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Brazil: Female Officer Strip Searched by Male Investigators · Global Voices
Roger Franchini

On February 18, journalist Fábio Pannunzio's blog [pt] and the TV station Rede Band [pt] released a 13-minute video in which a female desk officer with the state police of São Paulo was discharged and strip searched by male investigators from the statewide Office of Internal Affairs.
Screenshot from the video in which a female desk officer is being handcuffed and stripped by police officers
The case goes back to 2009. At the time, according to Pannunzio and Rede Band, the desk officer had received money from a person accused of carrying a weapon as a bribe for not formally imprisoning the accused. When the delegation of all male representatives from the state police's Office of Internal Affairs showed up at the precinct, they obligated the female desk officer to submit to a strip search in order to find the money. She did not object to submitting herself to a full search.
To the contrary; she merely asked that she be searched by female police officers. But her cries were in vain. Handcuffed and thrown to the ground, she quickly had her underwear and lingerie ripped off by a representative who subsequently affirmed that he had indeed found the supposed bribe money on the desk officer's person. On account of the cash found, the desk officer was discharged and now faces criminal bribery charges.
The full video of the incident can be viewed on Vimeo.
The blogosphere immediately expressed its repudiation of the Office of Internal Affairs’ attitude, stressing the illegality of the measures taken and the office's disregard for the basic principles of a democratic state of law.
Vladimir Aras’  Blog do Vlad states that the search performed by the representatives of the Office of Internal Affairs and the aggression taken towards the desk officer were the true crimes documented in the video [pt]:
Ao desnudarem à força uma mulher algemada e humilhada no chão de uma delegacia, esses agentes da lei não expuseram apenas “as vergonhas” da suspeita. Exibiram de forma exuberante o vexaminoso cotidiano de parte da Polícia brasileira, useira e vezeira em afrontar direitos humanos dos cidadãos.
In the blog Flit Paralisant, police officer Guerra reminded readers that the desk officer had filed a complaint with the Attorney General's Office in 2009 to investigate the abuse of power but that the claim had been swiftly dismissed. The state attorney in the case saw no indication of any crimes committed by investigators from the Office of Internal Affairs. Copies of the request for dismissal are available on the blog as is an e-mail relating the case sent by the desk officer that same year [pt]:
O Dr. Eduardo então mandou que eu me despisse por inteira, passei a ficar indignada pois jamais tiraria minhas vestes na frente de oito homens desconhecidos e cheguei a solicitar de joelhos que fosse acionada uma delegada, investigadora ou escriva da corregedoria, visto que propus retirar a roupa somente na frente da policial feminina, respondendo o delegado que não confiava na policial e dizendo com tom ameaçador que só sairia dali ao me ver “pelada” (…)
The inspector for the state police of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Stein, who also edits the blog Caso de Polícia (Police Case), vented his frustration [pt]:
Infelizmente já vi em vídeos do Youtube centenas de cenas de violência policial praticadas contra cidadãos inocentes ou criminosos. São momentos em que sinto grande e verdadeira vergonha de compartilhar de um cargo policial com determinadas pessoas.
Mas, verdadeiramente, hoje não fiquei só enojado ou envergonhado. Senti na verdade uma ânsia de vômito. Desgosto. Abominável.
Unfortunately, I have seen hundreds of Youtube videos documenting police violence against both innocent citizens and criminals. Every time I feel such immense and profound shame at sharing a profession with certain individuals.
But, truthfully, today I did not feel just disgusted or ashamed. I actually felt sick to my stomach. Nauseated. It's abominable.
Danillo Ferreira, a police officer with the military police of Bahia, in his blog Abordagem Policial (Police Approach), states that the behavior of the investigators from the Office of Internal Affairs is not proper and is not what one would expect of an officer [pt]:
Um ato que merece o repúdio público, mesmo que haja provas que atestem o crime da ex-policial.
After the video was released, the Office of Internal Affairs, cowering from the public outcry, held that is officers committed no irregularities. The blog Escreva, Lola, Escreva (Write, Lola, Write) [pt], by Lola Aronovich, stressed that the incident may be rooted in police officer's sexual satisfaction:
Isso me fez lembrar o que Susan Brownmiller conta em seu clássico dos anos 70, Contra a Nossa Vontade. Era comum vítimas terem que narrar nos mínimos detalhes o seu estupro para policiais homens que ora não acreditavam nelas, ora pareciam se excitar com a narrativa. Isso quando essas vítimas não ouviam do policial: “Mas quem iria querer te estuprar?”
According to blogger Luka of Bidê Brasil, violence is run of the mill for the Brazilian police force, which assumed its current structure during the years of the military dictatorship:
O caso da ex-escrivã só mostra o quanto os direitos das mulheres são colocados de lado em diversas ocasiões, ainda mais quando vemos que havia 2 policiais femininas no local e que nada fizeram para não acontecer tal afronta, fora a lastimável declaração da Corregedora e do Governador dando razão a ação dos policiais. No final das contas este caso acaba sendo apenas mais uma ilustração de como o tucanato trata os direitos humanos e em especial os direitos humanos das mulheres, como se fossem descartáveis.
Many twitterers defended the female desk officer, but, even more surprising were those who supported the male investigative officers:
@fabioninja [DJ Fabio Ninja]
Pessoal fala em abuso de poder (quanto ao caso da escrivã nua), mas ninguém menciona que, de fato, o delegado estava correto.
@rodaabaiana [Iemai]
Sobre o caso da escrivã: se ela não tivesse cometido o crime, o ato não seria necessário. Criminoso tentando sair de vítima me cansa.
@allandematos [Allan Matos]
Sobre o caso da ex-escrivã nua: Acho que realmente houve exagero, mas a atitude dos delegados foi digna. Corrupção deve sempre ser combatida.
Maria do Rosário, the Minister of Human Rights Photo by Agência Brasil, distributed under a Creative Commons — Attribution 2.5 Brazil license.
In a message to the press, Human Rights Minister Maria do Rosário called for the discharge of all police officers responsible [pt]. Fearing that the case would head to the federal courts, Governor Geraldo Alckmin, in addition to honoring the minister's request, discharged the director of the Office of Internal Affairs as well [pt] and further indicated that the state security secretary might also be discharged.
Oddly enough, the investigators had been complaining of the harsh measures [pt] adopted by the state police's Office of Internal Affairs for some time and had fought to discharge the office's directors.
The security secretary was appointed by former Governor José Serra, unlike the political group under the current Governor Alckmin, who wished to appoint someone of his personal trust to the post [pt]. Considering the consequences of this case, it will be very difficult to discover who was responsible for releasing the video.

author: Roger Franchini


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Cambodia: HIV parade in Sihanoukville · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

An HIV Parade was held in Sihanoukville in Cambodia to raise public awareness about HIV/AIDS.

source: news-globalvoices

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

author: Mong Palatino


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Cambodia: Save Boeung Kak Campaign · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

The Save Boeung Kak Campaign website provides updates and news reports of the struggle of Phnom Penh residents to defend their land and housing rights as the Cambodia government prepares to develop the Boeung Kok area for commercial purposes.


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Cambodia: Visual tour of life in Phnom Penh · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

Tuktuk Sessions is a website which features songs and everyday scenes in Phonm Penh, Cambodia.


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Egypt: The Day the Secrets Were Revealed (Videos) · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

This post is part of our special coverage of Egypt Protests 2011.
After the Egyptians succeeded in toppling Hosni Mubarak – they set their goal on cutting the hydra's tentacles. A full-waged war started last night against the dreaded State Security apparatus, known as Amn Dawla in Arabic, after news was filtered that this notorious organisation was burning and shredding dossiers and documents.
Thousands of youth assembled themselves online, again on Facebook, after a call went out for Egyptians to surround all state security buildings across the country today.
Hossam El Hamalawy posts this video showing protesters outside the State Security headquarters in Nasr City:
Zeinobia, on Egyptian Chronicles, outlines what happened in Nasr City:
Tonight Egyptian protesters managed not to only to encircle the fearful building by thousands but they have also entered it for the first time not as detainees blindfolded but actually as victorious revolutionaries who had enough from that castle of terrorists.
MP general and army general speaking
With protesters “Yasser Seif”
As I hinted in the previous two posts about Alexandria SS HQ and 6th of October SS HQ , protesters decided to protest only at the Nasr City SS HQ at 4 PM especially after knowing that the officers there are systematically getting rid from documents that can incriminate them. Some people say that the shredding and burning documents process started with the resignation of Shafik and the collapse of his cabinet while others say that that this systematic process was taking place since the fall of Habib Al Adly and his men.
Anyhow back to the capital of hell , the army evacuated the officers and officially was in control of it. After some negotiations with the generals , the people managed to get in and to see what they have never seen in their lives before from files , torture devices and underground prisons. After finding what they have found and the fact that Egypt will live in the new State security gate for weeks or even months as more and more scandals will come to light , I do not know why or how the generals let the people in. May be they let them in because they know that they were angry but did the generals know or even imagine what the people have there !!!?
Among the findings in the building were:
I wonder what files the State security officers have actually destroyed. These are the files our tweep friends told us about :
* Bombing the two Saints Church “According to those who read , it actually incriminates the MOI in bombing the church.
* Hosni Mubarak and Suzanne Mubarak !! “Yes they were following their moves !! It makes you wonder about their loyalty. Our friends spoke about a report covering the Addis Baba assassination attempt in 1996.
* Sheikh Karadawy
* Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei
* Al Jazeera TV host Ahmed Mansour
* Late Khaled Said !!
* Members of Muslim brotherhood like Mohamed Habib
* Members of 6th April like Ahmed Maher ‘it included details about their family members even babies !”
* Members of socialist movements
* Religious sects
* Religious conservative “allegedly full floor dedicated to them”
* Mortada Mansour
* The Egyptian New night talk shows “Including transcripts for the episodes and the details of the callers”
* A whole file with the Yahoo emails that have been monitored.
* Files about CIA , FBI, Iraq elections and Al Qaeda “The golden files of rendition have not been found it, I fear that they were shredded”
* Files about politicians and their relations
* Files about political deals and spies in various groups
* Files about Safwat Al Sherif and his sons with their financial corruption scandals.
* Files about the journalists who are working for the state security
Videos:
On YouTube many videos were uploaded showing shredded papers and dossiers ‘for almost everyone in Egypt’ inside the Egyptian State Security building in Nasr City.
This video, by MrsLuelabie, shows citizens inside the building and their findings:
The commenter is shocked at the amount of shredded papers inside the building, as they walk from one office to the other.
Karmkarawia shows us similar footage from the State Security headquarters in Alexandria:
mizoman1 uploads a clip showing a policeman testifying to the burning of documents at the SS headquarters in Giza four days ago. He then adds that documents were also burned and shredded in October 6:
The same story repeats itself in Tanta, where witnesses testify to the burning and shredding of documents. This clip by mizoman1 shows that:
Reactions from Twitter:
@AymanM: Its clear now that state security involved in massive attempt to cover up or destroy implicating evidence & docs across #egypt #amndawla
@Sandmonkey: Its Bastille day in Egypt. NO MORE STATE SECURITY. WE WON #jan25 #amndawla #nomore
@Sandmonkey: Amn dawla protest, right now #amndawla #jan25 http://yfrog.com/h7darozj
@pakinamamer: We're a much bigger crowd now at #Amndawla Nasr City! Join us, we need reinforcements! http://yfrog.com/gybhkvnj
@jan15egy: CONFIRMED CONFIRMED! PROTESTERS STORM IN THE HQ OF THE #SS IN #NASRCITY VICTORY! #EGYPT #JAN25 #AMNDAWLA
@telaraby: #amndawla nasr city http://yfrog.com/h6hlcmjj
@Ali_Bahnasawy: Pics from inside #AmnDawla Nasr City. Few seconds ago. http://twitpic.com/46gt9q
@jan15egy: Reports from #NasrCity #SS HQ (Hell's Capital): Protesters forming humanchains to protect docs. #AmnDawla #Jan25 #Egypt #Tahrir
@iafify [ar] says:
Egy_20002000 [ar] notes:
@Egyrev25: People here were able to free 5 prisoners in #amndawla nasrcity #Egypt #Jan25
@hadytarek: Torture tools inside state security #amndawla #jan25 #egypt http://yfrog.com/h7bnczwj
@diptychal: Tons of contradicting info, confusion, chaos. Really hope none of the key files go missing in the middle of all of this. #nasrcity #amndawla
mono_mnamenoooo adds:
@shorof adds:
”
@BassieAhmad: Operation purification! Uncovering the crimes of #AmnDawla. Care should be taken to secure all evidence. Who's up for that task? #JAN25
@omareladl: Files are being checked by the people #amndawla http://yfrog.com/h7edtdubj
@gazawia: Egyptians ain't stopping. ppl r breaking into state security headquarters to dismantle it & get docs to hold torturers accountable #amndawla
@aymanhaiba: Hossam @3arabawy Now here #AmnDawla #Jan25 http://yfrog.com/h7pimftj
Fatema Abed [ar] tweets:
And Word_of_light [en] jokes:
Flickr:
This set contains photographs of many of the documents ‘rescued’ today.
Facebook:
Also, this Facebook page entitled Amn Dawla Leaks is already up, with pictures of documents and reactions from users.
This post is part of our special coverage of Egypt Protests 2011.

author: Amira Al Hussaini


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Estonia: The Singing Revolution · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Kovács & Kováts remind readers that some revolutions – like Estonia's Singing Revolution – are bloodless.

author: Veronica Khokhlova


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Japan: Sport Newspaper Day · Global Voices
Scilla Alecci

March 6 is Sport Newspaper Day in Japan and it celebrates the day when the first paper specialized in sport news was published in 1946.
According to Saisun, the first Japanese sport newspaper ever published was Nikkan Sports, four pages with an illustration of a baseball hurler on the first page.

author: Scilla Alecci


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Libya: Preparing for the Fight for Sirte (Video) · Global Voices
John Liebhardt

This post is part of our special coverage Libya Uprising 2011.
Press reports claim that rebels are moving towards the city of Sirte, which is the only major city in the far the western side of Libya that remains in government control.
However, Sirte is also the hometown of Colonel Muammar Al Gaddafi — and more than a few people claim the city is heavily defended and will special have symbolic significance if it falls to anti-regime forces. Over the years, Gaddafi has tried to transfer much of the country's government to the town of 170,000 inhabitants which lies roughly halfway between Tripoli and Benghazi on the Gulf of Sidra.
The rebels said that after taking Sirte they would continue driving towards Tripoli, which lies 450 km to the east. This map, from Iyad El-Baghdadi shows the situation as of 6 pm, Saturday, March 5.
Here is a video posted on March 2 that claims to be taken in Sirte where Gaddafi loyalists allegedly fire on civilians.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdKU7HHCXhA
Let's begin our coverage with the pranksters at NotLibyaStateTV:
@LibyanStateTV:  We're reporting that Sirte is completely stable and will remain so. They assure us that all is well and ask us to stop calling them #libya
We now have Tweeps speculating on the possibility of fighting in Sirte:
@evanchill Though I didnt see any fighting, rebels keep gaining ground and are going to approach Sirte soon. Gaddafi retreat or tactical withdrawal?
@LibyaInMe:
URGENT: Supply of mercenaries and #Gaddafi militia headed to Sirte to help out Gaddafi militia there. #libya #feb17
@ShababLibya: Freedom fighters moving towards Sirte, which is said to be well defended as all have been given weapons #Libya #Feb17
@LibyaInMe: Reports that 20 000 revolutionaries from Eastern Libya are a few km away from Sirte. Pray 4 them #Libya #feb17
@libyafidammi: Alarabiya-Thousands head from Bani Walid towards Sirte. Watch out #Gaddafi looks like they're heading to your hometown. #Libya
@4Adam: @AJArabic Security Battalions[51] left #BeniWalid[180km SE #Tripoli] to protect Sirte from AntiQadhafi forces[eyewitness conformed]
@karikariguaraya: Monse Talleyrand LIBYA: liberating force is headed Sirte, while in the city are recorded uprisings against Gadhafi and tribal disputes.
YouthUnited
@FreedomNow2011: @2011Patriot1775 Yea, #Sirte is key. Sirte up till now is blocking the road from #Benghazi to #Tripoli.Plus,Sirte is #Gaddafi main support.
This group of tweets covers the military and psychological importance of Sirte:
@FromJoanne: #SIRTE BASIN has a large part of Libya's OIL reserves + a large Military Airbase close 2 Sirte ith 50 re-enforced concrete hangars #Febr17
@FreedomNow2011: MUST TAKE SIRTE!! #Sirte is Key. If you take Sirte from #Gaddafi then the road from #Benghazi to #Tripoli is in Free People hands. #Libya
@ShababLibya: We are confident there will be an uprising in Sirte to join the Free Libyans Inshala (by the will of God), there are good and bad in every city #Libya #Feb17
@freelibyanyouth: @ShababLibya there are lots of non-gadaffi sertawi people. But they have benefited a lot from him either way.
@ShababLibya: We must remember, every citizen in Sirte is not pro gaddafi by default, only time can show us how this will unfold, we pray for them #Libya
@Tripolitanian: Now its time for #Sirte to decide, are they with #Libya or against it?
@flightae: Opposition forces should use loud speakers to announce to the people of #Sirt to join! Please get this message to them. #Libya RT IMPORTANT
@freedom4libya: People of Sirte, Gadhafi is finished. Please join the revolution now. #Libya will never forget this. You can finish him today. @ShababLibya
@4everLibya: Its important Sirte is invited to join the revolution peacefully.At the v least they should promise to remain neutral. #libya
@Tripolitanian: I trust the people of #Sirte, they know that they are #Libyans, not #Gaddafi loyalists. #Libya
A comment from “Palestine” to the Libya 17 February 2011 website:
I think it would be very helpful if your guys in Benghazi and other liberated cities start a campaign of calling families in Sirt and other cities that are still under Gaddafi’s control, the message should be simple and clear; mostly encouraging them to join the revolution and assuring them Libya is united and there will never be any cases of revenge against residence of these cities or against relatives of Gaddafi’s supporters. Just a suggestion.
And finally, a look to the future:
@sumyasalem: Today we take #Sirte and tomorrow #Tripoli #feb17 #Libya #gaddaficrimes
This post is part of our special coverage Libya Uprising 2011.

author: John Liebhardt


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Libya: That’s Not Fighting, It’s Fireworks and other #DesperateGaddafiLies · Global Voices
John Liebhardt

This post is part of our special coverage Libya Uprising 2011.
To those outside Libya dictator Colonel Muammar Al Gaddafi has always been known for eccentricities, blustering actions and remarks. As the uprising against his four decades in power comes closer to toppling his rule, Gaddafi's actions has become more unstable and the number of his wild assertions has increased.
For example, Gaddafi's insistence that he holds no official role in Libyan politics and collects no salary from the government. There's also the tale that Al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations continue to feed hallucinogens to protesters. And, don't forget that he would “welcome” the United Nations or African Union investigation into the violence in Libya.
#DesperateGaddafiLiesRT, a Twitter hashtag has begun to collect some of the, ahem, half-truths put out by the leader occasionally known as the Guide. Here are a few examples. Of course, Global Voices cannot confirm their veracity.
@CurtMonash: Soldier of Fortune Magazine just voted #Gaddafi “World's Sexiest Dictator” #DesperateGaddafiLiesRT #Libya
@defendfreespeak: Steven Spielberg has just bought the rights to my Green Book! #DesperateGaddafiLiesRT
@bugpopper: #DesperateGaddafiLiesRT Gaddafi has been offered Galliano's job at Dior, he will create his own fashion line The Turquoise Tent
@N_Benghazi: #DesperateGaddafiLiesRT “I bought facebook”
@Barxwanakatio: #Libyanstatetv : Libyan army's just given #Cairo bk2 #Mubarak and now on march2 liberate #Palestine ! #DesperateGaddafiLiesRT
@iyad_elbaghdadi: No gunfire in Tripoli. It's our annual fireworks competition. We know it's 6:30 AM. We're starting early. Shutup. #DesperateGaddafiLiesRT
@Language_Guy: #DesperateGaddafiLiesRT Gaddafi defeats east Libya in 15 min, with band of tuk-tuks armed with Turuq-sized umbrellas
@SWassaf: #DesperateGaddafiLiesRT Gaddafi forces have just landed on a string of Normandy beaches. Paris will be liberated soon.
@INTLRevolver: RT @ostha2011: Gaddafi forces have liberated Texas #DesperateGaddafiLiesRT
@AlFulani91:
#DesperateGaddafiLiesRT #Gaddafi executes officer; citing a disturbing lack of faith
Here is another collection:
This post is part of our special coverage Libya Uprising 2011.


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Libya: Videos Expose Gaddafi’s Violent Riposte · Global Voices
Hisham Almiraat

This post is part of our special coverage Libya Uprising 2011.
As pro-democracy forces advance toward Gaddafi's main strongholds, the dictator of Libya is stepping up efforts to retake regions lost to the rebellion. The crackdown is proving deadly. International news organisations have been conveying stories of attacks carried out by pro-Gaddafi forces against civilians. The coastal cities of Zawiyah (just 50 kilometres west of the capital Tripoli), Misurata, Ras Lanuf, Al-Bayda and Ajdabiya have reportedly been bombarded overnight recording heavy casualties. Amidst an almost complete Internet and media blackout, videos still manage to be leaked, giving us a glimpse of what's happening on the ground. Here's a video round up.
In this video posted by encryptedreality, a volunteer Egyptian Vascular Surgeon describes the kind of injuries he encountered in the cities of Al-Bayda and Ajdabiya:
encryptedreality who also posted this video says it shows civilians being shot at by pro-Gaddafi troops in an area near the oil port of Ras Lanuf:
This other video posted by arrdvarks was filmed in a hospital near Ras Lanuf that is apparently struggling to cope with the wounded and dead. People gathering outside the building say pro-Gadhafi forces used heavy artillery, helicopters and air strikes against the rebellion:
(Warning: some images are graphic in nature. Viewer discretion is advised.)
It is not clear where in Libya and when the following video, posted by newstweet, was filmed. It shows protesters apparently being shot at while they were praying outside a mosque:
This post is part of our special coverage Libya Uprising 2011.

author: Hisham Almiraat


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Libya: Zenga Zenga Meme Goes Viral · Global Voices
Hisham Almiraat

This post is part of our special coverage Libya Uprising 2011.
The video remix of Gaddafi's now infamous “Zenga Zenga” speech, has hit a near 3 million viewers mark less than two weeks after it was posted on Youtube. In it “The Brother Leader Guide” promises to “cleanse Libya inch by inch, home by home, house by house, street by street (Zenga Zenga)” (posted by noyalooshemusic):
For some reason, a version of the same clip without the lap dancers is also available here.
According to Know Your Meme website, Zenga Zenga started to become a viral catchphrase after an Israeli journalist uploaded a remix of Gaddafi’s speech featuring the quote.
The video seems to have launched a meme on the video sharing website Youtube. More similarly edited speeches of the Libyan leader are emerging, much to the delight of viewers. Here, Gaddafi performs a duet with Shakira (video posted by camelsmaycry):
Here's another remix using other segments of the same “Zenga Zenga” speech, posted by ZZFO (over a million viewers):
This video is entitled: “Muammar Gaddafi: Had you said this, it would have been better for you.” It was posted by ml4482:
And here the Colonel raps (posted by LinoVenturaa3):
And here “The Brother Guide” in a remake of Singing in the Rain. Video posted by EFFERLECEBE:
Finally, the Looney Tune version featuring Ga-daffy (posted by Trashman1964):
This post is part of our special coverage Libya Uprising 2011.


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Maldives: Media Misleading People · Global Voices
Rezwan

Hassan Ziyau is furious that the Maldives media have twisted and sensationalized news reports of a child being decapitated during birth at IGM hospital, the largest hospital in the Maldives.

author: Rezwan


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Mexico: Possible Documentary Censorship Causes Commotion · Global Voices
Andrea Arzaba

Official poster of documentary Presumed Guilty. Image available for download from film site's press kit.
Mexican judge Blanca Lobo Dominguez ordered theaters to temporarily halt screenings of the popular Mexican documentary Presunto Culpable [es] (Presumed Guilty). The reason behind the ruling is that Victor Manuel Reyes Bravo, one of the prosecution witnesses in the documentary, states he did not give the filmmakers authorization to record him and appear in the film.
The documentary reveals a case where Mexico’s justice system appears weak and deteriorated. This is shown through the story of Antonio Zuniga, who is charged with murder in 2005. Throughout the movie the case is overturned, as the information used for condemning him does not add up.
On the blog Gancho the popularity of the documentary is affirmed:
I'd previously read far more about Presumed Guilty, a documentary about what appears to be a truly heinous miscarriage of justice in the Mexican court system, in the US media. However, Milenio says it has turned into that rarest of things: a documentary enjoying  box-office success in Mexico. With the support of Cinépolis, the largest  theater chain in the country, in its first weekend, Presumed Guilty earned 6.4 million pesos. This is only $500,000 or so, but it's already  halfway to being the most successful documentary in Mexican history.
Teacher and blogger Octavio Islas expresses concern about how freedom of expression [es] would be affected through the screening halt of the documentary:
La suspensión en las exhibiciones de la película Presunto Culpable sería un atentado a la libertad de expresión. En esa cinta se muestran  escenas de un proceso judicial que fue público. Los hechos allí  registrados son de interés público –atendiendo al principio de máxima  publicidad establecido en la Constitución– y su divulgación no requiere  del permiso expreso de las personas que participaron en tales  audiencias.
"Toño," short for "Antonio," the protagonist. Image available for download from film site's press kit.
Alejandro Ortiz Sotomajor writes about the censorship theories [es] being discussed:
Esta claro que no hay que pensar mucho para poder llegar a varias  conclusiones, la principal y que anda en prácticamente boca de todos es  que el sistema judicial no quiere que se saque a la luz todas la  irregularidades en su administración y su forma de resolver los juicios.
The filmmakers, in an announcement posted on their website [es], state that  the documentary will continue to be shown until they  receive a government or judicial order. In the United States, the whole movie can be watched online through the PBS website until March 31, 2011.

author: Andrea Arzaba


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Morocco: Casablanca Protest Draws Thousands · Global Voices
Jillian C. York

This post is part of our special coverage Morocco Protests 2011.
Protests in Casablanca's Mohammed V square today drew thousands of Moroccans, as evidenced by the many photos and videos being posted online.  Participants in the demonstration are demanding  government reform and an end to corruption.
On Twitter, @mounirbensalah shares a photograph from Casablanca, showing a sea of men and women demonstrating outside of the Palais de Justice in the city's main square, Mohammed V.  The building in the photo is the government finance office.
Protesters in Casablanca's Place Mohammed V
In this first video, the protests are led by a singer who, using a tune by Moroccan group Nas El Ghiwane (editor's note: we previously and incorrectly stated the musical group to be Hoba Hoba Spirit), mocks Qaddafi while making allusions to Morocco's ruler.  He sings: “we are you taking us/leading us brother/are you leading us to Saudia?/I've been receiving one hit after the other/Sarkozy won't welcome me/Obama won't welcome me…”
In this video, protesters applaud in unison:
This video, taken from afar, manages to capture the sheer size of the demonstration:
This post is part of our special coverage Morocco Protests 2011.

author: Jillian C. York


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Nepal: Legalizing Prostitution · Global Voices
Rezwan

Nepali Blog is advocating for legalizing prostitution in Nepal.


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Pakistan: Grief And Loss And The Stripping Of a Nation’s Soul · Global Voices
Rezwan

“Pakistan’s vicious fundamentalists are stripping their nation’s soul, bit by bloody bit. God help them,” comments Dheera Shujan at South Asia Wired.


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Philippines: Reactions to Proposed National Bloggers’ Association · Global Voices
Julius Rocas

There is an on-going debate amongst Filipino bloggers regarding the proposed formation of a ‘National Bloggers’ Association’. It all started back in January 31 when blogger Janet Toral asked in a blog post ‘Are you in favor of a National Bloggers Association?‘ The purpose of the said organization shall be:
[to]  interact with policy makers, both government and private groups, who are interested in crafting guidelines that will have an effect to the blogging community.
As soon as it was published, bloggers on both sides of the fence – those in favor and against the proposal have expressed their respective positions.
It is interesting to note that those who support the idea of forming a national bloggers’ association do so with some reservations. Regnard Raquedan suggests that the idea should be refined into an organization of ‘professional’ bloggers instead of representing all Filipino bloggers:
This group should not pursue bloggers who are blogging as a hobby and as a means of expression. And clearly, the group should present itself as a representative of the professional bloggers, not all bloggers in general. Making such a claim would be
I believe no one group can represent the Philippine blogosphere– it's akin to attempting to represent all those who can express themselves. But I believe that a group focused on one aspect of blogging, that is professional blogging or blogging with an agenda, can be helpful in legitimizing Philippine blogging as a practice.
Bjornson Bernales puts his faith on the idea that there's wisdom in setting up such an organization and hopes that along the way, things will get more refined and clear:
It is still immature for me to say about the structure of the Philippine Bloggers Association. But the one thing I am sure about is that I would like to be part of it.
I respect the views of other bloggers. And that makes the blogoshere colorful with different views and opinions, maintaining an equilibrium between the yin and yang.
But I still say yes to Philippine Bloggers Association. I dream of being a full-pledged Problogger. It is not because I am motivated of money and power. It is because I sense and aspire win-win situations in which bloggers have concerns about and are a part of.
Aileen Apolo took some time to read back on the history of earlier efforts of putting up a similar organization of bloggers in other countries – all of which had failed – and maintains a neutral stance:
So this proposal about a National Bloggers Association… I don't know, I think I'll stick to joining or participating in select projects/activities since any attempt in the past (this the the nth attempt) never really flourished. Besides organizations really work with just a handful of people moving (I've observed that with local professional orgs too), so its actually better sometimes to just have interest groups work with different projects to get more traction.
Well, it's a free country and everybody has a choice :)
On the other hand, bloggers who oppose the formation of national bloggers’ association have come out to state their case.
Janitor Al takes the idea head on in a rather blunt and scathing manner:
It's stupid because its creation can potentially generate more of the same kinds of problems that it seeks to address. For instance, while it seeks to unify bloggers, it seems rather obvious that this idea has caused much division. Ironic? Perhaps. Stupid? I would say definitely.
…..
Personally, I also find the endeavor rather pompous. No. Not ambitious. Pompous. The assumption that they can bring the millions upon millions of bloggers to band together and agree on this reeks of arrogance.
Let's look at one particular example, the notion of representation. Given the status quo, while there may be some who might seem to represent bloggers in a bad light, the lot of us can easily say, “No. Those bloggers do not in any official manner represent me or any other blogger for that matter.” And in most cases, that will be the end of it. Enter now an actual “association” claiming to represent all of us bloggers. Given the ease by which most of traditional media still misunderstand the blogosphere, the danger here is that this “association” could very well be regarded by the mainstream as a de facto official representative. Who the hell gave them that right?
The Mommy Bloggers Club not only opposes the idea of a national bloggers’ association because it would be adverse to blogging's inherently personal and independent nature, she puts forward a counter-proposal:
If we really want an organization to fight for our right, in terms of ethics, copy right issues and income, I would rather suggest having a Bloggers Cooperative, where one get to share ideas, skills, and income opportunities. We can have a fund for all bloggers in the country to share and invest. We can continue what we love doing, blogging, without being regulated but are progressive.
Ms Noemi Dado joins in this position and also offers an alternative:
While I do agree with a collective set of ethical standards for bloggers , I am not convinced on the establishment of a national blogging organization. Bloggers are so diverse and may not want to belong to one big group for one reason or another.
Before the establishment of an organization, a set of ethical standards should first be deliberated and agreed upon in a conference or summit, then the rest can follow.
With more and more bloggers starting to weigh in and take sides, the debate on the ‘national bloggers’ association’ is far from being over.

author: Julius Rocas


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Russia: J. Arch Getty and Claudia Verhoeven Author Interviews · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

For New Books in Russia and Eurasia, Sean Guillory of Sean's Russia Blog interviews J. Arch Getty, the author of “Yezhov: The Rise of Stalin’s Iron Fist,” and Claudia Verhoeven, the author of “The Odd Man Karakozov: Imperial Russia, Modernity, and the Birth of Terrorism.”


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Russia: Putin Party · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

@MiriamElder is tweeting from the “racy ‘Putin Party’” taking place at one of Moscow's nightclubs: “No one here basically but strippers and photographers shooting the strippers http://plixi.com/p/82136606.”


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Saudi Arabia: Protests Reach Eastern Province  · Global Voices
Haifa Alrasheed

The flame of protests raging across the Arab world, from the Ocean to the Gulf, has reached the Saudi Arabian cities Al Qatif and Al Hafouf. More than 100 people gathered in each of the two cities for the release of Shiite cleric Tawfiq Al Amir, who was arrested on Friday, March 4, after calling for a constitutional monarchy and a war against corruption.
YouTube user Arabia Today uploads this video of the demonstration in Qatif, where protesters are chanting: “Our presence is peaceful, our demands are legitimate,” and “We will never forget those being imprisoned”:
Authorities arrested more than 20 protesters. Tweeps from all over the kingdom reacted to this unusual event, as protests are rare in Saudi Arabia, under the hashtags #qatif #qateef and #saudi.
Freedom is What We Call for!
A number of Saudi tweeps were in favour of the protests and below are some of their reactions:
The Eastern Revolution has also created a Facebook fan page to trace all of movements.
On YouTube, Saudi2014 shares this scene of arrests in Qatif:
Salute to The Government!
On the other hand, some were against the protests, and called for their end, accusing the Shi'ites of being traitors:
@as_alshamrani
اللهم وفق ولاة الأمر لصالح البلاد والعباد .. آمين يارب #saudimataleb #ksa #saudi #Qatif #saudimatalib #mar11 #khoja #riyadhbook
Finally, an announcement from Hasan Almustafa a few hours ago today:
@halmustafa
#Saudi government release Sheikh Tawfiq #AlAmer, after demonstrations in AlAhsa and #Qatif, Eastern Kingdom.

author: Haifa Alrasheed


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Saudi Arabia: What Saudis Demand · Global Voices
Haifa Alrasheed

As protests engulf the region, Saudis too are making their voices heard. A petition addressed to King Abdulla is being circulated, with demands aimed at wide ranging political reforms.
The petition, entitled “Towards a Country with Rights and Institutions,” is available online, and  contains a total of eight demands, written in a very polite and formal manner. It started with praising the kingdom and wishing the King good health.
The demands include:
.
More than 1,000 Saudis have signed the petition and the number is growing. On its page on Facebook, there is more than 4,500 names.  Among them are Islamic scholars such as Dr. Salman Alouda, and Dr Yousef Alahmed, as well as academicians, writers, officials and activists.
The letter caused and is still causing a storm of reactions among young Saudis, many of who continue to list their demands on Twitter under the hashtag #saudimataleb. Below are some of their reactions:
@AlanoudRaqeeb
#saudimataleb الفساد المالي مستشري في رأس الهرم…دكتورة مضاوي الرشيد
@Baderibrahim
انتهت التقسيمات القديمة:إسلامي وليبرالي،سني وشيعي.الانقسام اليوم هو:مع التغيير أو ضده #Saudi #Saudimataleb
Moreover, an account was made under the name @SaudiMataleb to spread the word and the demands between Saudi tweeps.
However @SHIFT_0 disagrees:
#saudimataleb مع احترامي حنا شعب مصلحجي .. جتنا مصلحه الحكومه اقدع ناس .. مافيه مصلحه الحكومه ظالمه ويبيلها اصلاح


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USA: Twittersphere Debates Kristof Column on Islam · Global Voices
Jillian C. York

A column by long-time New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof has riled the Twittersphere today. The column, entitled, “Is Islam the Problem?“, mulls over various factors which may have led to what Kristof refers to as “backwardness” in the Arab world.
The column has sparked outrage on Twitter, where individuals from around the world are expressing anger at Kristof and the New York Times generally.  @avinunu sums up the problem:
Columnist @NickKristof uses words like “backward” to describe Arabs that he would not dare use for others.
He continues:
Health, education, wealth statistics for blacks are well behind whites in America, @NickKristof. Is that because blacks are “backward”?
Then, alluding to Kristof's extensive experience reporting on Africa, he adds:
Let me ask you a question, @NickKristof, have you ever specifically used the word “backward” to describe Africa?
After Kristof himself tweeted, “Sorry to those I've offended with my Islam column title–but it's what is on people's minds & we have new evidence,” @sickjew asks:
Do you think @NickKristof would write a column titled, “Is Judaism the Problem?” It's “on people's minds.”
Other Symptoms
Others on Twitter raise concerns about the column's title (which asks if Islam is the problem), suggesting that there are other factors at hand.  @cellabiao points to US support for dictatorial regimes in the Middle East:
@NickKristof the world knows only too well that US funded these murderous dictators & everyone cheers these revolutions. Take a hint already
In response to another Kristof tweet (“@Soraal Of course the Middle East is backward. Look at literacy rates, female labor force participation, political systems. Question is why”), @DianaValerie argues:
@NickKristof @soraal this is a very ignorant comment that discounts our support of dictators who impede citizens’ progress.
Is the New York Times the problem?
Some have noted that the Times itself is often exclusionary toward other voices.  @techsoc remarks:
@jilliancyork Don't mind it Kristof joins sincere discussion on ME as long as *we* can also join a discussion about what is wrong w/ West.
@humanprovince seems fed up with the paper's writers:
America really deserves better than the sophomoric barstool faux intellectualism of Brooks, Friedman & @NickKristof: http://nyti.ms/hRkYJF
@krmaher sees the problem as being in the hands of the editors:
To be fair, rest of the new @NickKristof column isn't terrible, but title is neon example of unequal standards. Editors should know better.
But @emjacobi points out:
@krmaher editors should know better, and it's compounded by the fact that NYT columnists write their own headlines!
Agreeing with Kristof
Although much of the conversation on Twitter was in disagreement with Kristof, there are a few who believe his column hit the mark.  @walidbey states:
@NickKristof your article about Islam is courageous. I see Islamic legal system doesn't fit modern age. #Islam should reinvent itself
@franyafranya takes a balanced approach:
@NickKristof the arguments r fairly substantiated up til “psychological problem” -no support given; also, “backwardness” is a relative term
@JeSuisBelEsprit thinks Kristof's column has a point:
@NickKristof Critical analysis is good for the soul. Islam itself is an human endeavor and like all human endeavors “things do fall apart.”


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Africa: Africa Region Finalists for the 2011 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Here are the African Region finalists for the 2011 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize: “* Best Book: The Memory of Love by Aminatta Forna (Sierra Leone) * Best First Book: Happiness is a four-letter word by Cynthia Jele (South Africa)”

author: Ndesanjo Macha


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Angola: Demonstrators and journalists arrested in Luanda · Global Voices
Sara Moreira

Police arrested about 20 people [pt] who were preparing for a pro-democracy demonstration today in Luanda. Among those detained are journalists of the Novo Jornal and rapper Brigadeiro Mata Frakuzx (#Ikonoklasta) who showed his revolt against the 32-year rule of President Eduardo dos Santos in a concert earlier this month.

author: Sara Moreira


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Arab World: Bloggers Compete for Arabisk Competition  · Global Voices
Haifa Alrasheed

Like every year,  Arab bloggers are competing for “The Best 2011 Arabic Blog” title. The competition is named Arabisk.
The blogs nominated are categorized into four categories: the best personal blog, the best news blog, the best specialized blog and the best entertainment blog. The winner of each category will get two prizes: the Audience Award and the Jury Award.
Nominations for the competition were open from January 15 to February 15; readers were allowed to vote for their best blogs from February 16 to 28; On March 1, the top 20 blogs in each category were announced; and from March 1 to 31, the jury will work on evaluating the entries.
The results are expected to be announced at the beginning of next month.
The aim:
According to the competition site (ar):
The Rules:
The competition rules are as follows:
1. على المدونات المشاركة أن تتميز بالأصالة في المحتوى. إذ لن تقبل ترشيحات المدونات التي تنشر مواد محفوظة الحقوق دون إذن من صاحب الحق. أو المدونات التي يغلب عليها طابع النقل وإعادة النشر لمحتويات أخرى، حتى إن كانت موادا مأذون بإعادة نشرها.
2. على المدونات المشاركة أن تكون متوافقة مع الأخلاق العامة للمجتمعات الإسلامية. ولن تقبل ترشيحات المدونات التي تنشر موادا بورنوغرافية.
1. Blogs participating in the contest should have original content. We will not accept the nomination of blogs which publish copyrighted material without the consent of the original publisher. Also blogs which predominantly depend on cutting and pasting material online, even with permission, will not be entered into the contest.
2. The participating blogs should adhere to the general moral code of Islamic societies. Blogs with pornographic content will be eliminated from the contest.
The Jury:
The jury includes bloggers from different Arab countries. They are: Wael Ghonim, Basem Shaheen, Muhammed Bashir, Fouad Alfarhan, and Moammar Aamer.
Readers will also be allowed to vote for as many blogs as they wish, for the Audience Award part of the contest.
هكذا لن يجد الشخص نفسه في مأزق التصويت على مدونة واحدة لا غير، وتجاهل المدونات الأخرى حتى وإن كانت متقاربة في المستوى. هذا النظام سيوفر مرونة أكبر للراغبين في التصويت، وسيعطي لكل مدونة فرصا متساوية للفوز، ما دامت تستحق ذلك


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Azerbaijan: Another youth activist identified by social media? · Global Voices
Onnik Krikorian

A new blog, whatwaswritten, says that another youth activist has been reportedly visited by police after trying to publicize pro-democracy protests planned for 11 March in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku. The blog notes that police deny the claims although Tangled Web says that the alleged visit occured on the same day that a video showing Etibar Salmanli handing out leaflets was uploaded to YouTube.

author: Onnik Krikorian


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Azerbaijan: Facebook inaccessible via Bakcell · Global Voices
Onnik Krikorian

Mobile subscribers in Baku, Azerbaijan, report on Twitter that Facebook is inaccessible from Bakcell, one of three cellular operators in the country, for the coming week ahead of protests planned for 11-12 March. Government supporters deny this, although Bakcell's Customer Service confirmed the news via telephone to Global Voices as well as others. Citing technical problems as the reason for the outage which appear only to affect Facebook, the popular social networking site can still reportedly be accessed by Bakcell subscribers using Opera Mini which uses its own proxies to deliver content to speed up browsing.


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Azerbaijan: Support Bakhtiyar! site launched · Global Voices
Onnik Krikorian

A site in English in support of Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, the Harvard graduate youth activist arrested last week in Azerbaijan ahead of protests planned for 11-12 March, has been launched at http://supportbakhtiyar.com


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Bahrain: Hit and Run at Protest · Global Voices
Yacoub Al-Slaise

This post is part of our special coverage of Bahrain Protests 2011.
During Monday afternoon's protest at the Bahrain Financial Harbour, a hit and run incident occurred which led to minor injuries to three protesters. On Twitter, the discussion continued well into the night on what happened, with different people suggesting various scenarios. Later at night, videos were circulated showing how the accident happened.
Here is the chitchat from Twitter:
@MZ5aaan: Protesters should understand that #BFH is not as safe as #lulu, its a highway, hunt for a different place #Bahrain
@RedhaHaji: Confirmed reports that 3 Pro democracy demonstrators at #BFH were injured when a car hit them. Not sure accident/ intentional #bahrain #lulu
@anmarek: Ambulance s here after a pro-gov driver had intentionally crashed protesters.. #bahrain #feb14 #lulu http://twitpic.com/47551o
@Kaoutsar: @emoodz Any proofs (videos) showing that the accident was intentional? #Bahrain #feb14
@ba7ari: Anonymous woman hit a protester in #manama #bahrain #feb14 #eu #us #hrw #gcc #gulf #f1 #un #formula1 http://twitpic.com/4759xs
Hussainzt [Ar] tweets:
@B2Lsh: even if it wasn't intentional, i still consider it as a crime, to run over people then run away! #lulu #Bahrain #BFH
@fredwillie460: #Bahrain #bfh – lots of stories concerning todays accident at junction the fact is this was no0t a demonstration it was intimidation
@YAGthis: The lady in the prado,a cult hero OR a criminal bal6agy? #bahrain #bfh
@peacebahrain: @fredwillie460 protestors attack lady in a car #BFH jst ‘cos she hs pix of PM & shook car,she got scared – any1 would -she paniced #Bahrain
@peacebahrain: @imran_al_aradi @MsDeviantZ yes,she paniced and hit the accelerator #BFH – I imagine she was terrified #Bahrain, this is no peaceful protest
@Bahrain1st: Lol I heard some black jeep ran over two idiots by BFH can anyone confirm?
@yusufbukhammas: Like Everybody in #Bahrain. I am waiting on the full detailes abt #BFH accident.
@yslaise: It's too early to judge about the hit & run at #BFH as it's still very unclear and Hamad Town-esque at the mo, glad the injuries weren't bad
A few hours after the incident two YouTube videos started circulating on social media giving a clearer image of the afternoon's events.
Uploaded by YouTube user alim9000 showing the protesters surrounding the car
http://youtu.be/lo_JUUU_8JY
Uploaded by YouTube user SEARCHMEALL showing the woman stopping in the midst of the protest, then driving off before the scene was cut to one of the protesters being carried away by paramedics.
PoliticalAnalyzer1 posts yet another video of the accident on YouTube, showing a young man making way for her to drive out of the crowd – a man she then hits as she sped off:
@aymanDXB WRONG: They terrorized her + WRONG: She ran them over = WRONG: Completely unacceptable behavior by both protesters and the driver #Bahrain
@eyade Why is everyone discussing the stupid accident at BFH!! We have bigger issues at hand, #Bahrain wake the **** up!!
This post is part of our special coverage of Bahrain Protests 2011.

author: Yacoub Al-Slaise


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Bahrain: The One Dinar Protest  · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

This post is part of our special coverage of Bahrain Protests 2011.
Protesters in Bahrain are gathering outside the Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH), waving one Bahraini dinar (worth US$ 2.6) notes and chanting for the overthrow of the government.
The protest comes days after Shaikh Ali Salman, the head of the opposition Wefaq society, presented a purchase agreement which shows that Bahrain's Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa bought the land the BFH was built on for one dinar, at a rally held in Pearl (Lulu) Roundabout, the epicentre of anti-government protests since February 14, 2011.
Protests calling for wide ranging political, economic and social changes in Bahrain follow hot on the heels of similar movements across the Arab world, where people shook off decades of fear and oppression and took to the streets to make their voices heard.
After an initial clampdown on the protests, which saw seven Bahrainis killed by police and army forces, Bahrain extended an olive branch to protesters, opening a chapter of National Dialogue led by Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who promised an end to government violence and called all the stake-holders to the negotiation table. A small cabinet reshuffle followed, as well as a promise of 20,000 new jobs, in the country where unemployment figures vary, depending on which source you try to get your figures from.
Following are reactions from the protests outside the BFH today:
@TruthWitness: Privileges of royal family: #Bahrain PM bought Financial Harbour district for 1dinar ($2.65) #change #feb14 #lulu http://twitpic.com/46s4gq
@anmarek: Protester reading document proving that PM bought land of financial harbour for 1BD #bahrain #feb14 http://twitpic.com/474l32
@anmarek: Protesters near financial harbour holding a big note of 1BD having PM pic on it! #bahrain #feb14 http://twitpic.com/474g7y
@anmarek: Protesters raising 1BD notes and chanting “financial harbour for 1BD only!” #bahrain #feb14 #lulu http://twitpic.com/474k3e
@mahmood: Joining the throngs just passing the BD1 BFH. Protestors demand the dismissal of the government. http://t.co/Aqhpklj
@mahmood: Announcer: for BD1 BD1! http://t.co/FSldC5D
@anmarek: 10 coins of 100 fils LOL did Khalifa pay the 1BD in 10 installments of 0.100 BD?? #bahrain #feb14 http://twitpic.com/474mds
@RedhaHaji: #BFH #bahrain #feb14 More ppl seem to b heading to BFH now.Traffic police directing traffic.All Calm http://yfrog.com/gz66ywmj
@Redbelt: Pic update of #BFH. I can hear them chanting at the 10th floor! http://plixi.com/p/82270251
@RedhaHaji: Ppl still heading to #BFH #bahrain #feb14 http://yfrog.com/h4iyvuij
@anmarek: Big tent near financial harbour #bahrain #feb14 #lulu http://twitpic.com/474kji
@fredwillie460: #bahrain #BFH latest pic choas poor traffic policeman – this many people holding a nation to ransom – http://twitpic.com/474n16
@fredwillie460: #bahrain #bfh taken around 4 pm no more baby tents but people walking up from pearl roundabout enjoying an afterno http://twitpic.com/474fu5
@fredwillie460: http://twitpic.com/473y3o – #BAHRAIN #BFH at numbers at 3pm for comparison
@chanadbh: This ‘BD1 for the BFH’ Prime Minister scandal has become quite a hilarious meme: http://plixi.com/p/81992756 (from yest) #bahrain #feb14
@chanadbh: The BD1 story isn't even the major issue. The real question is why is a serving govt official allowed to buy so much commercial property?
@MunaFakhroo: So.. What's the point of all of this? #bahrain
@Almalood: Dear protesters please find a bigger area to take over & camp. We will soon join you as we will all be jobless #Bahrain #Lulu #Fateh #Feb 14
@yasminofbahrain: I don't blame the cattle who are mocking PM about the BD1 story, I blame Ali Salman for bringing out false info to a stupid crowd. #bahrain
@yasminofbahrain: To all ppl on twitter making a joke out of themselves about the BD1 story, watch out. Ur accusations r false and you'll regret it. #bahrain
Meanwhile, the government Bahrain News Agency carried an article today praising the achievements brought by the PM to Bahrain, since becoming Prime Minister in 1971. It adds:
Regarding the Bahrain Financial Harbour, the spokesman said that the issue had been studied by the ministerial committee in tandem with the parliamentary probe committee in charge of state properties. “The transaction has been sealed via the pricing committee in accordance with legal procedures”, he said.
“Any party questioning the legal procedures may resort to courts for justice be done”, the spokesman.
This post is part of our special coverage of Bahrain Protests 2011.


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Brazil: Critical Mass Bicycle Event – Accident or Homicide? · Global Voices
Raphael Tsavkko Garcia

Critical Mass is an event that takes place in over 300 cities around the world, when tens, hundreds or even thousands of bikers gather in the streets to encourage the use of bicycles as an alternative form of transport to motorized and polluting vehicles.
On every last Friday of the month the city of Porto Alegre in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, holds its own critical Mass event [pt], but on February 25, 2011, a tragedy occurred; Guilherme Valadares from the blog Papo de Homem (Man Talk) explains [pt]:
Critical Mass poster calling for the use of bicycles. Used with permission.
Você está dentro de um Golf preto, em Porto Alegre. À sua frente, um  grupo com dezenas de ciclistas bloqueia a passagem.
Estão pedalando em menor  velocidade. Aparentemente, alguma passeata ou movimento. Apressado,  buzina e pede passagem. Insiste. Não consegue abrir caminho. Após três  quarteirões, resolve desacelerar e tomar distância dos ciclistas. Tomar  um caminho alternativo, talvez?
Não, em pleno surto psicótico, decide pisar fundo e ATROPELAR TODOS.
Imagine you're inside a black Golf [car] in Porto Alegre. In front of you, a group of dozens of cyclists are blocking your way.
They're pedaling at a slower speed. Apparently, [it's] some [kind of] march or movement. In a hurry, [you beep your] horn and ask to get through. You're insistent. You cannot get a clear path through. After three blocks, [you] decide to slow down and head away from the cyclists. Take an alternative route, perhaps?
No – like a psycho, [you] decide to speed up and RUN OVER THEM ALL.
Reads: "It wasn't an accident". Image by tncbaggins. free to share.
Cristina Rodrigues, from the blog Somos Andando (We are walking) describes [pt] the “accident”:
Irritado, o dono do Golf preto acelerou e “varreu a rua”, como disse uma das participantes. Às 19h12min, jogou o carro para cima  da marcha. Alguns ciclistas foram diretamente atingidos, outros se  machucaram pela reação em cadeia: uma bicicleta foi derrubando outra.
This video, from Youtube user praqmelissa, with English subtitles, shows the exact moment of the ‘accident’ [update: the video has been taken down. We have replaced by the below, by Youtube user eddddddy]:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8H4mfB1tRPM
Accident or Homicide?
There were about 100 cyclists participating in the march; 12 (other sources say 20) were hit and 8 of them had injuries and were taken to hospital. The police officer responsible for the investigation, Gilberto Almeida Montenegro, was harshly criticized by netizens for blaming [pt] the cyclists for the “accident”, accusing them of disrupting traffic and of committing a “grave mistake” in failing to warn authorities that they would be riding.
On Twitter, the revolt against the police officer and the driver's attitude was immense:
@JessyAntonielle: se foi “sem  intenção de matar” pq Ricardo José Neif ABANDONOU o seu carro após o  incidente? #massacriticapoa
@MarceloBranco: Del. Montenegro:  Q  foco na investigação einh? O crime NÃO foi cometido p ciclista. Alvará p  pedalar? http://glo.bo/dQ1nEk #massacriticapoa
@luciouberdan:Será q o delegado  Gilberto Almeida Montenegro d @policiacivilrs não entende q bicicleta é veículo, portanto ela é trânsito #MassaCriticaPOA
@tuliovianna :Polícia investiga  atropelamento de ciclistas : http://is.gd/f3mrHo Lesões culposas?! Fala sério! Isso é tentativa de homicídio doloso!
@JessyAntonielle: if it was “without intent to kill” why did Ricardo José Neif [the car driver] ABANDON his car after the incident? #massacriticapoa
@MarceloBranco: Chief of Police Montenegro:  Who is the focus of the investigation? The crime wasn't committed by the cyclists. Permission to ride? http://glo.bo/dQ1nEk #massacriticapoa
@luciouberdan: Doesn't the Chief of Police, Gilberto Almeida Montenegro of the @policiacivilrs [Civil Police] understand that a bicycle is a vehicle, therefore it's [part of the] traffic? #MassaCriticaPOA
@tuliovianna : Police investigate running over cyclists: http://is.gd/f3mrHo Culpable injuries?! Seriously! This is attempted murder!
There was no lack of criticism [pt] of the local media coverage of the incident, which treated it as a mere traffic accident. Lucio Uberdan, from the blog Brasil Autogestionário (Self-organized Brazil) comments [pt]:
Um movimento que propõe a substituição do uso do automóvel pela  bicicleta acaba sendo, neste contexto, uma “ação de inconsequentes”,  “quixotes” enfrentando “moinhos de vento” e portanto, nada mais lógico  de “acabar com a palhaçada” (talvez este tenha sido não só o pensamento  do motorista que causou o acidente, mas de muitos leitores de jornal).
Marcelo in the blog of the group Critical Mass, says [pt]:
Na esquina da José do Patrocínio com a Luiz Afonso, a  Massa Crítica de  Porto Alegre sofreu uma tentativa de ASSASSINATO, e  não se iluda quando  ler ACIDENTE na RBS e afins.
Bikes destroyed and scattered over the floor. Photo by Lucas Valente, used with author's permission
A report by Igor Natusch, from the blog Sul21 (South21) demonstrates [pt] that the running over of the cyclists was deliberate.
Helton Scheer de Moraes, in a testimony reproduced on the Critical Mass group's blog, was one of the first to be hit by the car and comments [pt]:
This video, recorded by the Youtube user guilhermeschroder shows the wounded after the incident:
A previous disagreement in which a small collision occurred, was the catalyst for the aggression. Soon after the first incident, the vehicle accelerated towards the cyclists from behind. After the assault, the vehicle fled.
The attacker's name is Jose Ricardo Neif, aged 47, who claimed to have been threatened and attacked by cyclists and accelerated the car to save his 15-year-old son and himself.
The Public Ministry of Rio Grande do Sul will prosecute [pt] him for “attempted murder, because it was a futile reason and the action made it difficult for the victims to defend themselves”. Ricardo Neif has a history of driving up streets the wrong way, driving on sidewalks and being extremely aggressive.
-It's because I'm from Porto Alegre. Cartoon by Kayser. Used with permission.
Cíntia Barenho concludes [pt]:
Enfim, minha solidariedade e minha  indignação a todos e todas que estavam no massa crítica de ontem e foram  brutalmente feridos. […] Vida longa a todos aqueles que buscam  uma melhor qualidade de vida e  alternativas  sustentáveis de  mobilidade urbana! Vida curta a todos os senhores do volantes…  criminosos no trânsito!
Lucas Valente has posted [pt] to his Facebook page several photos of injured people and destroyed bikes. The Twitter hashtags #MassaCritica, #MassaCriticaPOA (POA means Porto Alegre) and #naofoiacidente (no accident) are being used to spread news about the case.
The hashtag #MontenegroFacts was also created to criticize the attitude of the chief of police to criminalize the cyclists

author: Raphael Tsavkko Garcia


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China: Google the Opium Wars · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

The People's Daily commentary now compares Google with the East India Company – a colonial entity that sold opium to China. More from China Media Project.

author: Oiwan Lam


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Djibouti: Is Djibouti part of the Arab World · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

KonWomyn asks, “Is a protest in Djibouti a protest in the Arab World?”: Djibouti may be an East African country with much stronger ties to the African countries on The Horn than Egypt or Palestine, but it is no less a part of The Arab World Revolutions.


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Egypt: Storming State Security · Global Voices
محمد الجوهري

This post is part of our special coverage of Egypt Protests 2011.
It wasn't long after the dismissal of former Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Safik that some Egyptians attacked the headquarters of the infamous State Security (Amn El-Dawla in Arabic) in several cities like Alexandria, Ismailia and others on March 4. Soon, protesters moved on to the apparatus’ main headquarters in Nasr City in Cairo on March 5. It was noticed that many State Security officers were burning and destroying a lot of documents and files to remove any traces of Human Rights abuses they conducted in Egypt over the past few decades.
The archive room in main State Security HQ in Nasr City, Cairo: Reports about citizens and activists. By Hossam ElHamalawy – under CC license.
Cairo residents organized an event on Facebook between 4 – 5 March to siege every State Security HQ in Cairo by themselves after their demands on the High Military Council to dissolve the apparatus fell on deaf ears.
Egyptian bloggers covered the event where blogger Sarah published photos and news from the ground on Twitter:
@sarrahsworld: Burnt papers #amndawla !!!! http://yfrog.com/gz7fjarj
The charred remains of dossiers burnt at the State Security headquarters in Nasr City
@sarrahsworld: Papers about students salaf http://yfrog.com/gzvlyqqj
Burnt documents on students with Salafi leanings
@sarrahsworld: #amndawla trying to save fire http://yfrog.com/hsr7vdsj
Protesters climbing the State Security building walls to try and save documents from burning
Lilian Wagdy mentions that:
@lilianwagdy: الجيش يبدأ السيطرة على مقر أمن الدولة في ستة اكتوبر #AmnDawla #Jan25
Mosa'ab ElShamy talks about:
@mosaaberizing: Some of the half-burnt documents #amndawla #october http://twitpic.com/46cy3d
Some of the half-burnt documents #amndawla #october
While Amr Magdy reports:
@ganobi: نشطاء يحاولون قطع الطريق على عربات محملة بأوراق تخرج من أمن الدولة في 6 أكتوبر #Jan25 #Egypt #StateSecurity #AmnDawla
At the same time the blogger The barefooted Countess posts a list of all the addressed of State Security headquarters across the country:
تحرك أكثر تنسيقا لمحاصرة مباني امن الدولة ومنع اتلاف المستندات فيها.
This is a video where a State Security Colonel is detained by the people in Ismailia:
And this next video shows how are State Security throwing Molotov cocktails at the protesters and the Egyptian army.
Some activists decided to do something similar to Wikileaks and published the State Security documents on the Internet like the ones found in the Damanhour HQ, which is located in ElBeheira governorate.
Hossam ElHamalawy, the Egyptian leading activist and photographer, documented the storming the main HQ in Nasr City in his flickr set here, while the blog Kashfun (meaning Uncovering) documented it in video.
Finally blogger Tarek Amr wrote his reflections on what was happening:
أما الذي لم يكن يمكنني حتى الحلم به أبد، هو أن أرى أحدهم على تويتر يقول أنه في طريقه إلى أمن الدولة، ثم يتمادى في سريالية الموقف بأن يتبعها بإبتسامة. و كانت مداهمة المتظاهرين في الأسكندرية لمبنى أمن الدولة هناك قرابة الفجر و تفتيشة و ربما إعتقال من بداخله، و كانها صورة معكوسة في المرآة لما كان يتم قبل الثورة، هي بمثابة البداية لتلك الأحداث السريالية الجميلة.
This post is part of our special coverage of Egypt Protests 2011.

author: محمد الجوهري


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El Salvador: Transparency Law is Approved · Global Voices
Silvia Viñas

Voices from El Salvador Weblog reports on the approval of the Transparency and Public Access to Information Law: “The law now requires government institutions, and private entities funded by the state, to make information available to the public by establishing an accessible database of information, in addition to supplying inquirers with their requested public information.”

author: Silvia Viñas


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Ghana: Independence Day Celebration in Photos · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Ghana has turned 54. Ghanaian blogger Nana shares photos of Independence Day celebration.


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Jordan: #HashtagDebates and Reforms · Global Voices
Nadine Toukan

The second #HashtagDebates organized by 7iber took place at Makan in Amman this evening (March 7). 7iber, the  Jordanian youth-orientated independent media outlet has been contributing to growing public dialog both online and offline through several programs and activities.
From @7iber's photostream
Tonight's #HashtagDebates brought together voices discussing citizenship and reforms in Jordan. Here are some tweets from the gathering:
@tarawnah:
First speaker: @Linashannak asks whether the “alternative homeland” issue is an excuse for the lack of #reformjo? #hashtagdebates #JO
@Lina18
speaker @jawadabbassi: a pillar of democracy is a system of checks and balances
جواد عباسي: الأحزاب في الخمسينات لم تكن تسعى للديمقراطية بل لقلب نظام الحكم
speaker @sufianobeidat: state needs to decide, is it a democratic monarchy or an absolute monarchy?
@reemalmasri: speaker @linashannak asking “why does the gov ask me to take on my social and civic duties but not my political rights?”
@lama_b
According to @jawadabbasi, Arab world doesn't have democracy but this isn't only caused by the regime. Society also at fault.
Speaker @sufianobeidat: Lack of proper judiciary oversight is main obstacle to reform in Jordan
@7iber
@JawazSafar: the need is to reform the relation between state & government & people
@reemalmasri:
@tarawnah: Quote “the govt is 10 steps behind us”….very true. very similar regionally.
@razano: on identity, why can a Jordanian be American as well but cant be Lebanese or Palestinian?
@7iber
@Lama_B
@7iber:
@moalQaq
@BilalAbuzeid
Transparency is something we talk and hear about but nobody practices it…such a shame
@DanaZkat
My point is even with political reform economic challenges will remain in #Jo and elsewhere
@AhedAlAdwan
@DanaZkat Agree with u, we still have a long way to go, hunger & economic equality, identity, parties based political life, elections…
For more, please follow the Twitter #HashtagDebates search, check out this Meedan curated page, and the conversation at 7iber.com.

author: Nadine Toukan


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Hong Kong: A Governance Crisis Money Can’t Solve · Global Voices
Winne Ko

The 2011-2012 Hong Kong budgetary plan, released by Financial Secretary John Tsang on 23 February, 2011, has triggered strong political reactions in the territory.
On the night of Sunday March 6, 2011, 113 young demonstrators were arrested at a rally of more than 10,000 people demanding greater social justice in the formulation of government policy.
Vartist, a social movement documentary group, recorded the arrest scene at which police officers used pepper spray without warning:
Problems Loom Behind Blooming Economy
Hong Kong at dusk. Image by Flickr user Stuck in Customs (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0).
Despite the recent global financial crisis, Hong Kong's economy has bloomed in the past two years. In 2010 the territory's GDP (Gross Domestic Product) grew by 6.8%.
However, according to the United Nations Development Report 2009, Hong Kong ranked top in income inequality and the city has also become the world's most expensive for housing, 55% more expensive than London.
The 2010-2011 budget's planned proposal to inject 6,000 Hong Kong dollars (HKD) (US dollars 750) into citizens’ Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) accounts was met with discontent.
The plan was criticised as failing to address the immediate alleviation of poverty in the face of serious inflation problems caused by the devaluation of the Hong Kong dollar.
MPF accounts are run by private investment funds, but individuals are forced by law to deposit 5% of their salary in them for their retirement. People have little control over whether these private funds lose money in investments made, not to mention over the high management fees.
A cash handout of the sum was not initially offered because of fears it would worsen inflation but the Financial Secretary recently made an unexpected U-turn on this to defuse people's anger over the issue. Yet the core problem of structural injustice remains unsolved.
Calls for Mobilization
A glimpse of the discontent can be seen in the various calls for mobilization for the March 6, 2011, rally on social networking site Facebook.
Hong Kong Needs a Brighter Future [zh] is an event created by a social worker organization:
注資強積金，固然明益基金公司，人人喊打；但公帑亂派，卻引出了更可怕的事實：特區政府為求擺脫政治困窘，不惜將盈餘派光，儼如親自宣告放棄有效管治。
可以預期，以後年復一年，政府派的只會更多更狠。然後，超過三分一的長者繼續捱窮，安老和殘疾院舍繼續長期輪候，醫院繼續迫爆，身患惡疾的窮人和中產繼續有藥冇錢醫，香港產業繼續空洞化，投機炒賣繼續將經濟泡沫越吹越大，窮人繼續看不到明天……
People are opposed to the [cash] injection into the MPF [Mandatory Provident Fund] because this policy would only favor private investment foundations. However, the cash handout will create a more terrible situation: in order to save itself from political crisis, the government has spent all its surplus. It is a declaration of ineffective governance.
We can expect in the future, that the government will tackle political crises with more cash handouts, while one third of the elderly will continue to live in poverty without proper care and public hospitals also continue to be packed. Poor people and even the middle classes do not have enough money for health care. The local economy will continue to be dominated by speculation, there is no future for the poor…
Bauhinia Revolution, Overthrow the Corrupt Government [zh] is another event call created by netizens:
相對係一個咁富裕既城巿,點解仲有咁多人冇飯食要訓街,要汁垃圾維生呢?
而且有十多萬基層人士,住係好似狗住既籠屋或板間房,租金還要1200-1800
大家都要知道現在香港還有一百多萬人生活係貧窮線之下
平均每人每月入息低於$2XXX,貧富相差逾26倍!!
低學歷收入低的人=打死一世牛工過著冇尊嚴冇地位冇身份的日子
可憐的是現今學歷低的靑年人,想進修學費貴又俾唔起,物價高儲錢又儲唔到
他們大多只能搵勞動性工作,工時又長,少進升機會手停口停,前途一片灰暗
As a wealthy city, poor people still have not enough food, live on the streets and make a living from garbage? Moreover, we have more than 100,000 people living in ‘cage homes‘ or small wooden compartments [apartments divided into several rooms, one per family], paying HKD 1,200-1,800 per month for renting these ‘dog houses’. We have more than one million people living below the poverty line with a monthly income less than HKD 2,000 per month. The high and low income gap is 26 times in difference.
[Individuals in] the low income group with poor education background have to work like dogs for their entire lives, without any social respect. The young poor without good education qualifications cannot afford to pay for professional training and because of inflation, they do not have any savings. All they can do is to work for extremely long hours in jobs with no prospect at all. The future is very gloomy.
Rally Against the Budgetary Plan [zh] has been organized by local trade unions:
遊行訴求:
1. 要求政府增撥200億經常性開支以推行醫療, 教育, 環保等長遠短期政策；
2. 爭取全民退休保障制度；
3. 推出穩定樓市措施(包括:增建公屋, 復建居屋)；
4. 改善現時的紓困措施。
Anti-Budgetary Plan Rally [zh] is organized by a political group, the League of Social Democrats (LSD):
鉅富李嘉誠先生可申領六千元，未足十八歲的青年、新移民、外傭等弱勢社群卻被統統拒諸門外——這是哪門子的施政理念？
再者，對於議會，這六千元公帑其實是政府給予建制派議員的賄賂，以公帑為這些投機政客提供廉價的政治資本。
對於公眾，這六千元亦不過是平息民忿的掩口費，希望以這筆本來就屬於巿民的公帑麻醉大眾，減少三月六日各界遊行的反應。
可是，地產霸權、物價高漲、貧富懸殊——全部未解決。
Tycoon Lee Kar Shing would get HKD 6,000 under the current plan, while those who are under 18, new immigrants, foreign domestic workers and social minorities are not included. What kind of political thought is this?
The HKD 6,000 handout is designed to buy off the pro-establishment politicians, giving them political credit and therefore political capital.
The HKD 6,000 handout is an immoral bait for the general public with the political intention to shut them up and cool down the reactions seen at the March 6 [2011] rally.
However, the issues of property market hegemony, inflation and income disparity, all remain unsolved.
Say No to Fake Revolution [zh] is organized by the ‘Post 80s’ activist group (many of them got arrested after the rally):
政府收稅，本是為了有效分配資源，現在卻放棄長遠規劃，只著緊眼前政治利益，發放小甜頭。但我們不是小朋友，不需要糖。以為$6000可以收買人心，你當骨氣是什麼？基層市民真正需要的，是改善生活的長遠政策！如今政府放棄管理規劃，我們還需要它麼？
民主黨，在世界各地都正在進行真正革命的時候，說要搞紫荊花革命。其實，當你支持政改方案、在交通津貼撥款投棄權票的時候，你是否知道革命是什麼？人民是什麼？一個所謂「反對」黨的立場又應該是什麼？
The government collects tax in order to redistribute it as a social resource. Now the government has given up long term planning for instant political effect. Hand out the sweets. However, we are not kids, we do not need sweets. You think you can buy people's hearts with HKD 6,000? You have humiliated us. What the grassroots [people] need are long term policies to improve their lives. Now that the government has given up social planning, what do we need it for?
Democratic Party, when the world is experiencing genuine revolution, you put forward the slogan of the “Bauhinia revolution”. When you supported the government political reform package, and gave up your vote for the transportation subsidies, do you really know the meaning of revolution and people? Do you know your position as an “opposition” party?
“Bauhinia Revolution” is organized by Democratic Party:
6,000元不會蒙蔽理智，面對跛腳鴨政府發表史上最爛、最短視的預算案，除了憤怒不滿，更應發聲怒吼。不管是來自基層還是中產、是否 N無人士，泛民主派呼籲港人明天「食住粒糖去遊行」，迫使政府再次修改預算案，為香港各種問題作出長遠承擔。反預算案革命尚未成功，且讓洋紫荊花香再飄一會。
The above calls for protest against the budget plan are more organized opinions. Individuals who are not politically conscious of course appreciate the promise of the cash handout. Below are comments from an online forum – discuss hk:
sausau comments:
好開心, 家庭主婦都有, HAHA
haha jon wonders when he will get the cash:
我都擔心緊行政問題
要幾耐先派到
好多人極要筆錢應付生活
Who should get the handout and who should not has also become an issue, and the tendency for exclusion has already emerged. For example, Kaitak747 opposes the cash handout because it means taxpayers’ money would be distributed to mainland Chinese coming to Hong Kong to give birth:
其實你盈餘多，肯退稅，基本上已經可以平息好多聲音。你宜家用300幾億每人派6000，你派得一年就好難停。但如果年年甘派落去，只會慢性蠶食香港人固有的奮鬥精神。而且近年每年有幾萬個內地人來港產子，幸好這班生活在內地的港孩還只是小朋友，但如果政府年年甘派落去，到這班小孩滿18歲時，便會年年由內地過關問香港政府要錢，即使他們生活在內地，對香港社會毫無貢獻
Lawrence HKNP cannot hide his anger towards new immigrants:
蝗虫佔醫院, 霸福利, 產虫卵, 毀清潔
我地一定要行出黎, 話俾人知, 香港人討厭新移民佔據福利, 討厭大陸人0既霸道.
反對新移民有得收$6000
The Locusts [synonyms for new immigrants] occupy hospitals, claim social benefits, give birth to many babies and pollute the territory.
We have to stand up and tell the others: Hong Kong people dislike immigrants occupying welfare and dislike them being domineering.
I oppose new immigrants being entitled to the HKD6,000 cash handout!

author: Winne Ko


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Hong Kong: Political Parties’ Finances · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

People have a sense that the income disparity between pro-establishment parties and democratic parties has been huge. With David Webb's table comparing major political parties’ finances, the picture is a lot clearer.


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Iran: Free opposition leaders · Global Voices
Fred Petrossian

Iranian Green Movement asked people pour into streets on Tuesday to ask Islamist regime to free Iranian opposition leardes,Mir Hussein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi. Their wives were jailed too. Here is an invitation for demonstration in Rasht, an important northern city.

author: Fred Petrossian


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Iran: Winter through the eyes of a blogger · Global Voices
Fred Petrossian

Kosoof, a leading Iranian photo-blogger has published several photos showing Tehran in winter.More here.


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Iran: Women take to streets · Global Voices
Fred Petrossian

Several news sites and blogs inform us that Iranian women will demonstrate on Tuesday against discrimination and to support Green Movement. They will ask for freedom of political prisoners.


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Jordan: I Love Jordan because … · Global Voices
Betsy Fisher

Jordan has seen demonstrations each Friday the last several months calling for reforms to Jordan's political and economic structures.  The Twitter hashtag #ReformJo has been active for several weeks with suggestions and demands for reform, focusing on eliminating corruption and reforming Jordan's election law.  Unlike unrest in much of the Arab world, though, Jordan's protests and discussions have been almost entirely peaceful.  And, reformists have been quick to affirm their loyalty to Jordan's King Abdullah II.
The last week has seen a new hashtag under #ILoveJordan, during which the Jordanian Twitter community listed dozens of reasons that they love their homeland.  Many of the participating tweeps are also active on #ReformJo, but were excited to affirm their loyalty to Jordan and its leadership.
Many listed the people of Jordan as their reason for loving the country:
Qais Karasdsheh wrote:
#IloveJordan as everywhere you go, you know someone. Its not a small world its a great Jordan.
Xiniaa tweeted:
#ILoveJordan Because Jordan is simply beautiful; it's nature, people's minds & souls, and food : ) http://ow.ly/48LGW
Rawan Shunnaq agreed:
#ILoveJordan the country in which I live safely with my family and my friends :)
Helen al-Uzaizi wrote:
#ilovejordan because everyone is family
Even King Abdullah II's wife, Queen Rania, joined in the conversation.  She tweeted:
#ILoveJordan b/c #JO is one big extended family. You never feel alone. Our doors are open; our hearts are open.
This was widely retweeted, and Khalil Wahhab added:
#ILoveJordan coz our queen hashtags
Many others listed humorous reasons for loving Jordan.  Hiba Reziq tweeted:
#IloveJordan cs it's taxi drivers will never ever let u get bored on the way:) #Jordan #Jo
Osama al-Samadi included a photo in his tweet:
#ILoveJordan because this could never happens to me anywhere else @JOPictures #jo #tourism @visitjordan yfrog.com/h7v2qmoj
Still others focused on Jordan's safety and state of peacefulness.  Reem B tweeted:
#ilovejordan because you can go out at midnight grab your grocery without fearing for your safety.
And others emphasized their loyalty to the Jordan's Hashemite king.  Anoud al-Fawwaz tweeted:
Safe peaceful & welcoming, rich with history, home to the Dead Sea Petra &Wadi Rum, &most importantly kingdom of the Hashemites #ILoveJordan
Omar Biltaji tweeted:
#ILovejordan because I can walk into any foreign airport and tell them I'm a Jordanian and my king is H.M. Abdullah II…
Reem B wrote:
#ilovejordan because it has a great King. A man who works for the good of his people. Someone I deeply respect and honor. #JO
Nour al-Hassan summed it up:
#Ilovejordan because its simply my home.
Jordanian debates on reform continue at #ReformJo, and Jordanian appreciation for its homeland is pouring out at #ILoveJordan

author: Betsy Fisher


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Kyrgyzstan: Uzbek families ponder fleeing the country · Global Voices
Adil Nurmakov

Amidst continuing and simmering difficulties in southern Kyrgyzstan, many Uzbek families are deliberating whether to stay or flee the country for Russia and the West. neweurasia’s Mary Pole recounts the thoughts of one such family in Aravan.

author: Adil Nurmakov


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Libya: The Freedom Flag Flies Over Misurata (Videos)  · Global Voices
John Liebhardt

This post is part of our special coverage Libya Uprising 2011.
Using air power and ground forces, forces loyal to Colonel Muammar Al Gaddafi attempted to regain lost cities in the central part of Libya on Sunday, March 6.
The uprising against the four-decade rule of Gaddafi official began  February 17, and for the past few weeks has spread throughout the country. The once peaceful protests have been met with increasingly violent counterattacks. Large numbers of the Libyan armed forces have defected to the opposition, but analysts claim that Gaddafi most likely controls some 12,000 regular forces and an unknown number of paid mercenaries.
The cities of Bin Jawad, Ras Lanuf, Az-Zawiyah and Misurata all saw fighting Sunday. Both sides are using local and foreign media to rally its base, so claims of victories can be difficult to gauge. Libyan State Television reported that troops loyal to the regime had captured Ras Lanuf and Misurata. But this was denied by anti-Gaddafi forces.
We take a look at how action unfolded via Twitter in the site of one of its biggest battles, Misurata, Libya's third largest city with a population around 380,000 that sits about 200 kilometers east of Tripoli.
Tweeps from around the region began Sunday morning with warnings to Misurata's residents.
@jrug: Govt spokesman: “we have recaptured every city in Libya with small pockets of resistance”. Urges us to see celebrations in Tripoli.
@ShababLibya: Libyan TV radio and newspapers claim to have regained some cities in the East of Libya, which of course is untrue, #Libya #Feb17
@Gheblawi: #Gaddafi regime propaganda machine working hard today to convince the world that they are in control, let's stay positive & defiant #Libya
@iyad_elbaghdadi: Misurata local radio calls upon all residents to stay home except those who have weapons. Shelling & mortar attacks, tanks advance. #Libya
@libi4ever: Qadfi declares war on Zawia & Misrata today, new massacre will happen soon, world help us Qadfi kills all of us #libya
@ShababLibya: we would like to see Gaddafi march into his so called regained cities of Tobrog Zawia or Misrata #Libya #Feb17 #gaddaficrimes
@iyad_elbaghdadi: Aljazeera live call from Misurata: We expect heavy attacks on our city, but we're on alert and well armed. #Libya
@libi4ever: Misrata&Zawaia women said we will die beside our men to bring freedom 2#libya
As the battle begun, news was difficult to come by.
@ShababLibya: AJA Caller, tanks enter the city of Misrata along with 3 – 4 armed personnel carriers #Libya #Feb17 #gaddaficrimes
@ShababLibya: Misrata is now seeing heavy fighting as pro gaddafi forces attack the city #Libya #Feb17 #gaddaficrimes
@iyad_elbaghdadi: Live call from Misurata on Aljazeera: Shelling continues, some tanks have rolled in. One tank disabled so far. #Libya
@iyad_elbaghdadi: Live call from Misurata on Aljazeera: 3-4 tanks and 1-2 APCs cut off & surrounded by revolutionaries within the city. #Libya
But as the battle reached its conclusion — about five hours after it began — more information became available.
@AlArabiya_Eng: Revolutionary spokesman in Libyan town of #Zawiya says rebels still in control of town center, attack by #Gaddafi forces pushed back
@ShababLibya: AJA Caller, we do not expect Gaddafi to retake Misrata, this is likely to be a punishment #Libya #Feb17 #gaddaficrimes
@iyad_elbaghdadi: Live call from Misurata on AJA: We are low on anesthetics, there are over 60 injured. #Libya
@LibyaInMe: CONFIRMED: Women of all ages are donating their blood for the injured in Misurata #libya #feb17
@AlmanaraMedia: Citizens in Misurata Libya celebrating the victory After Gaddafi's forces were expelled from the city..http://bit.ly/flh5LU
@AJELive: Dr Khaled in Misruata: “Hospital running out of drugs, emergency kits.” #AlJazeera's #Libya liveblog: http://aje.me/i1XpPx #gaddafi #feb17
After the heavy fighting, defenders rejoiced — and slowly started putting their city back together.
@ShababLibya: We are getting reports from Misrata that the city is free and they have captured some of the pro gaddafi forces #Libya #Feb17
@IbnOmar2005: B.R.Q |Misurata: 82-year-old man in hospital before donating his blood it was said to him, “O please do not, you are too old and you yourself in need of blood, ” .. he responded: “Take my blood or my soul will explode, i couldn't offer anything before, for a really long time, but now i could”.#libya #feb17 #Gaddafi
@sara055: RT @LibyaInMe: Misurata: Youth are cleaning the streets now are are waving the independence flag #libya #feb17 #gaddafi
@AJELive: #Libya: Dozens dead, 71 injured in Misurata fighting today. Interview live from the city on #AlJazeera soon: http://aje.me/fwtYjF #Feb17
@SultanAlQassemi: Al Arabiya: Journalist from Misurata: Misurata & Zawiya are still in the hands of the revolutionaries “We are used to Gaddafi's lies” #Libya
@LibyanTNC: Misrata has defeated Qadfi army,11African mercenaries were killed, 5 at least arrested, videos & pics later viva#libya
@SultanAlQassemi: Al Jazeera: Reuters: Libyan revolutionaries take full control of town of Misurata. #Libya
@LibyaInMe: CONFIRMED: Gaddafi's brigade have backed away from Misurata after the death of 22 of its men #feb17 #libya #gaddafi
@bnnlibya: UN has demanded urgent access to shelled Libyan city of Misurata – Al Arabiya #libya
@AlArabiya_Eng: Revolutionary spokesman in Libyan town of #Zawiya says rebels still in control of town center, attack by #Gaddafi forces pushed back
@BRQNews: B.R.Q | The Freedom flag is now raised over the free Misurata. #libya #feb17 #Gaddafi
Here is a video uploaded on Sunday, March 6 by libya2p0 of celebrations after turning back Gaddafi's forces.
Here's a video from the streets in Misurata, uploaded by omar225511.
This post is part of our special coverage Libya Uprising 2011.

author: John Liebhardt


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Mauritania: Mauritanian youth protesters’ 7 points · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Kal reproduces and translates Mauritanian youth protesters’ 7 points: The list was published on the Facebook page of the website “For Mauritania.” Each item on the list includes detailed explanations of the organizers’ rationale for making them and their urgency. The list is titled “Seven cardinal points for building a modern state”.


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Palestine: Life in the Eyes of Two West Bank Students · Global Voices
Ayesha Saldanha

Linah Alsaafin and Heba Awadallah are students at Birzeit University near Ramallah in the West Bank, who started a blog together a year ago. Called Life On Bir Zeit Campus, the blog takes an incisive and entertaining look at student life and Palestinian politics amongst other topics. In this post Global Voices interviews Linah Alsaafin – who jokes that blogging saved her from more destructive paths…
Linah Alsaafin (photo used with permission)
First of all, Linah, can you tell us a little about your family situation – as I know it is complicated.
My family and I are holders of British passports as a result of spending about 10 years there (my first ten years!). After brief stints in Abu Dhabi and Virginia, USA, my parents decided it was time to go home. When we first moved to Palestine, back in 2004, we were living on one year renewable work visas, as my dad is a journalist (his credentials had to be issued by Israel). I am a third-generation refugee; my grandparents were ethnically cleansed from their village Al-Falujah – which lies between Gaza and Hebron and is today known to Israelis as Kiryat Gat – in 1949, a year after Israel's so-called war of independence. My dad's family were shunted to the Khan Younis refugee camp in Gaza, where my grandparents are still living. My mother is originally from Ramallah's twin city Al-Bireh, and that is where we settled.
A year later in 2005, reality caught up with us when my traveling older brother, the only one of my siblings to be born in Khan Younis, was told by Israeli authorities on the Allenby Bridge that he couldn't cross through to Amman in Jordan because of his Gaza ID. The next four years were tough on him, since he couldn't leave Ramallah or even its outskirts for fear of being arrested by the IDF. As you know, Palestinians with a Gaza ID are not permitted to be in the West Bank, and vice versa (unless you have a special permit from the military, which are notoriously difficult to come by). We felt bad whenever we went to Haifa or Akka, visiting the rest of our homeland that is now dubbed “Israel”, because he was missing out.
In 2009, our world came crashing down, when my dad, whose movement around Palestine was made easier twofold because of the foreign visa and press card, was arrested at the Erez checkpoint on one of his routine visits to Gaza. The Israelis revoked his credentials, dismissed his visa, and told him that they knew he had a Gaza ID and would henceforth be treated as one. We now obviously couldn't renew our visas, so we finally opted to receive our Israeli-issued IDs, which took away so many of our basic human rights – freedom of movement, ability of my family to stay together, etc. It was hard to accept that my dad would never return to the West Bank. To make matters worse, my mother was inexplicably issued a Gaza ID, even though she still had her old West Bank ID. My other brother, sister, and I were issued West Bank IDs, culminating in our unbelievable calamity. This meant that she could not travel to Amman with us to visit my dad, who had finally settled there. If she did, the Israelis would take one look at her Gaza ID and deport her straight to Gaza. She immediately got in touch with the Israeli organization Gisha, who strove to get her to visit my dad and come back “legitimately”. That year was pretty shitty for all of us, but finally, in late 2010, my mother won her case of reverting her ID back to a West Bank one. [For the full story read the post “Reunification of My Parents“.]
What made you decide to start a blog?
It was about a year ago, back in February 2010. Remi Kanazi, the Palestinian-American poet, came to Ramallah to give the first part of a spoken word poetry workshop for the Palestine Writing Workshop. The PWW threw its first Poetry of Palestine night at La Vie Café, where Remi and Tala Aburahmeh performed. My friend Heba Awadallah and I were simply blown away by Remi's performance. He articulated so many fundamental points of Palestinian identity, the Israeli occupation, and imperialism so eloquently and angrily that there was no question of not being inspired, particularly since it echoed our very own sentiments and frustrations, inadequately expressed. We decided that we had to have a commodious outlet, or Freudian theory would have dictated that our frustrations would then be channeled in dangerous ways such as participating in normalizing dialogue with our Jewish Israeli cousins or becoming suicide bombers. A blog was decided. We're both a bit technologically challenged, but Blogger assured us that it would be easy.
Heba and Linah, who use the name Arabiat (photo used with permission)
Do you and Heba – calling yourselves “Arabiat” (Arab girls or women) – take turns posting, or do you write posts together?
We spend a lot of time together, so we'd talk about the next post and then I'll write it up. We were so enthusiastic at the beginning, bursting with ideas, but Heba never posts unless I tell her to, or in the rare case that there was an event in Ramallah that she went to and I didn't. We both don't like politics, but I write about the incompetent leaders and their failures because you can't disassociate politics from Palestinian society, and because of my belief that not enough students in the West Bank care enough/express their views about the political situation beyond the tiresome Hamas vs. Fateh diatribe. It's not all politics though, but university students should be involved in some kind of reformation or to advocate some sort of “Yes we can” change. Scratch that, they should advocate awareness. BDS [boycott, divestment and sanctions], people!
Do you have a sense of who is reading your blog? Do you have a particular audience in mind when you write?
At first, we harboured secret dreams of having wide masses reading our blog, but that fantasy floated away pretty soon. From the beginning, it was mainly about writing for ourselves though, just to voice our opinions about a number of things significant to us – the “not so dear to our hearts” university and its disillusioned indifferent students, the political landscape, cultural events, basically anything to do with Palestine that we're interested in. Later on though, I found out that we actually have solid followers, and even received emails from various individuals telling us how much they enjoy the blog, from an Israeli activist who participates in the Nil'in/Bil'in protests to a PhD researcher who recently moved to the West Bank. Fellow students from the English department also read it. Needless to say, I've started to shamelessly flaunt the blog at any given opportunity.
Is there a blogging community in Ramallah, or at Birzeit University? Do you ever meet other bloggers?
I know there's a vibrant blogging community in Ramallah, but when I manage to master Twitter then maybe we could meet up. I'm more interested in the blogging community in Gaza – they have some fantastic blogs out there. But I don't reach out, I've never really thought about it. Hmm…Well basically it would be like meeting a novelist, say “Hi I like your book” and then have nothing else to say except for each person waxing lyrical about their own blogs. That's an interesting idea though.
Do you have a favourite post?
Norman Finkelstein rapping. Gaza's version of the World Cup. And the USA universities’ walk-outs, which we dubbed ‘burnations‘. There's a tag for favourites, or I would have mentioned each one :)

author: Ayesha Saldanha