. Mijatović said:
These amendments to the penal code can further restrict media freedom. The penalties for publishing defamatory recordings are disproportionate and may lead to the silencing of critical or differing views in society.[…]
These measures are excessive as they can have a chilling effect on investigative journalism and prevent satirical expression and critical points of view from being disseminated.[…]
Hungarian legislation already includes provisions to protect human dignity and penalize the fabrication of facts. Instead of adding new ways to chill public discourse and curb media freedom, Hungary should eliminate existing legal obstacles to media freedom.


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PHOTOS: Super Typhoon Haiyan Devastates Central Philippines · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

Typhoon survivors in Ormoc, Leyte paint the street with a HELP sign. Photo from Facebook of Katreena Bisnar
Super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) hit the Visayas islands of the Philippines which left thousands dead and homeless. The casualties could rise to more than 10,000 since the situation in many towns is still unknown at the moment.
Yolanda damaged the provinces of Samar and Leyte including Tacloban City where a storm surge instantly killed many people. Power and communication lines are down in the region. Yolanda, the world’s strongest storm this year, also struck north Cebu, Panay, Negros, and Palawan.
The main Twitter hashtag used to monitor the situation in the storm-battered provinces of the country is #yolandaph. Below are some photos which show the extent of destruction left by Yolanda:
PHOTO via Ryan Lim/Palace: Aerial view of damage in Leyte #YolandaPH pic.twitter.com/faTlfQRdZW
— ABS-CBN News Channel (@ANCALERTS) November 10, 2013
PAF Nomad flew over Guiuan, East Samar this morning to survey the damage wreaked by #TyphoonYolanda help on the way pic.twitter.com/JoVAnUujUR
— Team AFP (@TeamAFP) November 10, 2013
PHOTO: After #YolandaPH storm surge engulfed Tacloban airport; residents line up for relief goods @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/f3uW9DUfGI
— Julliane de Jesus (@jullianedejesus) November 10, 2013
The runway of the Tacloban Airport is clear but the airport structure has been extensively damaged. pic.twitter.com/6BrcBuATt7
— Plan Philippines (@PlanPhilippines) November 10, 2013
Current resource mobilization is rescue & emergency relief goods distribution. Ground zero in Tacloban. Let us HELP! pic.twitter.com/eAPC8x0iPE
— Caritas Manila, Inc. (@CaritasManila) November 10, 2013
Praying for everyone in Tacloban City. :( Don't lose hope. GOD is with us :) pic.twitter.com/b6taBTJ5Nz
— Kimpoy Feliciano (@kimpoyfeliciano) November 10, 2013
A church 10 miles south of Tacloban in Tanauan used as an evacuation center 0.14 miles from the ocean. pic.twitter.com/PMbesYcvT8
— Jim Edds (@ExtremeStorms) November 10, 2013
[PHOTO] A man rests inside a damaged home next to a ship washed ashore by #YolandaPH in Tacloban, Leyte. EPA pic.twitter.com/ZetWDN7JX4
— The Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) November 10, 2013
Photo of our street in Dulag, Leyte. Our house is at the right far end. Barely seen.#YolandaPH pic.twitter.com/v3POHoDX8U
— Anarina Layusa (@AnarinaNikola) November 10, 2013
Typhoon survivors walk the streets of Ormoc, Leyte. Notice the fallen electric posts and trees. Photo from Facebook of Katreena Bisnar
No rescue ops, no media, no signal, no relief. Almost 95% down. #HelpCapiz #YolandaPH pic.twitter.com/DLMIJKR3f1
— diana directo (@dianaholicht) November 10, 2013
In order to inform friends and relatives about their situation, survivors sent handwritten notes to TV reporters who quickly uploaded these messages online. Meanwhile, a list of survivors has been compiled too by the office of a Leyte representative.
The note reads: Brother, mommy and daddy are dead. Please inform everyone. No signal here and electricity. Aaron Almadro. Image from GMA News
Below are other reactions on Twitter:
The death toll continues to rise and the images of #YolandaPH‘s aftermath is truly heartbreaking. Sad that this could've been prevented…
— Janelle Mojica (@janellemojica) November 10, 2013
We also have to demand transparency & accountability to ensure that donations & relief goods will reach the intended recipients. #YolandaPH
— Samueeeeeel (@samm1bamm) November 10, 2013
Been ravaging my closet for some unused clothes we can donate to the Typhoon victims. #YolandaPH
— Angelooooo (@vilIaRANTe) November 10, 2013
i hope people in tacloban will realize that they are not helping themselves if they keep on doing delinquent acts
— mark johnuel duavis (@markjohnuel) November 10, 2013
The last Twitter quote refers to the looting in a Tacloban mall where survivors are desperately looking for food and water. Pinoy Bro also criticized the act:
…not acceptable and it dismayed me so much that I haven't heard or read in the news a single critic or news personality criticizing that incident, at least for now. Forgive me because maybe I am not pitiful or considerate about the situation or emotion of the looters who are of course victims of the typhoon but I just have this feeling that something here is not right.
What if you owned a mini grocery or even a sari-sari store and the next time you'll know is that people break in and loot everything? Come on Filipino people, this is not us.
But Arnold Alamon appeals for understanding:
There's a momentary breakdown of the social fabric in Tacloban right now. We should all be kinder in our assessment of our brethren who have just been through the most terrible of experiences. As things stands right now, it is probably the case that every resident of that devastated city has lost a family member or two and are now in survival mode for themselves who are left behind. The so-called looting is more a reflection of how little trust people have of official power responding to their immediate needs and less about the mettle of the people of Tacloban.

author: Mong Palatino


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Regional Bloggers Targeted for “Extremism” by Russian Police · Global Voices
Andrey Tselikov

Exploding logo of the United Russia party. A still from the video that got a Siberian blogger in trouble with the law. YouTube screenshot.
Regional authorities in Russia are cracking down on local opposition bloggers, persecuting them for alleged “extremism.” On November 6, 2013 Andrey Teslenko, a blogger from the Siberian town of Novoaltaisk, announced on his LiveJournal blog [ru] that he was approached by police who questioned him about a video called “Let's remind the crooks and thieves about their 2002-Manifesto,” which appears on his page [ru] on the social network VKontakte.
Teslenko did not author the video or even upload it — he merely re-posted an October 28, 2013 post [ru] by the leading opposition blogger Alexey Navalny. In his post Navalny was making light of the fact that a regional Novosibirsk court has included the 2011 video (easily found on Navalny's YouTube channel [ru] where it has over 2 million views) in the federal list of “extremist” media [ru]. It is indeed unclear why the video, which calls on people vote for any party but United Russia because they are “crooks and thieves,” made it to a list that includes an image of a boy, hand raised in a Nazi salute, with a caption “Death to the Jews.”
Teslenko is among 1004 VKontakte users who had shared Navalny's post, and according to him others might be in danger as well:
Кстати, менты эшники обмолвились, что в Барнауле в связи с этим роликом посетят не одного меня.
By the way, the anti-extremism cops let slip that I'm not the only one to be visited in Barnaul [regional center -A.T.]
According to a comment [ru] on Teslenko's post, the worst he faces for an administrative infraction (Article 20.29 of the Administrative Codex) is a fine of 1000 rubles, which he doesn't even really have to pay. However, on the same day that Teslenko blogged about his legal troubles, another regional blogger was actually arrested for a similar offense — but this time the Criminal Codex is involved.
Stas Kalinichenko, a blogger from Kemerovo (another Siberian city, 250 miles away from Novoaltaisk), was detained on November 6 as he exited his apartment building. His crime? Re-tweeting a photograph of an anti-government leaflet another Twitter user had posted last spring. The original May 6 tweet by user @letokot (it is now deleted) read: “I'm not inciting anything, I'm just posting a photograph.” It included a photo of a leaflet [ru] that, among other points, called on people to destroy cars belonging to government officials and employees, including police vehicles:
Покалывайте боковины колес, обрезайте тормозные шланги, пробивайте радиаторы, поджигайте.
Puncture the sides of tires, cut break lines, make holes in radiators, set them on fire.
Curiously, the official Twitter account of the Russian Investigative Committee responded to @letokot's tweet with a vague threat, writing:
@letokot @senko Ретвит и публикация – это уже распространение. Держитесь теперь.
— СК России (@Sledcom_Russia) May 7, 2013
Re-tweeting and publication is equivalent to distribution. Get ready now.
Kalinichenko's apartment was searched [ru] by the police just a month after he, along with 89 others, retweeted [ru] @letokot's leaflet photo. Since then he has been a “witness” in the investigation, says local journalist and blogger Dmitry Shipilov. Shipilov reported [ru] Kalinichenko's arrest on his Facebook account, writing that this is the first Russian case of “criminal persecution for a retweet.” He also noted that he wasn't sure why a witness would need to be detained. Shipilov later posted links [ru] to the text of the leaflet, out of “solidarity” with Kalinichenko.
Two days later, on November 8, Kalinichenko was released on his own recognizance. He was allegedly detained because he “ignored” court summons. Shipilov reports [ru] that in a few days Kalinichenko will be formally arraigned under Article 280 of the Criminal Codex, “Public incitement of extremist activities.” The accusation carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison. Until recently such an outcome — 5 years hard labor for a re-tweet — could be considered laughable, but in light of the Pussy Riot verdict and the continuing vagaries of the Bolotnaya Case, anything is possible. Regional Russian bloggers, remote as they are from the center of public attention in Moscow, are in more danger than ever.

author: Andrey Tselikov


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Sadness and Anger in Kidal, Mali   · Global Voices
Lova Rakotomalala

Blogger Wirriyamu mourns the two French journalists killed [fr] in Kidal, Mali. But beside his immense sadness, Wirriyamu also feels angry at seeing Northern Mali left helpless yet again to terrorists attacks. He writes [fr] about his silent anger at the situation there  :
Tant qu’il ne sera pas possible de patrouiller dans Kidal, tant que cette ville ne sera pas réellement dans une situation normale, ce genre d’assassinat continuera hélas à être possible. Si la paix doit avoir pour prix cette zone de non droit, alors (que les maliens me pardonnent) nous devons y renoncer au moins momentanément.
As long as the army is not allowed to patrol in Kidal, this type of assassination will continue to happen. If there were to be real peace in this stateless zone, the price to pay (May my Malian friends forgive me) might be to renounce peace temporarily.

author: Lova Rakotomalala


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Serbia Questions Whether Church Should be Exempt from Taxes · Global Voices
Danica Radisic

InSerbia reports and adds details to a poll carried out by Serbian daily Blic on whether the Serbian Orthodox Church, whose clergymen have recently been in the media often due to reports of visible overspending, should begin paying taxes. The Serbian Orthodox Church and all other religious institutions are exempt from taxes in Serbia and state tax authorities have never inspected the finances of any registered religious community in the country. These benefits, however, only apply to products and services that serve for religious activities, while the Serbian Orthodox Church is known to have a variety of the most expensive vehicles in the ownership of the Church, used by its officials and employees. In the public poll conducted by Blic in early November 2013, 83% of the respondents said the Serbian Orthodox Church should pay taxes.
Rough estimates, derived from the statements of church dignitaries, indicates that only from VAT on the sale of books and other goods in church stores, as well as profit tax, the Republic budget could be richer for about 10 billion dinars (6.4 million euros/8.5 million dollars).


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South Korean Media Whitewashes President’s European Trip · Global Voices
Lee Yoo Eun

South Korean President Park Geun-hye recently completed a week-long official visit to Western Europe on a political mission to forge economic and financial partnerships with Belgium, France and the UK.
But some facts, you wouldn't know from Korean media coverage.
Korean net users have bashed pro-government major newspapers for inundating their pages with lavish praise for the president's fashion sense and language skills while distorting the truth and filtering out some major talking points.
“When Park stepped into Buckingham palace, the rain stopped and the sun shone [ko]”. “The world was mesmerized by the president's traditional Korean fashion [ko]”. “Park delivered an opening speech in French, received a standing ovation for her fluent French‘ [ko]…
These are just few examples of actual headlines Korean media printed while covering Park's visit. Media critics even published a lengthy compilation of Korean media's praises [ko]. And it was nearly impossible to find any negative commentary, especially from the three biggest conservative newspapers in the country, which are notorious for being in agreement with almost every major issue backed by right-wing governments.
To South Koreans, this kind of coverage shares hallmarks of the country's dictatorship in the 1970s and 80s, considered the darkest era of journalism when the current president’s father ruled the country with iron fist and infamous military dictator Chun Doo-hwan brutally clamped down on democratic movements. Back in Chun’s era, primetime TV news always began the broadcast with a heaping of praise for Chun [ko] as the first news item.
Park's trip-up, embargoed
On November 6 during Park's visit, as she was exiting a car, she fell because she stepped on the tail of her long, traditional Korean dress. But only on the night of November 7 were Koreans able to read about this on Korean news as the presidential house had placed an embargo on local press and asked that they not write about the fall [ko] until foreign media covered it.
Many net users seems perplexed, even shocked at the incident:
“철퍼덕!!” 박근혜 각하께서 영국방문중 오체투지를 제대로 하는 장면. 이래서 청와대가 외신이 나오기전에는 보도하지 말아달라는 얘기까지 나왔군요. http://t.co/jtB4xStK9t 절대왕정 시대도 아니고 알아서 기는 언론도 문제네요.
— 백찬홍 (@mindgood) November 7, 2013
Fell with a splash! This is a scene of Your Highness Park Geun-hye falling down during her visit to UK. The presidential house asked to hold off writing about it till the foreign press reported on this. Come on, we are not living in an absolute monarchy. The media who voluntarily caved to this are quite problematic.
바뀐애가 꽈당한게 우스운거보다 그걸 통제한 청와대 그리고 그걸 받아들인 언론사가 더 우스운거다.
— 네모속에 세상보기 (@photo_jjang) November 7, 2013
What is funnier than Park’s fall? It is hilarious that the presidential house blocked press from reporting on this and that the press accepted such request.
The real reason for a standing ovation
Numerous media outlets reported that Park spoke in French during her visit to France and received a standing ovation. But they didn't explain what was her speech about:
박통이 프랑스에서 프랑스어로 연설하여 호평을 받았다는 국내언론들의 민망한 칭찬릴레이에 빠진 내용이 있으니 연설에서 가장 큰 박수를 받은 대목이 “외국기업에게 (한국) 공공시장을 개방할 예정이다..”
— 평생어린왕자 (@romanticbabo) November 5, 2013
Local media have showered the president with positive coverage that she got a standing ovation by speaking in French. But this fact they missed out: the part where she got the most applause is when she said she will open up the Korean public sector market to foreign companies.
Similar comments lamented:
@ksi0601 올랑드가 원하는 건 ‘시장’뿐이다[…] 박근혜의 연설에 기립박수를 친건 당연한 것이었다. 하지만, 이런 사실을 알리는 언론이 대한민국에는 없었다.
@ksi0601 What [French President Francois] Hollande wanted was the market […] It is so obvious why they gave a standing ovation to Park Geun-hye’s speech. But there was no Korean media who reported this fact.
박근혜 프랑스 영국 방문 소식을 타전하는 국내 언론은 찬양 일색이지만 정작 해당 국가 언론들은 국가기관 대선개입과 독재자 딸인 보도 외에는 이렇다할 보도가 없다는 현지 교민들 소식이다. 낯 부끄럽기 짝이 없는 기자와 찌라시들 부끄럽지도 않느냐?
— 무지개 승리! (@badromance65) November 8, 2013
Korean media unanimously praised Park’s visit to France and UK, however Koreans living in those countries said their media don't even report much, except the fact that she is a dictator’s daughter and the Korean spy agency’s interference in the presidential election. Shame on you — you [Korean] journalists and tabloids who don't even feel shame.
Threatening Korean protesters in Paris
During Park's visits to France and the UK, Koreans living in those countries held candlelight vigils denouncing the state spy agency's meddling in the latest presidential election — an election that made Park the president today:
A photo from #Paris‘ mini candlelight protest against #ParkGeunhye, on #Trocadero pic.twitter.com/CiiwFlcMGU @pearswick @amnseoul #NISgate
— Seoul Village (@theseoulvillage) November 3, 2013
이시작현지 영국런던 웨스트민스터앞에서 영국한인 교포촛불시위 피켓팅모습~지금런던~ pic.twitter.com/GYjM4pPKP1
— sung.deuk. kim(시국선언) (@kimsd534) November 5, 2013
Right now, Koreans living in the UK, holding signs, are holding a candlelight vigil. We are now in London.
오늘 런던에서 박통환영촛불행사가… pic.twitter.com/fbZC7vJ08i
— 이수희 (@osatsuma) November 4, 2013
Today in London, a candlelight event was held to welcome President Park.
However, ruling party lawmaker Kim Jin-Tae, who accompanied Park on her European tour, posted a threatening message on his Facebook page [ko], saying “Paris protesters will pay for this”, suggesting that the protesters are from the leftist party, and adding that “anyone whose blood didn't boil upon seeing those protesters must not be a Korean”.
Enraged by this insult, the protesters demanded that Kim apologize [ko]. Net users chimed in:
“파리에서 대선 부정 시위한 사람들, 그 대가를 톡톡히 치르게 하겠다”는 조폭 김진태가 큰일했군요. 프랑스 언론에 “한국은 민주주의가 아주 잘 작동되는 나라”라고 말한 박근혜를 단숨에 거짓말쟁이로 만들었습니다. http://t.co/roqxfnSU6w
— 샤우트 #바보가꿈꾸는세상 (@187Centi) November 8, 2013
That thug Kim Jin-Tae made quite a scene by saying “those people who protested in Paris against the election fraud, I will made them pay”. By saying so, he has instantly made Park — who publicly said that “democracy runs smoothly in South Korea” — a liar.
새누리 김진태 의원 덕에 국내 언론이 보도 안해서 잘 모르던, 대통령의 프랑스 방문시 있었던 <파리 시위>가 널리 알려지고 있다.
— 딴지아빠 (@ddanziabba) November 8, 2013
Thanks to [ruling party] Saenuri’s politician Kim Jin-Tae, more people are learning about the Paris protests, which were held during Park’s visit to Paris. These protests have been rarely reported by Korean media.

author: Lee Yoo Eun


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Syrian Journalist Abdulwahab Mulla Kidnapped in Liberated Aleppo · Global Voices
Nour Al Ali

Citizen journalist and satirist Abdulwahab Mulla, 24, was kidnapped from his house in Aleppo’s liberated area by unidentified masked gunmen on October 8, reported Halab News Network in a Facebook update.
The Arabic posting also contained an appeal to all insurgent groups, judicial entities and brigades of the Free Syrian Army to help in identifying his kidnappers and to demand his immediate release. It reads [Arabic]:
شبكة حلب نيوز هـــام : مجموعة مسلّحة تختطف شمعة الإعلام الحر في حلب “عبد الوهاب المُلا” أحد أبرز أعضاء “شبكة حلب نيوز”. شبكة حلب نيوز تطالب الجهة الخاطفة بإطلاق سراحه أو الكشف عن هويتها ومطالبها، وتناشد جميع ألوية وكتائب الجيش الحر والثوار والهيئات الشرعية والقضائية بالتحرك والسعي قدماً نحو معرفة الجهة الخاطفة وإطلاق سراحه على العجل
Urgent: Aleppo News Network: An armed group has kidnapped the beacon of free press in Aleppo Abdulwahab Al Mulla, one of the most prominent members of the network. The network appeals to the group which has kidnapped him to release him immediately or make itself known and state its demands. We also appeal to all the brigades of the Free Syrian Army, the rebels and the judicial entities to identify his kidnappers and demand his immediate release.
Beirut-based Shakeeb Al-Jabri, Shabab Souria managing editor in Al-Ayyam newspaper, reported on Twitter that Mulla “is the latest victim of anti-press violence,” where his kidnappers are yet to be identified:
The kidnappers of @tabosho have not been identified yet but are described as "masked and bearded", and ISIL is the primary suspect. #Syria
— Shakeeb Al-Jabri (@LeShaque) November 8, 2013
Mulla is known for his hit YouTube comedy show, entitled “3-Star Revolution,” which documents the daily struggles Aleppian citizens face during the unrest. He also sings, reports from the frontline, and employs his graphic designing skills in political discourse. Nevertheless, he is also known to be critical of such kidnapping incidents in his videos, one he is now a victim of, as they are infamous in Aleppo as well as across the country.
His kidnapping follows a series of abductions targeting journalists, specifically those who expose crimes perpetrated by extremists, in Syria’s non-government-controlled areas. Commenting on Mulla’s kidnapping, Al Ghad Al Arabi’s news anchor Mousa Omar stated in Arabic during the news segment below that “it is a shame that regime-controlled areas have more freedom and safety than liberated areas.”
While those abroad began a virtual campaign for his release by creating Facebook pages and Twitter hashtags, others expressed concern and prayed for his safety.
Along with his tribute artwork to Mulla, Syrian artist Jawad tweeted that Mulla is:
One of the most radiant and funniest souls I have ever met. Please come back safely AbuStef. pic.twitter.com/3EfwYfU5jW
— Jawad (@Syriapressions) November 9, 2013
Jawad's artwork is inspired by Mulla’s song, entitled “Mother, O’ Mother.” The Arabic text reads, “Mother, O’ mother, they kidnapped me,” that played off the song’s lyrics.
Ahmad Kalaji, a Syrian student based in Canada, also tweeted that Mulla’s voice is a “sound of reason in Aleppo,” and demanded his release:
When the sound of reason is treated as treason.freedom to abdulwahab almalla the sound of reason in #Aleppo http://t.co/q0r3cmkEzv @tabosho
— حمودة kal3a (@atkalaji) November 9, 2013
Mulla has been missing for four days. Supporters have asked anyone who can account for his whereabouts to please contact his cousin through the Facebook page he setup for Mulla.

author: Nour Al Ali


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Iran: Blogger’s Jail Sentence Reduced to 17 Years · Global Voices
Farid

The “Justice for Hossein Derakhshan” blog announced on October 16, 2013 that Iranian authorities have reduced the jail sentence of Iranian blogger  Hossein Derakhshan (also known as “Hoder”) to 17 years from 19.5 years. Derakhshan was arrested on November 1, 2008.

author: Farid


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PHOTOS: Philippine Villages Reduced to Wasteland by Super Typhoon Haiyan · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

Tacloban City after the storm surge. Photo by ABS-CBN, Facebook
A state of national calamity was declared by the Philippine president after super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) left a trail of destruction in several major islands of the Visayas region. Entire communities were wiped out after a tsunami-like storm surge hit the provinces of Leyte and Samar. More than 10,000 are feared dead
Roads were impassable for many days and power lines are still down. The situation in remote towns is now being revealed through the reports of journalists and rescuers. The photos from these reports reveal more stories of devastation and suffering.
Reporter David Yu Santos documented the situation in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, the first town ravaged by typhoon Haiyan. Below are some of the photos on his Facebook account:
A family riding a motorbike in Guiuan, East Samar. Photo by David Yu Santos, Facebook
A woman washing clothes amid the debris after the storm. Photo by David Yu Santos, Facebook
Destroyed houses in Guiuan, East Samar. Photo by David Yu Santos, Facebook
A family walks the street of Guiuan after the storm. Photo by David Yu Santos, Facebook
Residents search for valuable materials in Guiuan, East Samar. Photo by David Yu Santos, Facebook
An aerial view of Guiuan, East Samar. Photo by AFP, Facebook
Meanwhile, Kashmer Diestro from Panay island, shared some photos that show the impact of Haiyan in Roxas City:
A tricycle passes by a ruined gas station in Roxas City. Photo by Kashmer Diestro, Facebook
Fallen electric posts in Roxas Boulevard. Photo by Kashmer Diestro, Facebook
Below is a Twitter photo of volunteers writing messages of solidarity to typhoon victims:
Touching. Volunteers write encouraging messages on plastic bags of relief goods for #YolandaPH victims @News5AKSYON pic.twitter.com/54u87BqSDa
— Patricia Ann Roque (@trish_roque) November 11, 2013
Pet animals were also killed during the storm surge:
Even pets paid a toll pic.twitter.com/fnW2uYQhjl
— Jim Edds (@ExtremeStorms) November 10, 2013
Lieutenant Colonel Fermin Carangan of the Philippine military recounted his ordeal during the storm surge:
…we noticed that water was slowly entering our office, so we went out again. Then suddenly, we saw that the water was getting higher and higher, until we were forced to get up the ceilings of the building. We had to bore holes on the ceiling just to get up there, and I was the last one up.
Suddenly the building collapsed and I saw my men falling into the surging water and very strong winds. There was also no more roof on top of the building. I was able to hold on to a piece of wood – a truss which I forcibly removed just before I was taken by waves and the strong current.
At sea, we went through another hell. We were slapped by waves, great big waves from all directions. We were also toyed by swirling winds. And we couldn’t help but drink a lot of salt water
Many volunteered in telethons to raise donations for the victims. Phillip Willard Medalla described his volunteering experience:
I spoke with hundreds of callers. In most instances, I caught myself teary-eyed while smiling with an excited but shaking voice because of stories of tragedy and hopelessness, and expressed willingness to donate and help as well. Reality is, there have been lots of donations but there are far more victims who need HELP.
Yeb Sano, lead negotiator of the government of the Philippines in the UN Climate Summit in Poland, delivered an impassioned speech in pushing for the signing of a climate pact. He made reference to the typhoon disaster that hit the country:
We must stop calling events like these as natural disasters. It is not natural when people continue to struggle to eradicate poverty and pursue development and gets battered by the onslaught of a monster storm now considered as the strongest storm ever to hit land. It is not natural when science already tells us that global warming will induce more intense storms. It is not natural when the human species has already profoundly changed the climate.


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Scholarships Jeopardized for Thousands of Spanish Erasmus Program Students · Global Voices
Lourdes Sada

European students from the Erasmus program. Photo from RTVE
The Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports (MECD) published the conditions needed to receive Erasmus grants in their official bulletin for October, and it has cut them unexpectedly, leaving funding in the air for thousands of Spanish students who had already been abroad since the beginning of their school year.
The Erasmus program is a European community project that allows European student to complete one year of their university careers in another country. Spanish students are subsidized in part by the Ministry of Education (about 115 €), the European Union (about 110 €), and some also receive subsidies from their autonomous communities (about 150 € on average).
The Spanish Ministry of Education tends to publish the conditions for obtaining a state grant when students have already started the year in the country of their choice. Until now, the conditions [es] have not changed significantly and, in general, required a valid academic transcript and a certain fluency in the language in which the courses would be taught.
This year, however, without any prior indication of a radical change, the ministry decided to restrict its subsidy to students who had been granted a general scholarship during the 2012/2013 school year [es]. This limitation left thousands of students without a portion of their funding, putting the continuity of their studies abroad at risk and forcing them to return to Spain and begin the year one month after their peers.
The students, led by Germán Fernández [es], mobilized themselves on social networks to raise awareness of their situation to the public. The petition for MECD to keep the scholarships [es], created on Change.org by Laura Zornoza, collected over 200,000 signatures in just a few hours. On Twitter hashtags #Erasmus, #SalvemosErasmus [#SaveErasmus], #RIPErasmus and the words “Erasmus” and “Wert” (the Spanish minister of Education) became trending topics:
Darle el ministerio a Wert ha sido como darle una navaja a un mono #educación #ERASMUS http://t.co/AKoppqBOic
— El Señor Gordo (@elsenorgordo) November 5, 2013
Giving the ministry to Wert has been like giving a knife to a monkey
La insoportable levedad del Wert ahora en directo en @HoyporHoySER Este ministro no ostenta el ministerio, lo perpetra….#Erasmus
— Fani Grande (@fanigrande) November 5, 2013
The unbearable lightness of Wert now live on @HoyporHoySER This minister does not occupy the ministry, he perpetrates it…
Ridículo internacional de nuevo con el intento de #RIPErasmus. Este Gobierno además de estar cargado de incompetentes…cuanta mala leche!!
— Maribel (@maribel_ostos) November 6, 2013
International ridicule all over again with the #RIPErasmus intent. This Government also full of incompetent people… how mean!!
El Erasmus d Wert viene a ser como una mili en los boinas verdes: te sueltan en un monte y te buscas la vida.
— Pilar Lopez (@29_octu) November 6, 2013
Wert's Erasmus is becoming like a militant in the green berets: They drop you on a hill and you try to survive.
No se recorta a la Casa Real por que solo son 7 millones, pero se recorta a los erasmus, que son 16…
— Adrián Monroy (@amonroy91) November 6, 2013
They don't make cuts to the royal family because that is only 7 million, but they make cuts to Erasmus, which is 16…
Spanish students in Foggia (Italy) protest the cuts to their scholarships. Screenshot of thei video on YouTube.
Some accused the students of lazying around abroad at the public's expense:
@Gato_directo @Jiwert La mayoría de becados erasmus son estudiantes del montón que se pegan la vida padre en el extranjero. — Raúl Quirós (@Quiros1978) November 4, 2013
The majority of the Erasmus grantees are run of the mill students enjoying the good life abroad.
And they received harsh criticisms in return:
Hay gente q cree q los estudiantes no merecen becas Erasmus. Debe ser el único país d Europa con estas ideas. Este es el nivel..#RIPErasmus
— Fotomovimiento (@Fotomovimiento) November 4, 2013
There are people who think that students don't deserve the Erasmus grants. It must be the only country in Europe with these ideas. This is the level.. #RIPErasmus
Una beca Erasmus aporta muchísimo más que todos los años de carrera juntos. Pero claro, el bienestar de las personas lo último. #RIPErasmus
— zara (@zaradenutella) November 4, 2013
An Erasmus scholarship provides so much more than all of the college years put together. But of course, people's well-being is last.
¿Qué tipo de trastorno tienen los que defienden a políticos semianalfabetos y atacan a los #Erasmus?
— Piruleta de menta (@Piruletadementa) November 4, 2013
How unhinged are the people who are defending semi-illiterate politicians and attacking #Erasmus?
The Directorate General of Communication, Content, and Technology Networks (DG Connect) of the European Commission also posted the following message on their Twitter account:
Is this really necessary? Spanish minister of education cuts on #erasmus fund forcing Spaniards to come back home http://t.co/PMlKuvWdbW
— Open Up EducationEU (@telearnEU) November 4, 2013
Even the New Generations of the Popular Party, to which the government belongs, issued a statement claiming:
… no podemos compartir la decisión tomada por el Ministerio de Educación sobre la aportación complementaria del Estado en el programa Erasmus, ya que se ha realizado una vez empezado el curso , lo cual deja en una situación de inseguridad a cientos de universitarios españoles que han decidido cursar una beca Erasmus este año.
… we cannot share the decision taken by the Ministry of Education regarding the State's supplemental contribution to the Erasmus program, as it has been done once the year has started, which leaves hundreds of Spanish university students who have decided to take on an Erasmus grant this year in an insecure situation.
The European Commission also ruled in the same manner. According to the newspaper Público [es],
Erasmus program logo. Image from the European Commission website, used with permission.
La decisión de las autoridades españolas debería haberse anunciado a los estudiantes antes del inicio del año universitario ─ha denunciado el portavoz del Ejecutivo comunitario, Olivier Bailly─. Los estudiantes que están actualmente en el programa Erasmus para el año 2013-2014 se encuentran penalizados y deberían haber sido informados de la suspensión o del cambio de la aportación nacional que les correspondía”, ha resaltado.
The decision of the Spanish authorities should have been announced to students before the start of the academic year ─ EU executive spokesperson Olivier Bailly ─. The students currently in the Erasmus program for 2013-2014 are penalized and should have been informed of the suspension or the change in the national contribution that corresponded to them,” he highlighted.
This entire flood of criticism, which several prominent members of government's party itself have joined [es], has paid off and the Ministry of Education announced on November 5 that they will maintain the grants for all Erasmus students that are “transitory and limited to the 2013-2014 year”. The Ministry of Finance will allocate an extraordinary budget of 20 million euros [es].
Even so, the measure is not convincing citizens, who are conscious of the fact that this aid will disappear following 2014 for students that do not have regular grants. Sergio Gepetto [es] commented on this on ainformacion.com [es]:
Pero qué marcha atrás ni que marcha atrás!!!! Eso que ha hecho Wert es una maniobra de distracción total, anunciar una burrada y para que os conforméis con lo más mínimo, “ha reculado” como dicen.
No le deis tanto bombo que eso es lo que quieren.
But what a step back!!!! What Wert has done is a complete diversion, announcing nonsense so that you all resign yourselves to the least, “he has backed down” as they say.
Don't give him so much hype because that is what they want.

author: Lourdes Sada


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The Chechen Lawyer and the Dead Russian Colonel · Global Voices
Nina Jobe

Colonel Budanov and the lawyer who defended his alleged killer. YouTube screenshots.
Russia’s Investigative Committee announced last week that they have started investigating Murad Musaev, a lawyer who has made a career of defending Chechens in high-profile cases, for attempting to bribe a trial witness. The witness claims that Musaev offered him 15,000 rubles (approximately $500) to produce false testimony during a February 2013 murder trial of Colonel Budanov's alleged killer.
Budanov, who had served 9 years in prison for the wartime kidnapping and murder of a young Chechen woman (he claimed she was a sniper), was murdered in 2011, shortly after his release. A Chechen man, Yusup Temerkhanov, was arrested and accused of premeditated murder 8 years in the making. Musaev defended Temerkhanov, who was found guilty and sentenced to 15 years in prison (Russia does not have the death penalty). Chechnya’s human rights ombudsman, Nurdi Nuhazhiev, defended Musaev [ru] when the bribing story first broke, and it had faded from view until the recent Investigative Committee announcement.
Less than 24 hours later, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov shared photos of both Musaev and Markin on his Instagram account [ru], and defended Musaev (Kadyrov famously uses Instagram as a blogging platform):
Многие аналитики полагают, что СК не понравилось, с каким упорством Мусаев защищал обвиняемого в убийстве Юрия Буданова человека, а также с каким усердием он выступает и на других громких процессах […]
Many analysts believe that the [Investigative Committee] did not like the tenacity with which Musaev defended the accused in the murder of Yuri Budanov, and the zeal with which he performs during other high profile issues […]
Kadyrov went on to call into question the Investigative Committee’s commitment to investigating Budanov’s war crimes, which were potentially more numerous:
[…] следствие до сих пор не предприняло ничего для того, чтобы установить все преступления Буданова и дать им предусмотренную законом правовую оценку. Вместо этого, из него до сих пор определенные силы пытаются сделать героя.
[…] the investigators have so far done nothing to establish all of Budanov’s crimes and give them a statutory legal assessment. Instead, some forces are still trying to make him out to be a hero.
Alexei Navalny [ru] reacted by complaining, as he often does, about the excessive amount of state funds going to Chechnya, and accused the Russian judicial system of double standards when it comes to Chechens, while mocking traditional Chechen headwear:
Официальные лица этого государства, которых мы по какому-то недоразумению называем “российскими госслужащими” проводят этот принцип ясно и открыто: любые юридические действия в отношении граждан чеченской национальности должны осуществляться: в первую очередь, с учётом того, что они чеченцы; во вторую очередь, с учётом того, из какого они селения, кто их называет “братуха” и “красаучик” и носят ли они на голове круглую шапочку.
The officials of this state, whom we misguidedly call “Russian state officials” stick to this principle clearly and openly: any judicial action against Russian citizens of the Chechen nationality should be carried out: first of all, keeping in mind that they are Chechens; second of all, keeping in mind which village they are from, who calls them “bro” and “cool dude” and if they wear the little round hat.
Meanwhile, blogger Sergei Nikitski asked his readers [ru] what they thought of Budanov, who remains a polarizing figure and who many still maintain was falsely convicted. Perhaps unsurprisingly, 42% thought he was a “hero”, while 20% said he was “a victim of circumstances”. Only 16% called Budanov “a criminal”, and 10% thought he was simply “a man”. The remaining 9% said it was too difficult to say. In the comment section many said they wanted to voted for 2 options, both “hero” and “a victim of circumstances”.
One commenter noted [ru]:
Обвинения в надругательстве с Буданова были сняты судом. Кадыров пишет о законе и справедливости, и тут же лжёт, умышленно или по незнанию.
Budanov was exonerated of accusations of rape by the court. Kadyrov is writing about law and justice, and lying at the same time, either intentionally or out of ignorance.
To which another commenter replied:
Что вы хотите от малограмотной обезьяны?
What do you want from an ignorant monkey?

author: Nina Jobe


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War Through the Viewfinder of an Army Photographer · Global Voices
Gerda

Soldiers hone their skills on the range. By Simon Longworth/MoD on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
What does a soldier see and experience in war and in routine military operations?
British Army Corporal Simon Longworth responds to that question every day in his job as an official army photographer.
In an interview with Muftah's Francesca Recchia, he talks about his career and explains what makes his point of view and style different from a photojournalist's.
Here's the link to his Flickr page.

author: Gerda


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14 Inspiring 1-Minute Films About the Environment · Global Voices
Gerda

TVE (Television for the Environment) presents the videos of 14 finalists in its global environmental film competition.
Participants from around the world have produced 1-minute long movies on topics related to climate change, sustainable development and biodiversity.
Everyone can vote their favorite film until December 19, 2013.


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An Alternative Guide to Colombo for CHOGM 2013 · Global Voices
Rezwan

The prestigious Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2013 is taking place in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo and the government ensured an expensive makeover of the city for the distinguished guests. Groundviews posts a guide to the other sides of the city which are apparently invisible to the guests.

author: Rezwan


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An Investigation into the World of Prostitution in Burundi  · Global Voices
Lova Rakotomalala

Cedric Soledad Urakeza from Burundi reports on his investigation into the world of  prostitution in Bujumbura [fr], published on the community blog Les voix du Burundi:
Notre enquête montre trois catégories de prostituées. Il y a celles filles qui viennent de l’intérieur du pays pour chercher du travail domestique à Bujumbura. Lorsqu’ elles ne s’en sortent pas, elles trouvent refuge dans les différents quartiers populaires et souvent finissent sur le trottoir.
Une autre catégorie de filles est issue des familles vivant des situations familiales compliquées : divorce, pauvreté, veuvage, mésentente entre les parents et les enfants… La plupart de ces jeunes filles justifient leur comportement : payer les études, fuir la tension familiale.
Enfin, la dernière catégorie est celle de jeunes filles des familles plutôt aisées. Elles aiment faire la fête, ‘Ikirori’ comme elles disent, fréquentent de bons restaurants, mettent de beaux habits. Elle disent « profiter du moment présent » et adorent une vie de haut standing et de liberté en trompant la surveillance des parents.
Our report shows that there are three main categories of person who engage in prostitution in Bujumbura. There are girls who come from the countryside in search of domestic work in Bujumbura. When they cannot find work, they find refuge in the more populous districts of the city and often end up on the streets.
A second group is comprised of girls who come from homes with complicated family histories: divorce, poverty, widowhood, disagreement between parents and children etc. Most of the girls state that they engage in sexual work to pay for their education or flee domestic tension.
The last category is that of girls from rather wealthy families. They like to party, ‘Ikirori’ as they call it here.  They do so to go to fancy restaurants and wear luxurious clothing. Their motto is to “enjoy the moment” and live a life of luxury and freedom while escaping parental supervision.


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Bachelor’s Day Sets Online Shopping Record Again · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

November 11 is the Bachelor's Day in China and a time for online shopping. Yesterday the online e-commerce platform Alibaba set a world record when it processed more than $5.75 billion in online payments. More from China Digital Times.


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Bolivian Twitter Users Arrested For Photographing Historic Building · Global Voices
Pablo Andrés Rivero

[All links lead to Spanish-language websites, unless otherwise noted]
Patricia Vargas (@arquitecta), an active and well-known Bolivian Twitter user, went to take photographs on the streets of her hometown of Cochabamba with photographer and filmmaker Roberto Lanza (@lobobs) on Sunday, November 3, but their outing was disrupted when both were arrested by the police.
Vargas immediately announced the incident on Twitter:
#Urgente nos llevan arrestados a Roberto lanza y a mi x sacar fotos en la ciuuadad ayuda a los medios, nos llevan a la felcn
— påt®i©iå (@arquitecta) November 3, 2013
#Urgent they're arresting Roberto lanza and me for taking photos in the city, media help, they're taking us to FELCN (Special Force against Drug Trafficking)
Her message spread through the Bolivian Twitter community and various media and public figures responded.
The arrest occurred after she photographed the exterior facade of the Banco Mercantil Santa Cruz, a historic building in Cochabamba which was once owned by mining millionaire Simón I. Patiño [en].
Banco Mercantil Santa Cruz. Photo by @arquitecta shared on Twitter.
Despite being released without charge after five hours by the Special Force to Combat and Control Crime (FELCC), some suggested that they weren't allowed to photograph financial buildings for security reasons.
However, there is international legislation that makes clear the illegality of the event. Blogger and free culture activist Justin Duranboger published the rule supporting public photography on his blog:
La Decisión 351 Régimen Común sobre Derecho de Autor y Derechos Conexos (17 de diciembre de 1993) de la Comunidad Andina de Naciones de la cual Bolivia es miembro junto a Colombia, Ecuador y Perú, en su artículo 22, inciso h) reconoce la libertad de panorama:
Artículo 22.- Sin perjuicio de lo dispuesto en el Capítulo V y en el artículo anterior, será lícito realizar, sin la autorización del autor y sin el pago de remuneración alguna, los siguientes actos:
(…)
h) Realizar la reproducción, emisión por radiodifusión o transmisión pública por cable, de la imagen de una obra arquitectónica, de una obra de las bellas artes, de una obra fotográfica o de una obra de artes aplicadas, que se encuentre situada en forma permanente en un lugar abierto al público;
Decision 351 The Common Provision on Copyright and Related Rights (December 17, 1993) of the Andean Community of Nations of which Bolivia is a member, along with Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, article 22, paragraph h) recognizes the freedom of panorama:
Article 22: Without prejudice to the provisions of Chapter V and in the preceding article, the following acts shall be lawful, without the consent of the artist and without payment of any remuneration:
…
h) Reproduce, broadcast or transmit by direct cable, the image of an architectural work, a work of fine art, a photograph or a work of applied art, that is permanently situated in a space open to the public;
Alfonso Gumucio, a journalist, writer and filmmaker with an extensive career, also explained the arbitrary nature of the arrest on Twitter:
@pvargasj @payorivero @arquitecta Eso no es cierto Paul. Lo que está prohibido es sacar fotos del interior, no del exterior.
— Gumucio (@AlfonsoGumucio) November 5, 2013
@pvargasj @payorivero @arquitecta That's not true Paul. What's prohibited is taking pictures of the interior, not the exterior.
The false arrest also took place under conditions that the two described and criticized as irregular and in violation of civil rights.
Roberto Lanza explained what happened on Twitter:
Dos individuos de civil armados nos abordan agresivos arguyendo que no se puede fotografiar ahí. Pedimos credenciales y mostraron la pistola
— Roberto Lanza (@lobobs) November 4, 2013
Two armed plainclothes officers approached us aggressively saying that we couldn't take photos there. We asked for their badges and they pulled out their guns.
Para nosotros en ese momento nos estaban asaltando, exigían que subiéramos a un vehículo no identificado.
— Roberto Lanza (@lobobs) November 4, 2013
For us in that moment we were being attacked, they demanded that we get into an unmarked vehicle.
De ninguna manera subiríamos a ese vehículo y exigimos presencia de una patrulla, ahí empezó la bronca personal de estos dos ofendidos canas
— Roberto Lanza (@lobobs) November 4, 2013
There was no way we were getting into that vehicle and we asked for the police, that's when the personal attack started from the two offended officers
Gritamos auxilio y gente no se inmutaba. Tratamos de alargar tensión hasta que aparezcan uniformados. Policía forcejeaba con @arquitecta
— Roberto Lanza (@lobobs) November 4, 2013
We shouted for help but nobody budged. We tried to prolong the tension until uniformed officers appeared. The police struggled with @arquitecta
In terms of the excessive aggression and dubious action by the police, Patricia concludes:
@locacomotumadre como es posible que 2 personas sin uniforme a quienes pides identificar y te muestras su pistola. Qué pensarías?
— påt®i©iå (@arquitecta) November 5, 2013
@locacomotumadre how is it possible that 2 people without uniforms display their guns when you request identification. What would you think?
Patricia and Roberto have received support from many in the artistic and cultural community. Well-known Bolivian filmmaker Marcos Loayza (@marcosloayza) says:
@LaMalaPalabra @arquitecta nadie debe ser arrestado por sacar o filmar en todo el país
— marcos loayza (@marcosloayza) November 4, 2013
@LaMalaPalabra @arquitecta no one should be arrested for taking photos or filming anywhere in the country
After the incident, Patricia thanked those who supported them on the web and at the police station. She also stressed the effect of asking for help via social networks:
Nunca duden de pedir ayuda x este medio, u otro medio online, siempre habrá alguien que leerá y difundirá su mensaje con un RT.
— påt®i©iå (@arquitecta) November 5, 2013
Never hesitate to ask for help on this medium, or another online medium, there will always be someone who will read it and spread your message with a RT.

author: Pablo Andrés Rivero


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Can a Foreigner Becomes a Chinese Communist Party Member? · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Marco Loglio, a long-term Shenzhen expat from Italy, attempted to apply for Chinese Communist Party Membership to help protect the environment and conserve the culture. But he found out that has to give up his or her nationality and become a Chinese national first. Nanfang Daily has the story.


text:
‘Censorship is Censorship’: Brazil’s Writers and Artists Spar Over Biography Rights · Global Voices
Fernanda Canofre

Museum of the Portuguese Language. Photo by Karlos Leonardo on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
[All links lead to Portuguese-language pages, except when otherwise noted.]
A phrase from the walls of Paris in 1968 has come to be echoed in Brazil: “It is forbidden to forbid!” The French slogan, reaffirmed by Caetano Veloso in one of his songs, where he says “não ao não” (“no to no”), has become a line of questioning in the world of Brazilian editors, writers and musicians: to prohibit or not to prohibit the publication of biographies without the permission of the subject? That is the question.
On one side, defending the right to privacy in biographies is the association Procure Saber (Try to Find Out), formed by “a group of authors, artists, and persons connected to music”, that is dedicated to following the issues connected to the recording industry in Brazil. On the other side is the National Association of Book Editors (Associação Nacional de Editoras de Livros, or ANEL), which believes that “history is a collective property, and that to know it is a right of all Brazilians.”
The debate began when Procure Saber came to publicly oppose a Direct Action of Unconstitutionality filed by ANEL at the Supreme Federal Court in 2012. ANEL considered that current “legal provisions as are eventually bring consequences to the freedoms of expression and information”, and hoped that the Supreme Federal Court would rule unconstitutional the need of authorization by the subject for the publication of biographies.
Headed by businesswoman and ex of famous Brazilian musican and activist Caetano Veloso [en], Paula Lavigne, the association Procure Saber is backed by well-known artists such as Chico Buarque [en], Roberto Carlos [en], and Milton Nascimento [en]. Artists that barely survived the most bitter side of the military dictatorship and were always connected to the struggle against censorship, but now are proposing a certain level of control over what writers of biographies can say.
Today, Brazilian civil code establishes what can be censored or what is subject to censorship – every unauthorized work that “impacts honor, good reputation, or respectability, or is directed towards commercial ends” (pdf). With the change suggested by the action of ANEL, the authorizations would no longer be necessary for the publication of works that deal with personas of “public notoriety
“It won't work to hide the truth”
The artistic reaction was headed by singer Roberto Carlos. On the same day of the approval of a controversial copyright law that brought some of the biggest names in Brazilian music together in a march to the National Congress, Carlos asked for a meeting with President Dilma Rousseff to express “his disapproval relating to any change in the law that regulates the publication of biographies in the country.”
The battles between Carlos and biographies are not new. The most notorious case is that of a biography written by Paulo César Araújo. The work was published in 2006, but soon after it was removed from bookstores by a judicial order after an agreement between the “king” – as Roberto is known – and the editor. Some of the probable reasons for the prohibition would be the reluctance of the singer to talk about a childhood accident in which he lost a leg, and his involvement with the military dictatorship.
While the Supreme Federal Court is divided, the appeal made by Carlos and company won the endorsment of Jair Bolsonaro, a congressman known for defending the era of the military regime. On the other hand, the editors have received support from artists in favor of the change to the law.
A critical and rather humorous respose to the reaction of the artists is the Facebook page Biografia do Caetano (Biography of Caetano), described as the “most pirated and collective unauthorized biography of Caetano Veloso.” The page already has 6,683 followers- more than the page of Procure Saber, which has 5,632.
The fight that ensues is the debate about which right is more important: freedom of expression or the right to privacy.
“Incompatibility of geniuses”
Among the arguments raised by Procure Saber, are proposition X of Article 5 of the Brazilian constitution, which guarantees the freedom of expression, according to which “the intimacy, private life, honor and image of people are inviolable, assuring the right to indemnity of the damaging material or morality derived from its violation”. For famous musician Djavan, also a member of Procure Saber, there is a risk that the exercise of freedom of expression “may open the door to injustice (…) in the sense that it favors the market to the detriment of biographees”, who end up not receiving any monetary profits from the biographies. The group proposes a monetary compensation for the people whose life stories are being written.
On the other side, Luiz Schwarcz, editor of Companhia das Letras, affirms that “current Brazilian law allows in a unique way for the establishment of a complete business, subject to arbitrariness and corruption.” When the unauthorized biography of the famous soccer player Garrincha was released in 1996, Schwarz had to pay an agreed amount to the player's children so that the book could return to the shelves.
The price is even more costly for the authors. Mário Magalhães, journalist and author of the biography about the guerilla that fought against the military regime, Carlos Marighella, says that when putting on paper the amounts that he received for the book sales, the sale of the authorship rights for a movie, and the expenses acccrued in nine years of research, in total he received 15 percent of the salary that he had as a reporter. In spite of its public and critical success, Magalhães did not get rich with his work. In his text, he has arrived at another big question: what kind of material can the requirement for authorization generate?
A ordem jurídica aceita hoje censura prévia. Quem gosta de censura é ditadura. Todo o malabarismo retórico que busca bloquear o conhecimento público sobre fatos e pessoas de dimensão pública sucumbe diante da seguinte constatação: se aparecer um neto desconhecido de Adolf Hitler no Brasil, teremos de solicitar protocolarmente autorização sua para publicar uma biografia em que o líder nazista seja descrito como genocida.
Só em nosso país, entre as grandes democracias, Hitler seria consagrado como herói, pois só haveria biografias chapas-brancas.
The judicial order today accepts pre-approved censorship. Those who like censorship are from the dictatorship. Everything is rhetorical juggling that seeks to block public knowledge about facts and people of a public dimension that yield to the following verdict: if a unknown granchild of Adolf Hitler appears in Brazil, we will have to solict by approved protocol their authorization to publish a biography in which the Nazi leader is described as genocidal.
Only in our country, among all of the great democracies, Hitler would be consecrated as a hero in order to ensure that there are only politically correct biographies.
American writer Benjamin Moser, the author of a biography about Brazilian writer born in Ukraine Clarice Lispector [en], published in the newspaper Folha de São Paulo an open letter to Caetano Veloso in which he ponders the working “conditions” in which Brazilian editors and writers find themselves:
É um tipo de censura que você talvez não reconheça por não ser a de sua época. Não obriga artistas a deixarem o país, não manda policiais aos teatros para bater nos atores. Mas que é censura, é. E muito mais eficaz do que a que existia na ditadura. Naquela época, as obras eram censuradas, mas existiam. Hoje, nem chegam a existir.
Its a kind of censorship that perhaps you don't recognize because it's not like the censorship of your time. Artists aren't forced to leave the country, the police aren't sent to the theaters to beat actors. But censorship is censorship. It is much more effective than what existed during the dictatorship. In that era, works were censored, but they still existed. Today, they don't even come into existence.
Moser questions further:
Você já parou para pensar em quantas biografias o Brasil não tem? Para só falarmos da área literária, as biografias de Mário de Andrade, de João Guimarães Rosa, de Cecília Meirelles, cadê? Onde é que ficou Manuel Bandeira, Rachel de Queiroz, Gilberto Freyre? Você nunca se perguntou por que nunca foram feitas?
Eu queria fazer. Mas não vou. Porque o clima no Brasil, financeiro e jurídico, torna esses empreendimentos quase impossíveis. Quantos escritores brasileiros estão impedidos de escrever sobre a história do seu país, justamente por atitudes como as suas?
Have you ever stopped to think about how many biographies Brazil doesn't have? Only speaking of literature, where are the biographies of Mario de Andrade, João Guimarães Rosa, or of Cecília Meirelles? What about Manuel Bandeira, Rachel de Queiroz, or Gilberto Freyre? You've never asked why these biographies have never been written?
I wanted to do it. But I'm not going to. Because the climate in Brazil, financial and judicial, makes these endeavors almost impossible. How many Brazilian writers are blocked from writing about the history of their country, just for attitudes such as this?
“The voice of the owner and the owner of the voice”
The case is yet to be judged by the Supreme Federal Court, without a definite date. In addition to this, the debate has also expanded to the issue of audiovisual production, such that biographical films are equally subject to prohibition.
In an interview on the television program Fantástico on Sunday, October 27, Roberto Carlos appeared to be more flexible, saying that he was in favor of biographies “without authorization, but with certain adjustments.”
On Tuesday, October 29, members of Procure Saber appeared in a video explaining their position: “We don't want to silence anyone, we just want to be heard.”
What remains to be known is if such adjustments will prioritize “the right to privacy as one inherent to citizenship” or freedom of expression as a pillar of democracy. To be continued in the next chapters.

author: Fernanda Canofre


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Global Voices Meetup in Cairo, Egypt · Global Voices
Eduardo Avila

We are pleased to announce that the second Global Voices Meetup will take place in Cairo, Egypt on November 16th at the Workshops from 11 am to 3 pm.
Traditionally, Global Voices has had a strong community of volunteer authors, translators, and editors living around the Cairo metropolitan area. This community members are involved in a wide range of citizen media, technology, and journalistic projects and activities, and may serve as a valuable resource for others interested in becoming more active in this field.
In addition in 2010, Rising Voices held a microgrant competition specifically for citizen media outreach projects from Egypt. Out of this cycle, we funded and support three projects: Nazra, Women of Minya Day by Day, and Mokattam Blog Tales.
The Meetup will bring together many of these community members to share their experiences and help facilitate connections between others that share similar interests or missions. Hosted by two of our community members Mohamed El Gohary (@ircpresident) and Tarek Amr (@gr33ndata), as well as other GV volunteers, the gathering will focus on:
If you are interested in taking part, please complete the following sign-up form, and our team will reply with more information, including the exact address of the Meetup. The event is open to all, but participants must sign up ahead of time.
For more information, please contact: rising [at] globalvoicesonline.org

author: Eduardo Avila