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100 Instagram Photos That Will Make You Fall in Love With Nigeria · Global Voices
Nwachukwu Egbunike

I am sure you have heard of Nigeria before now. Boko Haram, right? The slaughter and blood cuddling rampage. But I doubt if you have heard about this ‘story’ of Nigeria – nature's master piece.
Oluwakemi Ojo curates “100 Instagram Photos That Will Make You Fall In Love With Nigeria“:
Nigeria is one African country that everyone raves about, a very beautiful nation and it is when you visit the country that you will really appreciate its beauty. From its captivating cities, towns and villages, amazing attractions, stunning hotels and resorts, endless restaurants and clubs, unique cuisine, arts and culture; Nigeria has a lot to offer.

author: Nwachukwu Egbunike


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A Bold New Prime Minister Sends Ripples Through Greece’s Old Political Order · Global Voices
Veroniki Bacharidi-Krikoni

Caption: “Political analysts highlight the danger of a possible attack of Godzilla in Athens, if SYRIZA wins the elections” Meme tweeted by @kgougakis
Greek social media users have been tweeting in overdrive for a month but they've been on fire since January 25, the day of national legislative elections in Greece, which paved the way for the country's new bold 40-year-old prime minister Alexis Tsipras.
Tsipras, a self-described atheist, has made history by politely shunning Greece's traditional religious oath of office from the country's Archbishop. He has also become the youngest prime minister in Greek history since 1865.
That's not all. For the first time in 40 years, Greece's two big political parties PASOK or New Democracy are not in the new government, and many “traditional” families with a long history in modern Greek politics are finally out of parliament.
Many #Greeks around 40 will wake up tomorrow in a #Greece without #PASOK or #ND in govt for the first time in their lives.
— Bruno Tersago (@BrunoTersago) January 25, 2015
It all started with the unprecedented failure of the previous parliament to cast enough votes to elect a new president as head of state, which is a mostly ceremonial role. Their move triggered early general elections. The opposition accused the government of sowing fear to win support for the presidential vote and avoid elections, while former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras warned that “the country risked a catastrophic return to the depths of its debt crisis if the government fell” and claimed that “denial to agree on presidential selection is political blackmail”. Τhere was constant fear-mongering by the government and its allies in mainstream media that it would be the “end of the world” if SYRIZA came to government, as speculated by this article on a popular news portal in December 2014:
Και όλα δείχνουν ότι θα πορευτούν με ασκήσεις πολιτικής τρομοκρατίας, του τύπου κι επιπέδου, «ο ΣΥΡΙΖΑ θα μας οδηγήσει στη χρεοκοπία», «ο ΣΥΡΙΖΑ θα μας βγάλει απ’ το ευρώ», «με το ΣΥΡΙΖΑ θα αδειάσουν τα ΑΤΜ», «θα μας τινάξουν στον αέρα» και τα λοιπά, συναφή και λίγο-πολύ γνωστά!
Everything shows that [the government] will proceed with activities of political terrorism, such as “Syriza will lead us to bankruptcy”, “Syriza will get us out of Eurozone”, “ATMs will run empty, if Syriza wins”, “they will blow us apart” etc. – everything quite similar and known as before!
After the general elections, his party Syriza gathered only 149 out of 151 seats needed for a majority in a parliament of 300, so Tsipras agreed to share power with the populist rightwing party Independent Greeks (who only got 4.74% votes). Analysts are waiting to see how the two parties are going to cooperate; besides their opposition to Troika, they have totally different agendas.
I am NOT happy with SYRIZA deciding to form a coalition with Indep Greeks. They're racist, homophobic, antisemitic loonies. #ekloges2015
— Theodora Oikonomides (@IrateGreek) January 26, 2015
In a post titled “Greece wakes up to a different world”, blogger Teacherdude eloquently summarizes the coalition between Syriza and Independent Greeks:
The choice of Independent Greeks has surprised many observers, especially those abroad who find it hard to comprehend a partnership between a radical socialist party and a conservative nationalist one, Yet for Syriza this constitutes the least worst choice given the options available. The most obvious candidate for coalition partner would have been the Greek Communist Party (KKE) but anyone even vaguely aware of Greek politics would have known that such an alliance would have been impossible as KKE would never compromise on its own leftist principles which include leaving the European Union, the Eurozone and NATO.
So, in the end Independent Greeks who are often painted as a collection of right wing conspiracy theorists and borderline racists […] made the cut […]. However, the party led by Panos Kammenos repeatedly made clear its opposition to Troika imposed austerity measures and its participation will perhaps assuage more conservative Greeks that issues such as defence and policing will not be solely decided by a bunch of “wild radicals”. […]
Back to the unconventional nature of the new Greek Prime Minister, this article summarizes the many “records” of Tsipras”:
1. Youngest Prime Minister (40 years old). [correction: youngest PM of Modern Greece]
2. First PM born after “Metapolitefsi” [1974]
3. First atheist Greek PM
4. First unmarried Greek PM; he has only made cohabitation agreement.
5. First Greek PM who hasn't baptised his children, but has made a civil naming ceremony.
6. First Greek PM who takes a civil oath instead of the traditional religious oath.
7. First PM to attend swearing-in ceremony tieless.
8. First PM to originate from middle social class and not from traditional “political families”.
In Greece, where Church and State still move hand-in-hand, “every senior office-holder, from socialists to right-wing dictators, has assumed the post with a ritual involving Bibles, crosses and often holy water”. But this year, Alexis Tsipras politely informed the Archbishop that his services wouldn't be required and that a junior cleric would be invited for those who wished to take a religious oath. A breakthrough like this couldn't pass unnoticed in Greece's Twittersphere:
Eight members of new government (mostly Ind Greeks) opt for religious swearing in ceremony #Greece pic.twitter.com/PhTOzg0mSY — Derek Gatopoulos (@dgatopoulos) January 27, 2015
Watching a #Greek govt swear a #political oath is as rare as seeing a polar bear on the #Acropolis. — Bruno Tersago (@BrunoTersago) January 27, 2015
This is unprecedented, no priests. Say what you will about #Tsipras, but there are no priests!!! pic.twitter.com/RDR4TPiztj — elly vintiadis (@EllyVintiadis) January 26, 2015
The first official press release of New Democracy as an opposition party was simply its disapproval of the new government's secular oath:
A very bad start for Mr. Tsipras.
He shows off ignoring a long tradition of the Hellenic Nation, whose course is interwoven with Orthodox Christianity.
After his inauguration, Tsipras visited the National Resistance Memorial in Kessariani to honour Greeks killed by Germany and her allies in WWII:
” Αιώνια η μνήμη σε σας, αδελφοί στον τίμιο που πέσατε Αγώνα.” pic.twitter.com/KBBqRlfyPI
— a.tsipras (@atsipras) January 26, 2015
Eternal memory to you, brethren, who fell at your honest struggle
The event took place on the eve of the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz, German Nazi concentration camp:
Merkel [the German Chancellor], who will mark 70th anniversary of Auschwitz liberation today, will surely appreciate #Tsipras remembering Greece anti-Nazi fighters
— Damian Mac Con Uladh (@damomac) January 26, 2015
Some netizens did not welcomeTsipras’ bold moves:
Πολιτικός όρκος, κατάθεση στεφάνου στον τόπο θυσίας των αγωνιστών της εθνικής αντίστασης. Δεν είναι Έλληνας πρωθυπουργός αυτός.
— Manolis Grigorakis (@mgrigorakis) January 26, 2015
Civil oath, wreath dedication to Greek Resistance fighters’ place of sacrifice. This is not a Greek Prime Minister.
Another political tradition in Greece is the welcoming of the new prime minister by the former one in Maximos Mansion, the official seat of state. But the event wasn't attended by outgoing prime minister Samaras. The event was gravely criticized even by conservatives, including ex-government spokesman Antonaros:
Προβληματική συμπεριφορά που εκθέτει μια ολόκληρη παράταξη. Η μεγαλοσύνη στην ήττα ειναι η σπουδαία διαφορά πού κάνει κάποιον μεγάλο ηγέτη.
— Evangelos Antonaros (@EvangAntonaros) January 26, 2015
This is a problematic behavior, exposing the entire political party. Grandeur in defeat is the big difference that defines a great leader.
Ο χειρότερος πρωθυπουργός της μεταπολίτευσης ολοκληρώνει τη θητεία του όπως του πρέπει. Με μικροψυχία.
— Δε Στρέηντζερ (@The_Stranger_gr) January 26, 2015
The worst PM after Metapolitefsi [1974] finishes his term as suited: with pettiness.
Ο Αντώνης φεύγει.. pic.twitter.com/8bT6jOOf8J
— Βασίλης Ρόγγας (@VasilisRongas) January 27, 2015
Antonis leaves…
A popular Facebook page with daily Greek quotes and memes shares following image:
Last but not least, all eyes are on the far-right Golden Dawn's third place in the Greek Parliament. Seventeen MPs from the party were elected.
“First party [Syriza]: indignation. Second party [New Democracy]: convenience and comfort. Third party [Golden Dawn]: uneducation. The three characteristics of Greeks. Source: Facebook page “Frappe Ministry”
#GoldenDawn got ~38.000 votes and one seat less than in 2012. It's a good start, despite it coming 3rd in the #ekloges2015.
— Stefanos Livos (@stefivos) January 26, 2015
“40-50% of police in Athens voted for #GoldenDawn” (@tovimagr) http://t.co/PabbVXuZsN one of #Tsipras‘ biggest challenges #ekloges2015
— Asteris Masouras 正义 (@asteris) January 26, 2015

source: news-globalvoices

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

author: Veroniki Bacharidi-Krikoni


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Citizen Video Exposes Alleged Child Abuse in Peru · Global Voices
Gabriela García Calderón Orbe

Alleged child abuse victim. Screen capture of video by Romy Schroth. Lima, Peru. Facebook.
Video of a man attacking a small boy in the street in Lima is causing a scandal in Peru, after a woman named Romy Schroth uploaded footage of the assault to Facebook on January 26. Schroth commented on the video:
POR FAVOR SE LOS RUEGO!!! UN MAL NACIDO ACABA DE ROMPERLE LA NARIZ A UN NIÑO!!!!! Compartan!!!! LO ACABO DE GRABAR EN CORPAC SAN ISIDRO. No se que hacer!!!!! — en San Isidro.
PLEASE, I BEG YOU ALL!!! A BASTARD JUST BROKE A BOY'S NOSE!!! Share this!!!! I'VE JUST REGISTERED IT IN CORPAC [the Limean district of San Isidro]. I don't know what to do!!!!!
Outrage immediately spread online, and the perpetrator was soon identified as Luis Alfonso Tasaico Donoso, the boy's stepfather, thanks to the vehicle license plate visible in the video. Tasaico is now in police custody, though he denies injuring his stepson. The district attorney has since filed formal criminal charges against Tasaico for allegedly harming life, body, and health, with the aggravating circumstance of serious injuries (later modified to minor injuries).
Following the commotion online and Tasaico's arrest, Peru's Minister of Women and Vulnerable Populations Affairs publicly congratulated Schroth, the Facebook user whose video helped identify Tasaico.
Several websites have addressed the incident, such as publimetro.pe, which published a statement by Schroth:
Schroth, quien se encontraba en una peluquería aledaña pudo ver que al salir del local el padre continuó maltratando al menor.
“El hombre lo sacó del restaurante y comenzó a darle bofetadas. Luego lo llevó hacia su carro, lo metió a empujones y lo cogió de la cabeza para golpearlo contra el asiento. Cuando me acerqué al carro el niño miraba arriba intentando parar su hemorragia”, contó.
Schroth, who was at a nearby hair salon, could see a man continuing to mistreat a child in the street, outside a restaurant.
“The man shoved the boy out and started slapping him. Then he took him to his car, where he thrust him in and took him by the head and began beating him against the seat. When I walked by the car, the boy was leaning back his head, trying to stop the bleeding”, Schroth said.
The website utero.pe, in a piece titled “You Too Are Luis Tasaico Donoso,” commented:
¿Por qué la acción de Romy nos parece elogiable? No solo porque se compró el pleito, […]. no somos ni remotamente conscientes de que ciertas prácticas y formas de pensar contribuyen a que personas como Luis Alberto Tasaico Donoso existan y que queden impunes. En este caso no sucedió así, felizmente, pero las cifras dadas nos muestran una realidad más aplastante: existen muchísimos Luis Alberto Tasaico entre nosotros, y posiblemente, estemos siendo sus cómplices silenciosos.
Why is that we consider Romy's action praiseworthy? It's not only because she took up the fight […]. We are not even remotely aware that certain practices and mindsets make it possible for individuals like Tasaico to exist and to go unpunished. This wasn't the case here, fortunately, but statistics reveal the devastating reality: there are many Luis Alberto Tasaicos among us, and we are quite possibly their silent accomplices.
(In this text above, Tasaico's middle name mistakenly appears as Alberto. His correct name is Luis Alfonso Tasaico Donoso.)
The Tasaico scandal, as well as larger questions about child abuse, have sparked a wide-ranging discussion on Twitter:
habrá servido Tasaico como antiejemplo para que los papás y mamás sepan que a los niños no se les golpea o será otro jucio social hipócrita?
— carla garcía (@esquinabaja) enero 30, 2015
Has Tasaico been useful as cautionary tale, so parents know they shouldn't beat their kids, or will this be yet another hypocritical social judgement?
Cantado. Típico, ahora el agresor (padre o padrastro) niega haber golpeado al niño y dice, en medio de contradicciones,que fue un accidente.
— Andrea Llosa Barreto (@Andrea_Llosa) enero 27, 2015
We all know what comes next. Typically, the abuser (the father or stepfather) denies having beaten the boy and claims, amid all kinds of contradictions, that it was all an accident.
Padre biológico de menor golpeado por padrastro pedirá su custodia y la detención definitiva del agresor vía @rppnoticias
— Carlos Villarreal (@kikesitov67) enero 28, 2015
Biological father of boy beaten by his stepfather will ask for custody and pursue the arrest of his abuser.
A la madre tmb, por no hacer algo RT @RPPNoticias: Municipo de San Isidro denunció a agresor de menor http://t.co/o6hLGrijhT
— 루시아 (@Arcu_lu) enero 27, 2015
And what about the mother, who did nothing? San Isidro local council [only] pressed charges against child's abuser.
Esto es el Perú, abusan de un menor y salen enfermos a pedir justicia para el agresor y la cereza del pastel: tienen hijos!
— Isabel chinchay (@IsabelChinchay) febrero 1, 2015
This is Peru: people attack a boy and some crazies go out demanding justice for abuser. And the icing of the cake? They have children!

author: Gabriela García Calderón Orbe


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Horrified by ISIS Execution Video, Jordanians Remember Fallen Pilot With Pride · Global Voices
Nour Al Ali

From a video created by the popular site Kharabeesh to pay tribute to the fallen pilot, on their Facebook page.
Hundreds of Jordanians took to the streets chanting slogans of solidarity with the Jordanian state, hours after an unverified ISIS video emerged on February 3 showing the horrific killing of Jordanian pilot Lt. Muath Al-Kaseasbeh.
This video uploaded by alghadnewspaper on YouTube shows people chanting “We will sacrifice our souls and blood for you, Jordan” and holding placards that say “Death to Daesh (The Arabic acronym for ISIS).”
Some protesters also called for the execution of Sajda Rishawi, a failed suicide bomber behind bars in Jordan. ISIS had demanded Rishawi's release as part of a prisoner exchange deal with Jordanian authorities for Lt. Muath Al-Kaseasbeh, who was captured by ISIS militants after his plane was shot down late December, 2014 in Syria.
Jordan's Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has called for a funeral prayer in absentia to be held in all of the kingdom's mosques on February 4, while Jordan's churches tolled their bells mourning their fallen hero.
Tweets linking to images from the purported execution video are geo-tagged to ISIS stronghold Ar-Raqqah city, in Syria’s war-torn Aleppo province. Jordan State TV reported that Al-Kaseasbeh was allegedly killed on January 3, but the nature of today's video was a shock to many, who refused to let ISIS propaganda cast a shadow on his memory.
An Amman-based Twitter user explains:
You've brought all Jordanians closer together than we've ever been. IS will now feel the wrath of 7million strong. RIP #كلنا_معاذ
— Sohaib Ismail (@sohaibism) February 3, 2015
Syrian Journalist and Analyst Hassan Hassan explains that while some Jordanians expect their government to avenge its pilot's death, such a response is perhaps not the most appropriate:
It's what some Jordanians expect. They expect hard hitting response. Incredible act of savagery that won't be avenged by mere executions.
— Hassan Hassan (@hxhassan) February 3, 2015
Jordanian Blogger and Co-founder of 7iber, Naseem Tarawnah calls for a national conversation, fearing a dark road ahead of Jordan if concerns are not addressed appropriately:
Muath's murder needs to spark a national conversation in #jordan, or otherwise we're going to be heading a very dark road. #ripMuath
— Naseem Tarawnah (@tarawnah) February 3, 2015
Exiled activist Iyad El-Baghdadi says that in order for change to happen, the cycle needs to be broken from within:
We'll keep going from tyranny to terrorism to foreign intervention in a closed loop until we find our voice and break the cycle from within.
— Iyad El-Baghdadi (@iyad_elbaghdadi) February 3, 2015
The 22-minute execution video showing Al-Kaseasbeh being burned to death, while locked in a cage, is highly stylized and edited with graphics. The video features ISIS logos, cutaways to an interview with the pilot, news broadcasts on the pilot’s capture and images of war.
Randa Habib of AFP reported its impact on those closest to the pilot:
Devastated, some relatives fell on the floor after being informed of the execution of pilot Moaz Kasabeh. Women collapsed. Heartbreaking
— Randa HABIB (@RandaHabib) February 3, 2015
The grotesque video, in the form of screen-grabs, quickly spread in social media. Many discouraged others from spreading those scenes in an effort to respect the victim's family and honor his memory.
Jude Qattan, a Jordanian university student called for a blackout on the video:
Don't share the video, it's what they want us to do, to spread terror. don't do it. #كلنا_معاذ #ISISMediaBlackout
— Hey Jude (@Yashhmy) February 3, 2015
Journalist Andy Carvin also made a strong case against circulating the video:
Everyone has the right to bear witness. I’m a strong believer in it. But if someone wants to see a man burned alive, google it yourself.
— Andy Carvin (@acarvin) February 3, 2015
Washington DC-based Bridget Johnson asked that Al-Kaseasbeh be remembered as a proud Jordanian pilot:
Refuse to post any of the photos of #MuathalKaseasbeh from ISIS propaganda. Remember him as proud Jordanian pilot. pic.twitter.com/E6gOA1F2Xo
— Bridget Johnson (@Bridget_PJM) February 3, 2015
Sharing a photo of Al-Kaseasbeh while in Istanbul, BBC Journalist Faisal Irshaid said that “this is how we remember him” instead:
Don't share the #ISIS photos allegedly showing the burning of Moaz Kasasbeh. This is how we remember him. #كلنا_معاذ pic.twitter.com/ye18wmO8Zj
— Faisal Irshaid (@faisalirshaid) February 3, 2015
Those who watched the video, on the other hand, were taken aback by its content, dubbing the act of burning someone to death as barbarism. Tarawneh said that it was the worst 22 minutes of his life:
Just watched video. Worst 22min of my life. They beat him bad & made him play the role of victim in his own dramatic execution scene. (cont)
— Naseem Tarawnah (@tarawnah) February 3, 2015
Egyptian Blogger, tweeting under the title of The Big Pharaoh, equated ISIS with Nazis:
ISIS are the Nazis of the Middle East. Every region has or had its own psychopaths. I don't think anything worse than ISIS can appear.
— The Big Pharaoh (@TheBigPharaoh) February 3, 2015
Yet many, using the hashtag #IamMuath and #كلنا_معاذ in Arabic, expressed their solidarity with the victim's family and remembered him for serving his country as its pilot. Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Jordan to the United Nations Dina Kawar dubbed Al-Kaseasbeh as Jordan's brave hero, and a symbol of courage:
Our brave hero Muath will always be remembered as a symbol of courage. May God bless his soul and rest him in peace. #كلنا_معاذ #Jordan
— Dina Kawar (@AmbKawar) February 3, 2015
Buzzfeed's Sheera Frenkel also mentioned the victim's family and their tireless efforts of campaigned for his release:
Thoughts are with the family of Moath Kassabah, who campaigned so hard for his release. #كلنا_معاذ pic.twitter.com/wByKfhC6jc
— Sheera Frenkel (@sheeraf) February 3, 2015
The group's latest act prompted a discussion on the depletion of humanity. Jordanian Photographer Amer Sweidan summed the views of many in his tweet:
We have reached the bottom of human depravity. RIP, Muath. #MuathalKaseasbeh #JO #كلنا_معاذ
— Amer Sweidan (@AmerSweidan) February 3, 2015
Egypt-based Journalist Mohamed Abdelfattah was rendered wordless over the news:
No words suffice for the agony felt by the death of Moath. My deep condolences to my Jordanian friends. #كلنا_معاذ
— Mohamed Abdelfattah (@mfatta7) February 3, 2015
A day before, Jordanians stood in solidarity with Japan after ISIS purportedly released a video beheading journalist Kenji Goto. Muath Al-Kaseabeh, was believed to be in captivity along with Goto.
Kharabeesh, a news site based in Jordan, released an animated video tribute to the fallen pilot on Facebook. Within 3 hours the video had been viewed 130,000 times.
Deena Abu Mariam tweeted banners raised in Jordan that stood against terrorism, and in solidarity with Japan:
Jordanians standing with #Japan in their loss. #Jordan #IamMuath #KenjiGoto pic.twitter.com/bUdpmnNow1
— دينا أبو مريم (@deenaabumariam) February 2, 2015
Jordan's Queen Rania Al Abdullah saluted Al-Kaseasbeh for serving his country with honor:
#أقسمت_وأوفيت يا شهيد الوطن الغالي. رحمك الله واسكنك فسيح جناته #معاذ_الكساسبة #الأردن
— Rania Al Abdullah (@QueenRania) February 3, 2015
You swore the oath and fulfilled your promise. You are the homeland's martyr. May God rest your soul.

author: Nour Al Ali


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In Defiance of Ebola Rumors, Support for The National Team at 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Spreads to Guinean Social Networks  · Global Voices
Abdoulaye Bah

The Guinean national team qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations 2015 quarter finals – Public Domain
Supporters took to dusty streets across the country to show their joy when the team qualified for the quarter finals, after a match whose result at the expense of Mali only came the day after the final whistle, when lots were drawn in a hotel room.
Guinea is one of the three countries most affected by the fever epidemic brought on by the Ebola virus. Although Morocco refused to host the African Cup of Nations due to the risks posed by the arrival of supporters from the infected region, it allowed the Sily National (National Elephant), the nickname given to the Guinean national team, to make their home on Moroccan soil for the preparation stages.
Drawn in a group where their chances of qualifying for the quarter finals were seen as minimal right from the start, they managed to knock out Mali against all expectations, after an epic match which ended in a draw. The two teams had to be separated by the drawing of lots in a hotel room the day after the match. For a nation with few opportunities to come together because of political difficulties and the hardship of the Ebola virus, everybody began to support the national team. Social network messaging went viral. It's a fever which has taken over a whole nation, and goes beyond the world of sport.
In a post titled “How can we explain the infatuation with Guinea's Sily National?“, a blogger called “cireass” analyses the reasons for this fever, on his blog Southern Rivers: A Look at Guinea, part of the mondoblog.org network:
Après une campagne de qualification délocalisée à l’extérieur du pays (au Maroc) pour cause d’Ebola qui frappe la Guinée depuis fin 2013, le Sily National de Guinée s’est qualifié non pas sans humiliation lors de ses déplacements dans des pays qui voyaient toute une nation porteuse du virus Ebola. De quoi ‘séduire’ plus d’un de ses supporteurs…
La dernière raison qui pourrait expliquer cet appui, ce sont les réseaux; précisément la tendance selfie. Oubliez la période où Internet représentait un luxe pour les Guinéens. De nos jours, en dépit du problème récurrent d’électricité, la plupart des personnes de la tranche d'âge 15-30 ans disposent d’un compte sur Facebook. Et la tendance du moment, c’est de poster un selfie avec un dérivé du Sily (maillot, bracelet, bonnet, etc.) sur Facebook, Instagram ou Twitter. Ces milliers de photos donnent l’image d’une équipe soutenue par tout un peuple.
After a qualification campaign relocated abroad (in Morroco) due to Ebola, which struck Guinea at the end of 2013, the qualification of Guinea's Sily National was not without humilation, as it was forced to decamp to countries as many of its neighbors regarded the whole Guinean nation as a vast carrier of the Ebola virus. This aggravation was certainly “attractive” to more than a few of its supporters.
Social networks are the final possible reason for this support, specifically the selfie trend. Forget the time when Guineans saw the internet as a luxury. These days, despite persistent electricity problems, the majority of people in the 15-30 age bracket have a Facebook account. And the current trend is posting a selfie with Sily National merchandise (shirt, wristband, cap etc.) on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Thousands of these photos create an image of a team supported by the whole population.

author: Abdoulaye Bah


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Philippines Admits Homeless Families Were Taken to a Posh Resort During Pope Francis Visit · Global Voices
Karlo Mongaya

An illustration by the anonymous art collective Pixel Offensive shows Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, donning the yellow color of the ruling Liberal Party and whitewashing the walls to hide street children from the Pope.
After repeatedly denying that the homeless and poor were removed from the streets of Manila in preparation for the visit of Pope Francis to the country, the Philippine government’s Social Welfare Secretary admitted to sending some 100 poor families to an air-conditioned resort in time for the papal visit.
A teary-eyed Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Dinky Soliman said in a Senate investigation meeting that her agency took them to an air-conditioned resort in Batangas to clear Roxas Boulevard, which was part of the route taken by the pope's motorcade in Manila.
The Chateau Royale resort in Nasugbu Batangas is located 90 kilometers south of the predominantly Catholic country’s national capital. The agency spent $97,600 for the six-day “family camp” supposedly as part of the Aquino government’s anti-poverty efforts. According to the agency, the training aimed to equip the participants with the skills that will help them find jobs or livelihood.
It's worth pointing out that Pope Francis, who is popular for his support for the poor, visited the country to see firsthand the real conditions of indigent and destitute Filipinos, especially the victims of typhoon Haiyan. Filipino netizens ridiculed the DSWD secretary and the administration of President Noynoy Aquino:
dear dinky soliman, kung ang itinago mo ke @Pontifex ay ang mukha mo at d ang mga homeless, mas marami sana ang natuwa sayo. :) @dswdserves
— cecille (@cecille_hbl) January 25, 2015
Dear dinky soliman, if only you hid your face from @Pontifex and not the homeless, more would have been happy with you.
hiding the poor from pope francis is purely anti poor sec. dinky soliman. #hypocrisy
— Robert Protacio (@sybillsantino) January 23, 2015
Nagmano ka pa naman kay Pope Francis Dinky Soliman! Mga walanghiya kayo!
— Alyssa Po (@alyyyssapo) January 23, 2015
And you were blessed by Pope Francis, Dinky Soliman! How shameless of you!
And witness how Dinky Soliman imagines poor people becoming a threat to the Pope's security. That stupid secretary should resign at once!
— Jude M. Mangilog (@judemangilog) January 24, 2015
Does Dinky Soliman think the Pope is clueless of the street kids fiasco?At this Info Age nobody can hide anything.
— eugenio isidro (@eugenio_isidro) January 24, 2015
Sec Dinky Soliman bakit mo naman tinago mga street children eh yan nga hhinahanap ni Pope? Nakakahiya na naman tayo intrrnational community
— Resty Mendoza (@restymendoza) January 23, 2015
Sec Dinky Soliman why did you hide the street children when they were precisely the ones the Pope was looking for? What an embarrassment we are to the international community
Another Pixel Offensive meme shared on Facebook.
Secretary Soliman had earlier denied a news report that the department gathered and hid the poor during the papal visit. She insisted that the training given by her agency merely coincided with the visit of the pope.
After Soliman confessed about the “outing” of the homeless families, Filipino lawmakers have launched an investigation into the incident.
The poor families were taken back to Manila after the pope left the country.

author: Karlo Mongaya


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Protecting Native American Sacred Sites · Global Voices
Styliani Giannitsi

An original post published on January 29, 2014, on the US Department of Agriculture blog was republished in several websites about Native Americans. It refers to analysis and protection of historical findings at holy grounds of the Lacota tribe and the efforts of Department of Agriculture to cooperate with local leaders and learn from them, in order these very important findings to be listed and preserved effectively.
Our curiosity was palpable in our expressions, we visitors to this South Dakota field, as we pondered the patterns produced by the tops of rocks pressed into grass and soil, patterns tantalizingly organized and purposeful: shapes of things that have been. What stories were held in this small corner of the Black Hills National Forest?
Forest Service staff were guided and educated by Arvol Looking Horse and Tim Mentz, among others:
Many years ago, when he was only 12, Looking Horse had been given the enormous responsibility of being the 19th generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe. He is a spiritual leader for the Lakota Dakota Na-kota Oyate, the great Sioux Nation. Mentz is a cultural resource expert with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. He was their first Tribal historic preservation officer and continues to be an amazing source of information about cultural sites for his Tribe.

author: Styliani Giannitsi


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Questions About Australian Media Freedom After Egypt Releases Peter Greste · Global Voices
Kevin Rennie

Max Chalmers, from Australian independent online media site New Matilda, welcomes the release of Al Jazeera journalist Peter Greste after 400 days in Egyptian prison. He also calls for “the speedy release of Greste’s colleagues who remain behind Egyptian bars”. However, he questions Prime Minister Tony Abbott's support for media freedom in a speech following the news.
[Abbott's] own government has been responsible for a crackdown on press freedoms more generally, and as he moved on to warnings about a new age of terror he laid the groundwork for yet more intrusive and draconian legislation.

author: Kevin Rennie


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Thailand’s Digital Economy Bills Could Worsen Media Repression · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

Thailand's military-appointed National Legislative Assembly in session. The body will deliberate the ten digital economy bills submitted by the Cabinet. Photo by John Vincent, Copyright @Demotix (1/16/2015)
The military-backed government of Thailand has introduced ten digital economy bills which some activists say could violate the human rights of Internet users and mobile phone subscribers in the country.
Government officials say the proposed bills are necessary to make Thailand more competitive and better equipped to compete in the global digital economy. But for some civil society organizations, the draft bills are “national security bills in disguise” that could further curtail the rights of Thai citizens.
Thailand’s army grabbed power last May, enacted an interim constitution, imposed restrictive media laws, and banned public protests.
In a Cabinet meeting in early January 2015, the government shocked many when it announced plans to pass ten Internet-related laws this year, some of which seek to update existing laws like the Computer-related Crime Bill. The aforementioned laws include the following:
1. National Digital Committee for Economy and Society Bill
2. Ministry of Digital for Economy and Society Bill
3. Electronic Transaction Bill (amendment)
4. Computer-related Crime Bill (amendment)
5. Cybersecurity Bill
6. Personal Data Protection Bill
7. Digital Economy Promotion Bill
8. Digital Development for Economy and Society Fund Bill
9. Broadcasting and Telecommunication Regulator Bill (amendment)
10. Electronic Transaction Development Agency Bill (amendment)
For the Thai Netizen Network, a Bangkok-based digital rights group, many provisions in these pending bills “allow the authorities to search, confiscate, have access to and intercept communications without any check and balance from any credible judicial authority and in some cases, these acts can be conducted without strong evidence.”
The group warned that the government’s proposed laws will violate freedom of expression, the right to privacy and the right to personal information, and “will affect the confidence of the operators of businesses related to information and communication.”
Many activists have pointed out that Article 35 of the Cyber Security Bill would give broad snooping powers to authorities, allowing them to conduct electronic surveillance without being held accountable to any judicial entity. The provision states that officials have the power to:
…gain access to information on communications, either by post, telegram, telephone, fax, computer, any tool or instrument for electronic media communication or telecommunications, for the benefit of the operation for the maintenance of Cybersecurity.
While data interception was already included in the 2007 Computer Crimes Act, the proposed amendment “will expand the scope of this Article to allow it to be used for other non-computer-related crimes investigation as well.” Another issue at stake is the undermining of personal data protection under the Protection of Personal Information bill.
The Thai Netizen Network was joined by other civil society networks such as FTA Watch, Foundation for Community Education Media, Green World Foundation, People’s Media Development Institute, and Thailand Association for the Blind in rejecting the amendment, arguing that it will “pave the way for a state monopoly of the telecommunication business.”
An online petition was launched opposing these bills. As of this writing, 18,000 have already signed it. The petitioners pointed out that “the three seats for consumer rights representatives were cut and replaced with two seats for national security representatives.”
For its part, the government admitted that it rushed the drafting of these so-called digital economy bills and it may have made several mistakes in some of the documents. Surangkana Wayuparb, chief executive of the Electronic Transactions Development Agency, assured the public that the government does not intend to use the proposed laws to suppress the political rights of citizens.
While it is important for Thailand to adopt new laws and policies related to digital economy, it must be done in a transparent manner and in consultation with all stakeholders. The government should also listen to the petition of various human rights groups to reform or repeal existing laws that restrict free speech.

author: Mong Palatino


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The Macedonian Government Clamps Down on Filming Protests With Drones · Global Voices
Filip Stojanovski

Image tweeted by @Nav_urov. Photo from a drone flying above the massive December 10 student protests.
The Republic of Macedonia has issued a new regulation banning the use of drones up to 500 meters from government buildings, public gatherings and protests.
Drone-made videos and photos on social media were instrumental in demonstrating the size of a recent massive student protest, which received barely any media coverage, but has been called the largest student protest in Macedonia in 25 years of independence. On December 10, 2014, thousands of students and university professors took to the streets to say no to a government plan for state-supervised tests for graduates.
The pro-government Dnevnik daily wrote a report about the new regulation, which has been in effect since January 31, but has yet to be posted online on any relevant government website.
„Не може да се вршат операции на летала без екипаж под 150 метри во секоја населено област, под 50 метри растојание од секое лице, брод, возило или инфраструктура…“, стои во уредбата.
Притоа се забранува дронот да се насочува кон лица, животни или собир на луѓе.
„Не може да лета летало без екипаж во радиус од 500 метри од објектите од значење за безбедноста, објектите на државните органи и критични народни маси, како што се објектите на Министерството за одбрана и АРМ, објектите на МВР, Владата, Собранието, резиденцијата на претседателот на државата, дипломатските претставништва, високоризични натпревари и голем собир на луѓе (протести)“, стои во уредбата.
“It is not allowed to operate unmanned aircraft under 150 meters above any inhabited are, under 50 meters of distance from any person, ship, vehicle or infrastructure,” the regulation reads.
It also forbids pointing the drone towards persons, animals or gatherings of people.
According to the regulation: “It is not allowed to fly unmanned aircraft in a radius of 500 meters from building related to security, buildings of state bodies and critical masses of people, such as the buildings of Ministry of Defense and the Army of Republic of Macedonia, buildings of the Ministry of Interior, the Government, the Assembly, the residence of the President of the state, embassies, sport competitions of high risk, and big gatherings of people (protests).”
Student Plenum, the organizers of the December 10 protest claim that a drone camera operator was detained by the police. There is no public record for how long or on what charges.
Дечкoтo сo дрoнoт е приведен вo стaницa Кaрпoш. Притисoкoт прoдoлжувa нo немa дa успеaт дa не спречaт. Oвa е сaмo пoчетoк!
— Студентски Пленум (@studentplenum1) December 10, 2014
The boy with the drone has been detained in the Karposh police station. The pressure continues but they won't stop us. This is just the beginning!
Two years ago, tens of thousands of Macedonians took to the streets to protest against poverty and corruption in their country of two-million. Since then, different groups of people – students, teachers, residents and workers – have come out to protest, demanding better conditions and rights. The government has used various tactics to discourage media coverage of protests, including intimidating journalists.

author: Filip Stojanovski


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The World Mourns Brave Japanese Journalist Kenji Goto, Beheaded by ISIS  · Global Voices
Nour Al Ali

The world remembers Kenji Goto, the Japanese journalist beheaded by the ISIS. Photograph shared on Twitter by @halona
In a mobile-quality video shot shortly before setting out to ISIS stronghold Al-Raqqa city, Japanese Journalist Kenji Goto said the Syrian people have been suffering for three years and a half, and that he intends to report on ISIS and their actions in Syria. “It’s enough,” he exclaimed.
On February 1, the world awoke to the news of Goto’s death at the heads of the group’s insurgents, only a few days after his wife’s plea to spare his life.
According to Rinko, Goto was captured by the extremist group on October 25, 2014. “Since then I have been working tirelessly behind the scenes for his release,” she said in the recorded statement. “I have not spoken out until now as I have been trying to protect my children and family from the media attention Kenji’s plight has created around the world.”
The wife cautiously narrated the progression of events, noting that the insurgents contacted her via email on December 2, 2014. Nevertheless, after the release of a video demanding a monetary ransom of $200 million dollars for both Goto and Haruna Yukawa almost a month and a half later, “there have been several emails between the group and me as I have fought to save his life,” she added.
However, the group beheaded Yukawa after the deadline for ransom passed. They then informed Rinko of their final demand, which offered to release Goto if the Jordanian authorities released Iraqi suicide bomber Sajida al-Rishawi from its prisons in return.
The insurgents demanded that Rinko shares this with “the world media now,” or Goto's life as well as that of captured Jordanian Pilot Lt. Mu’ath al-Kaseasbeh would be at stake. Despite her compliance and repeated efforts to save his life, the extremist group purportedly beheaded Goto on film, releasing it later.
A Global Outcry
Perhaps the biggest testament of Goto's impact on people's lives is the global outcry against the extremist group's latest act. The world refuses to remember Goto for what IS had done to him. Instead, many such as Karim celebrate him for the compassion he had for those in conflict zones:
Kenji Goto in tears after seeing the suffering of Syrians in Aleppo. This time the Syrians shed their tears for him. pic.twitter.com/Tgb9Gm2ar7
— Karim (@SaiyanSyrian) February 1, 2015
Syrian Blogger Nader salutes Goto for his bravery:
A salute to Kenji Goto, a true internationalist, unlike the settler thugs of ISIS who came from far away only to rule over locals. RIP.
— Nader (@DarthNader) January 31, 2015
American University of Beirut graduate Haya Atassi also notes that the veteran journalist did more than just his job:
#KenjiGoto, Japanese journalist #ISIS beheaded opened a school in #Lattakia suburbs teaching computer to Syrian kids pic.twitter.com/sibN6WQxsj
— Haya Atassi (@haya_atassi) January 31, 2015
Jean Pierre Duthion, who says in his Twitter bio that he resided in Syria for the last seven years, echoes the stance of many:
I refuse to post a photo showing him as a victim of #ISIS. This is #KenjiGoto, they beheaded him yesterday. pic.twitter.com/WjkKgIG6gn
— Jean Pierre Duthion (@halona) February 1, 2015
Saudi Artist Malik Najer expresses his condolences to Goto's family, as did many others:
This is Malik Nejer from Saudi Arabia, I would like to express my condolences to #KenjiGoto family, he was a good man, may he RIP
— مالك نجر (@Nejer) February 1, 2015
Kuwaiti columnist Dalaa AlMoufti says in Arabic while attaching a photo of Goto's mother in tears that it was not suffice for IS perpetrators to terrorize Arab mothers, but they also expanded their terrorism unto Japan as well:
لم يكتفوا بتعذيب الأمهات العرب نقلوا إرهابهم لليابان ها هي أم الصحفي الياباني تنعي ابنها الذي نحرته داعش #KenjiGoto pic.twitter.com/BILpzpiB1h
— دلع المفتي (@dalaaalmoufti) February 1, 2015
It was not enough for IS perpetrators to terrorize Arab mothers, but they also expanded their terrorism unto Japan as well. This is the mother of the Japanese journalist, who was beheaded by the ISIS
Celebrities and politicians alike expressed their condolences as well. Acclaimed writer Paulo Coelho eulogizes Goto in a tweet, and raises his voice in solidarity with Lt. al-Kaseasbeh using the hashtag #IamMuath
Alive in our hearts, brave #KenjiGoto . Time to say #IamMuath even if I think (God forbid) he is already dead pic.twitter.com/ceTHF7EE0L
— Paulo Coelho (@paulocoelho) February 1, 2015
US Secretary of State John Kerry's statement does not fail to mention that Goto's death is an act of barbarism:
My heartfelt condolences to Kenji Goto's wife, his family, and the people of Japan. His barbaric murder shows ISIL's brutality.
— John Kerry (@JohnKerry) February 1, 2015
Even the anonymously-run Historical Pics Twitter account with 2.02 million followers urges everyone to remember Goto for his kindness, re-sharing the photo of him mid-conversation with Syrian youngsters:
This is how we should all remember Kenji Goto, a truly brave and remarkable man. pic.twitter.com/GwrxyUDUc0
— Historical Pics (@HistoricalPics) January 31, 2015
Yet, many remain in shock over the news of his death. London-based Emily Finch says:
Feeling very emotionally strung out following the execution of Goto Kenji having followed the story from the very beginning.
— Emily Finch (@Winipig) February 1, 2015
Journalist Dima Khatib conveys her sadness that such acts are perpetrated not only in Syria, but also falsely in the name of Islam:
It is very depressing to see someone like #KenjiGoto (or anyone) beheaded, in my birth country Syria in the name of Islam. #Arab
— Dima Khatib أنا ديمة (@Dima_Khatib) February 1, 2015
And independent journalist Boutaïna Azzabi shares a sobering reminder that 118 journalists were killed just last year:
Another journalist beheaded by ISIS, journalist #KenjiGoto. – in 2014 alone, 118 journalists were killed and 220 are jailed around the world
— Boutaïna Azzabi (@Boutaina) January 31, 2015
The 47-year-old is survived by his wife, his two-year-old and a few months old daughters.


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WeChat Won’t Show Chinese Users BMW Ads If It Thinks They’re Poor  · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Remix Image originally from Facebook. Labelled for reuse.
Intrusive mobile ads can be annoying for many people. If a company tailors makes use of big data analytics to tailor the ads to the user, it can feel like an invasion of privacy, too.
When WeChat launched ads in user friend circles on January 25, some users of the Chinese messaging app were miffed by ads for car manufacturer BMW not because they found them intrusive or too tailor-made — but because they couldn't see the ads at all. They accuse WeChat of discriminating against users with lower incomes by swapping the BMW ads for ones showing smartphones or Coca-Cola instead.
Many WeChat users’ resentment was in reaction to a viral message explaining the use of big data behind the tailored ads. The message was circulated online in image format:
據說，微信朋友圈廣告推送是基於大數據分析，通過分析用戶朋友圈語言特性，以及朋友圈圖片內容，涉及到了自然語義理解，以及圖像識別這些人工智能技術，所以名字上是推廣告服務，實際上是對騰訊內部秘密研發已久的人工智能技術的實驗。那麼答案來了，騰訊人工智能對你的識別分類如下：年收入100萬以上，消費力強，收到的是寶馬廣告；買不起 iPhone 6 但買得起小米的，收到的是 vivo 的廣告；連小米，甚至紅米都買不起的，收到的是可口可樂的廣告；而那些喜歡在朋友圈吹水，特別閑的，但沒有收到朋友圈廣告的，微信是在告訴你，沒錢就好好干活，別刷手機了。
They say the ads in WeChat friend circles are based on big data analytics by looking into the attribution of the language and photos used in the user's friend circle. The technology involves artificial intelligence including semantic understanding of the words and graphic analysis. The so-called ads service is based on an experiment in artificial intelligence, which was developed inside [parent company] Tencent long ago. Here comes the answer [concerning the ads]: for those who have an annual income above one million yuan [approximately US $150,000] and can consume more, they receive BMW ads; for those who can afford a Xiao Mi [a local mobile brand], you get Vivo [a smart phone brand] ; and those who can't even afford Xiao Mi or even Red Mi, you get the Coco Cola ads. Those who have the time to hang around in friend circles but can't see any ads, the message from WeChat is: work hard if you don't have money, don't waste time refreshing your phone.
“Our Hui Zhou” (@我们的惠州), a user on Twitter-like website Weibo, is among those who kept refreshing his timeline to check if the BMW ad would eventually pop up:
心塞，刷了一天的朋友圈都没收到宝马广告……原来盆友圈这么讲究，果然我这种没收入的被歧视了
Distressed after refreshing the friend circle timeline all day and still I couldn't see the BMW ad… The friend circle ads are really sophisticated, and those who do not have income like me are discriminated against.
Ma Weiwei (@马薇薇不算是昵称吧) couldn't see any ads in her WeChat friend circle timeline. She commented sarcastically on Weibo:
据说今天微信朋友圈已经开始推广告了，没有看到任何广告的我，表示被聊天软件歧视了！没有宝马，没有手机，连他妈可乐都没见到——作为朋友圈唯一的段子手，仅存的不晒饭局不晒衣服不做代购的业界良心，我感受到了电子商务对我深深的恶意￼
They say today WeChat launched ads in friend circles. As one of those who could not see any ads, I feel discriminated against by the app. No BMW, no smartphone, not even a f**king Coca-Cola ad — as the only storyteller in my friend's circle who does not show off fashion and banquets and who does not participate in any online-selling activities, I feel the hostility of e-business towards me.
It is interesting to see Chinese netizens’ criticism of the use of big data in advertising as “discrimination” while their western counterparts have been vocal in their criticism of its potential to breach user privacy. In the case of China, all online activities are monitored. Within this virtual Panopticon, the prisoners can't speak out against surveillance, but if they're going to be watched anyway, they can at least demand equal treatment.

author: Oiwan Lam


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West Papuans Clamor for Justice After Indonesian Police Kill Young Protesters · Global Voices
Zashnain Zainal

West Papuan students in Java held a protest last month to condemn the killing of Papuan children by the Indonesian police. Photo from Facebook page of Free West Papua Campaign.
West Papua activists and independence advocates are demanding justice for the killing of young civilians by the Indonesian police last month.
On December 8, 2014, Indonesian security forces allegedly opened fire on about 800 peaceful demonstrators, including women and children in Paniai district. The protest was in reaction to a report that police beat several Papua children the previous night. Five protesters were killed and at least 17 others were injured, according to a report from Human Rights Watch, which explained that human rights abuses are not uncommon there:
The December 8 shootings are emblematic of the routine human rights abuses that security forces carry out with impunity in Papua, in the extreme eastern of the Indonesian archipelago. Over the last 15 years, Human Rights Watch has documented hundreds of cases in which police, military, intelligence officers, and prison guards have used unnecessary or excessive force when dealing with Papuans taking part in protests. While a handful of military tribunals have been held in Papua for security force personnel implicated in abuses, the charges have been inadequate and soldiers who committed abuses continue to serve.
The annexation of West Papua, a mineral-rich and ancient Melanesia country, by Indonesia's military regime in the 1960s has caused displacement, hardship and death for the indigenous population. Yet despite the blatant human rights abuses and institutionalized distilling of the local culture, the colonizing forces have failed to dampen the spirit of self-determination and independence among the people.
Benny Wenda, who is a West Papuan independence leader and living in exile in the United Kingdom, condemned the killing of civilians:
“We are blamed for violence we did not create and persecuted for expressing our desires to be free.”… http://t.co/NmDn4AaUXp
— Benny Wenda (@BennyWenda) January 9, 2015
On his website, Wenda accused the Indonesian armed forces of committing brutality in Timika, West Papua:
I am appalled that such police barbarism can go ahead unnoticed against innocent and defenseless people, especially at such close proximity to the world’s largest goldmine, Indonesia’s biggest taxpayer.
On Twitter, several commented about the suffering of West Papua residents:
If you have ever lost a love one spare a though for the people of West Papua suffering murder rape and torture almost daily inhuman TNI
— Anthony Craig (@justicehealth) February 3, 2015
So is no one going to talk about West Papua? #Genocide — Amen Oyiboke (@Amen2dat) February 2, 2015
#WestPapua It is not war, it is not a conflict, it is an #OCCUPATION, and it is one that receives all around international consent.
— non quis sed quid (@PurePapua) February 2, 2015
#WestPapua situation did not improve in 2014 – human rights abuse continued. Business as usual under Jokowi http://t.co/JO9D0L3u96
— Jen Robinson (@suigenerisjen) January 19, 2015
The Indonesian government has vowed to investigate the killings. A human rights probe will also release a report in relation to the incident.

author: Zashnain Zainal


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After 29 Years in Power, Ugandan President Museveni Won’t Leave Office · Global Voices
Prudence Nyamishana

Uganda's president Yoweri Museveni. Photo released under Creative Commons by Russell Watkins/Department for International Development UK).
Seventy percent of Ugandans are under the age of 29. That means they have seen only one president since they were born. On 26 January, 2015, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and his National Resistance Movement (NRM) celebrated 29 years in power. This day was set apart as the liberation day to mark the day NRM took over power after a five-year armed struggle against repressive governments.
President Museveni is already seeking a sixth presidential term. Billboards erected by his party supporting his intention to continue ruling the country are all over the capital city Kampala. To gather public support for his intention to run again, Museveni has been seen handing out brown envelopes of money to poor people during public gatherings, something he has also done in the past. He has come under public criticism for treating the national treasury as his Automatic Teller Machine (ATM).
For many Ugandans, the celebration of the liberation day was a moment to take stock of the governance of the NRM and the promises the the NRM made when they came into power.
George Ayittey, a Ghanaian economics professor and president of Free Africa Foundation in Washington, DC, reminded the rest of the world what Museveni said when he became president of Uganda in 1986:
In 1986, President Museveni told us, “No African president should be power for more than 10 years.” He himself is still there 29 years later
— George Ayittey (@ayittey) January 4, 2015
Ugandan journalist Benjamin Rukwenge is tired of Twitter users complaining instead of doing something about the situation:
Whatever your sentiments, you can't argue with history. #NRM has lots of +ves to its 29yrs. Don't complain, right the wrongs. #LiberationDay
— Benjamin Rukwengye (@BibiRukwengye) January 26, 2015
While Edgar Mwine, an unemployed graduate of economics, quoted lawyer, policy analyst and social entrepreneur Godber Tumushabe:
“It's insulting to the intelligence of Ugandans to say that 29 years of Museveni Rule is a success” @godbertumushabe #HotSeat
— Mwine (@mwineedgar) January 28, 2015
Museveni said in a speech that he said he will never give power to the opposition, whom he called wolves, because he has the support of the army. Commenting on an article about the speech on the Daily Monitor website, “Kabindist” wrote:
So its official.There is no democracy in Uganda.Its about Museveni and his Army.So,all these years when he said he needed more time to professionalize the Army,he meant brain wash it to do his bidding.Term limits,age limits and all the above are but play things for Kaguta.He believes his day will not come.With his NRM wolves the country is already torn apart and like a greedy wolf he wont let go.Who is he lying to?
Commenting on the same story, Bishanga Paul warned Museveni:
Gadafi had a strong Army and was csupported by the people who later got disgusted and dragged him through the city to see him off the country of Libya forever.
And to drive the point home, the Daily Monitor illustrated:
CARTOON: Today, marks 29 years since the NRM assumed power. @chrisatuk #NRM29 pic.twitter.com/Kf2ivmpDzz
— Daily Monitor (@DailyMonitor) January 26, 2015
In his criticism of Museveni, Charles Onyango Obbo, Mail & Guardian Africa editor, compared Museveni to Lords Resistance Army leader Joseph Kony:
To begin with, Kony and Museveni are the longest serving post-1986 leaders of their respective organisations. Counting from when he came to power, Museveni has been leader of NRM, president and commander-in-chief for 29 years. Kony effectively became leader of the LRA in 1988, after cobbling it together from the remnants and other dregs of Alice Lakwena’s defeated Holy Spirit Movement.
Kony has, therefore, led LRA for 26 years, the only rebel leader of the Museveni era who comes close to The Chief. When it comes to military and political survival, therefore, Museveni and Kony are in a class of their own. I think Museveni will outlast Kony, but strange things happen in our neck of the woods so I wouldn’t place a bet on it.
In December last year, the Daily Monitor quoted Museveni saying that Ugandans do not want him to leave. He blamed his clinging to power to Ugandans who keeps re-electing him.

author: Prudence Nyamishana


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Being a Member of Parliament in Uganda is a Lucrative Business · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

It is a very lucrative business to be a legislator in Uganda as Prudence explains:
Friends, being a Member of Parliament in Uganda is good business.
All you need to do is buy your way into the August House with a few sachets of salt, pieces of soap, some sugar and pledges to your local church. Make sure that you have your academic papers right because when your opponent discovers that your qualifications are found wanting, this is one reason you will be kicked out.
In this job, you will be paid huge amounts of money every month regardless of whether you attend sessions or your are in your farm tending to your cattle, you will travel abroad with fine Per Diem, you can keep quiet in parliamentary sessions , play solitaire on your iPad or take a good afternoon nap – relax no one will hold you accountable.

author: Ndesanjo Macha


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Ex-Nigerian Military Dictator Running for President Dodges TV Debate · Global Voices
Nwachukwu Egbunike

The main opposition candidate for Nigeria's presidential election Muhammad Buhari. Photo released into public domain by the US State Department.
Nigerians will be voting for a new president on February 14, 2014. The two major contenders for the presidential seat are the incumbent, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and former military dictator and retired General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
General Buhari overthrew a democratically elected government in December 31, 1983 and was Military Head of State until August 27, 1985. His regime was infamous for human rights violations and gagging of the press. This will be his forth attempt to be elected into Nigerian's highest office after three unsuccessful outings in 2003, 2007 and 2011.
The political climate is already tense and the Nigerian social media scene had been aflame with conversations about the elections. General Buhari of the APC recently declined participating in a presidential debate due to be aired on national televisions and radios. This news stirred the already volatile climate of Nigerian netizens. The APC accused the organizing media houses of “unhidden bias and campaign of calumny” against their candidate. According to the Scoop:
Garba Shehu, Director Media and Publicity of the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) said in a press statement on Thursday in Abuja that the Nigeria Election Debate Group (NEDG) powered debate was fraught with fundamental errors from the outset, by wearing the toga of government control, especially being composed mainly of agencies and allies of the incumbent People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) administration.
“A salutary inspection of the composition of NEGD brings into focus the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), National Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and the Africa Independent Television (AIT, owned by a PDP chieftain). And going by the avalanche of inflammatory statements, misinformation and blatant lies being propagated by some of these media against our Party and candidates contrary to the Koffi Annan brokered Abuja Peace Accord, and the failure of these aggressors to desist and apologise, have left the APC Campaign with no option than to steer clear of any premeditated smear campaign that could be inimical to our prospective electoral success,” Shehu said.
Global Voices reported in our Special Coverage of the Nigerian Elections 2011 the ruckus generated by netizens when President Goodluck Jonathan declined to attend a similar debate. Take a leap four years later and Nigerian netizens are demanding that General Buhari stands for a debate.
Why can't Buhari debate ? We need to know what APC is offering as well. No blind sentimental BS pls.
— Wendee (@yewandai) February 2, 2015
Social commentator Chxta thought:
Buhari's refusing to debate makes sense from their own POV, but is the wrong decision given that his mantra is “change”. — Chxta of Greece (@Chxta) February 2, 2015
Writer Tunde Leye chided APC supporters for defending Buhari's move:
From the way people are turning logic on its head about Buhari's refusal to debate, u see sycophancy is deep rooted in our psyche.
— Tunde Leye (@tundeleye) February 2, 2015
Chidi was not surprised, since Buhari has already turned down other debates in the past:
Buhari ‘pulled out’ of Oputa panel, NEDG & Channels tv debate. I'm here wondering wen & how his ideas will ‘fertilise’ — Mallam Chidi Ajuzie (@chidiajuzie) February 2, 2015
Same with this Twitter user:
Buhari will also not attend a debate organized by ChannelsTV. Why should anyone not be concerned? This is 2015. The General has not changed — Enyi Kwo N'azu! (@meks2850) February 2, 2015
MrFixNigeria fed the trolls:
Buhari is still running. Running from a Presidential Debate. #QuickBuhari pic.twitter.com/dCSLbiznLY — Ohimai Godwin Amaize (@MrFixNigeria) February 2, 2015
However, not everyone thought the opposition candidate should debate. For instance, Akin questioned:
I ask, do we have anything in the constitution or statute books that demands presidential debates as part of the electoral process?
— Akin Akíntáyọ̀ (@forakin) February 2, 2015
Akin continued:
This debate matter is our continued shameless elitist entitlement to be spoken to with more refinement than the market-woman. — Akin Akíntáyọ̀ (@forakin) February 2, 2015
Mr M wrote:
And some are clamoring for GMB's participation not because it'll change their minds or make any difference but solely for mischief.
— Mr M|WordsworthGwary (@m_gwary) February 2, 2015
KD insisted that it's another distraction:
We've gradually exited the certificate saga! The debate is up next!
— KD #IHaveDecided (@kunledee) February 2, 2015
In this blog post, Ogundana Michael gave General Buhari some reasons why he should attend the presidential debate:
This will give him the opportunity to once again air his views, mission, strategies and plans for the people. The point is; you have to get people listening before you can change their minds. Also, the debate will give him the opportunity to correct those misconceptions and blackmails against him.
In addition, it will go a long way to show to the people, especially the presidency that he is not like President Jonathan that boycotted the debates in 2011 for flimsy excuses. If General Buhari fails to debate because President Jonathan didn’t debate in 2011 for similar reasons or because of other reasons surrounding the organization of the debate, then he does not in any way differ from the President.


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Male University Students in Taiwan Wear Skirts to Support Transgender Community · Global Voices
I-fan Lin

The Gender Equality Workshop at National Taiwan University held a one-month event for male students to wear skirts and share their experience. The cover image for the Facebook event. CC BY-NC 2.0.
In June 2014, a Facebook user in Taiwan published a photo of a person who appeared to be a man dressed as a woman wearing a skirt at a McDonald's, writing that the person had entered the women's restroom and was dangerous. Local media outlet Apple Daily picked up the story, and widespread online discussion of gender stereotypes and discrimination against transgender people in Taiwan ensued.
The next month, two students from National Cheng Kung University decided to show their support for the often maligned transgender community by inviting men to wear skirts. Following the example of these two students, the Gender Equality Workshop at National Taiwan University held a similar event throughout the month of December 2014, asking men to take a stand for the transgender community by donning a skirt.
Tutu shared his photo with a skirt. CC BY-NC 2.0.
Some people posted their photos in their skirts on the event’s Facebook page and shared their thoughts on the eye-opening experience.
Yu-Han and Shao-Hung wrote:
裙子不只是服飾本身，還承載著這個社會所信仰與建構的價值。
Skirts are not just clothes. Skirts also carry with them the value that a society believes and constructs.
Another participant, Tutu, explained that men can also be feminine:
沒有人說男生不能擁有好臉蛋以及身材
更沒有說男生就算不是同性戀也不能有女人味
我這角度擁有你遐想的範圍
我也喜歡更喜歡分享
所以我也想知道大家看到這角度的我的感覺
更用此方式證明
不是要是男生就一定要M．A．N！
No one says that men cannot have a good-looking face and body, and no one says men who are not gays cannot be feminine.
This aspect of me [this feminine look] allows you to fantasize about me. I like this aspect of me, and I like to share it with you, so I would like to know how people feel when you look at this other side of me.
I also want to prove in this way that men do not have to be M.A.N!
Ryo-Ryo shared his photo with the skirt and make-up. CC BY-NC 2.0.
When these male students with skirts or even make-up walked on the streets, sometimes they faced challenging situations. Their experiences stirred up thoughts on the discrimination that the transgender community faces every day.
Ryo-Ryo reflected:
雖然穿上了裙子，我的外表仍是社會多數定義下的男性樣貌，也並未挑戰進入一些男／女二元分類下限定進出的公共場所(例如廁所)，一週下來我發現到的是，無論是學校或是城市裡外大多數人其實並不會特別在意你今日的裝扮是什麼，投射過來的幾乎都是以年輕人為主的好奇眼光，而年長者的視線雖不那麼友善，但多數人並不會特別刁難什麼。有兩次印象深刻的是，當我在速食店排隊購餐時，一位女性用匪夷所思的表情望著我，令我非常的不舒服；還有一次是，當我漫步走在校園裡，一位男性突然往我身旁靠近，惡狠狠的瞪了我一眼，口中念念有詞，當時我嚇傻了，只得愣在原地看著他離開，雖然沒發生爭執，但仍令我感到害怕。[…]
我不禁感到難過，是什麼樣的意識形態讓我們在面對少數族群時的第一直覺反應充滿了否定與負面感？
在推廣性別友善時，我們為跨性別朋友發聲並給予支持，過程辛苦但開心，因為我們知道那是應做之事！但對於他們真實的情況，我們卻不一定都那麼清楚，很多只能藉由想像與朋友們的訴說來了解
而當我們真正感受跨性別朋友所面對的惡意與困境時，即使只是數天，即使只是稍微體會，那種感覺是截然不同的。
Although I wore a skirt, I still had a male outlook defined by society. I did not try to challenge some public space that is strictly defined by the dual meaning of male/female (such as restrooms). In my one-week experience, I found no matter if I was in the university or in the city, most people do not actually care about what you wear today. Most of the time, what I faced was curious stares coming from young people. Although the stares from some older people were not that friendly, most people did not make me uncomfortable. There were, however, two notable encounters. Once when I lined up at a fast food restaurant, a woman looked at me with an disapproving facial expression and made me very uncomfortable. On another occasion, when I walked around campus, a man walked toward me quickly and stared at me angrily and murmured something. I was shocked and did not know how to react. I just stood there and watched him walk away. Although there was no real conflict, I still felt threatened. […]
I cannot help but feel sad. What makes us be so overcome with negative feelings when we see a minority who is different from us?
When we promote a gender-friendly environment, we speak out for our transgender friends and show our support. It is a difficult endeavor but it also makes us happy because we know that is what should be done! Nevertheless, we don't really feel for them. We can only understand their real situation through their description.
Now that we have the chance to experience a tiny bit of the antagonism and challenges that our transgender friends face, even if only for a few days, the feeling is completely different.
Hao-Cheng gradually felt comfortable with the skirt. CC BY-NC 2.0.
The one month action successfully changed the outlook and understanding of some, especially those who participated.
Hao-Cheng Hsieh found it became easier and easier to wear a skirt and walk on the street:
這大概是我在這個月第三或是第四次穿上裙子了吧！
從第一次拍宣傳照的彆扭，到現在的自適。
我開始明白到突破框架只是需要時間，並不是做不到。
This should be the third or fourth time that I wore a skirt this month.
From the strange feeling I had when I wore a skirt and took a photo in it for the first time to the comfortable feeling I had this time, I start to realize that it may take some time to break the mold, but it is not impossible.
A leading badminton double player wore a skirt to support this event. CC BY-NC 2.0.
NTU-Tsuyoshi-Kusanagi asked her friend to wear a badminton skirt to play badminton, and she surprisingly found that male players also look charming in skirts:
裙子事實上是人類最早的下身服飾，通風透氣舒爽，方便行動。裙子不僅是過去漢族男子主要的服飾，也是台灣的原住民族群裡勇士的穿著。但是不知何時開始，裙子成為一種禁錮、禮法的象徵；不知何時開始，裙子退出了男性的服飾圈；不知何時開始，我們給予裙子的意象就是嬌弱和女性化。
我有個傑出的朋友，叫做台大陳冠Ｃ，他是台大羽球校隊第一的雙打手，對於穿求裙打球這件事他一點猶豫都沒有，很爽快的答應了。不論他當初答應我時內心有過什麼掙扎，結果是令人驚豔的，我們沒想到他竟然能這麼適合穿球裙、穿起來這麼好看，令人目不暇給！
我仔細想想，一個迷人的人，不需要一定是女生或是男生，不需要必定著褲裝或裙裝；一個迷人的人是因為他勇於接受不同於與別人賦予他的意象，而且擁有美好的內在特質，更重要的是，不論他穿著什麼，他永遠自信。
In fact, skirts are the most common human clothes for our lower bodies. Skirts are airy and comfortable and easy to walk in. Skirts used to be the major men’s clothing in Han’s culture. In addition, skirts are also the brave indigenous men’s clothes in Taiwan. Nevertheless, we do not know when, skirts become locked down as a symbol of etiquette. We do not know when skirts became excluded from men’s clothes. We do not know when we began thinking of skirts as a symbol of weakness and femininity.
I have an outstanding friend, called Chen Kuan-C at National Taiwan University. He is the leading badminton double player in the university. When he was asked about playing badminton with a skirt, he agreed without hesitating for one second. No matter what kind of struggle he had in his mind when he agreed to my proposal, the results are amazing. We did not expect that the badminton skirt would suit him so well, that he would look so dazzling in the skirt, and so breathtaking!
I have reflected (on what I observed) seriously, and I think a charming person does not need to be a woman or a man, in trousers or in skirts. A person is charming because he or she has nice personality and bravely embraces the image that is different from what most people have of him or her. Most importantly, no matter what they wear, they are always confident.

author: I-fan Lin


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Mumbai Newspaper Editor Fired, Arrested for Republishing Charlie Hebdo Cartoon · Global Voices
Rezwan

A protest rally against French satirical magazine Charlie-Hebdo was held in Kashmir's Old City. Protestors effigy and Charlie Hebdo posters were set on fire by angry protesters. Image by Adil Hussain. Copyright Demotix (23/1/2015)
A newspaper in India was shut down and its editor arrested after republishing one of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo‘s cartoons featuring the Prophet Muhammad on its front page.
Shirin Dalvi, who was later released on bail, is accused of violating section 295A of the Indian Penal Code, which bans malicious and deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings. She faces as many as six lawsuits filed against her across the state, and has taken to hiding her face behind a burqa while in public.
Her troubles began on January 17, 2015, when she printed the February 9, 2006 cover of Charlie Hebdo titled “Mahomet débordé par les intégristes” (“Muhammad overwhelmed by fundamentalists”), with a bearded man in tears saying “C'est dur d'être aimé par des cons” (“It's hard being loved by jerks”), on the front page of the Mumbai edition of Urdu daily Avadhnama. The editorial accompanying the republished cartoon argued that since no image exists of the Prophet Muhammad, the Charlie Hebdo caricatures should not be taken as a representation of him:
There exists no image of him, so how can we infer that this picture is a caricature of him?
Ten days earlier, two gunmen had attacked the Charlie Hebdo's office in Paris, killing 12 people, including eight journalists and injuring 11 others. The dead included the magazine's editor and a policeman. The magazine outraged many Muslims across the world as it published a number of controversial Muhammad cartoons over the years.
Facing backlash, Dalvi apologised, writing a detailed editorial explaining her position on the next morning. But the outrage continued. She began receiving threats on her phone. Lawsuits have been filed against her in different police stations in Mumbai, Thane and Malegaon.
On January 19, Avadhnama’s Mumbai edition was shut down and all its 15 employees sacked. Taqdees Fatima, owner of the Avadhnama title, defended herself, saying she had no links with the Mumbai edition, which was run by a separate entity.
The editor, publisher and printers are totally different and… (are) responsible for the contents.
Avadhnama's other city editions did not publish the cartoon and were not affected. For Dalvi, more misery was waiting. Members of the Rashtriya Ulema Council (State Cleric Council) threatened to protest outside the police station if Dalvi was not arrested.
On January 28, she was arrested and got bail on the next day. But she has not gone back to her home in Mumbra since the protests began; her house remains locked and her children are staying with the relatives. Dalvi, along with the newspaper’s publisher Yunus Siddiqui, proprietor Taquadees Fatema and managing director Deepak Mhatre obtained anticipatory bail in another case filed against them on the same charge.
Dalvi told the Mumbai Mirror in an interview that she meant to reproduce Charlie Hebdo's latest cover purely as an illustration to go along with a report, but printed the 2006 cover by mistake. She admitted that she didn't know what the cartoon said since she doesn't speak French, and had only intended for the cartoon to illustrate a report about the controversial magazine's increased circulation following the attacks.
In a different interview with media watchdog website The Hoot, Dalvi, who has been working in Urdu media for the last 25 years, accused some papers of running false reports about her, such as one saying she had shot down a junior colleague's objection to the cartoon's publication by saying it would boost the newspaper's circulation. The website reported that sources in the Urdu media industry suggested business rivalries may have something to do with the case against Dalvi.
Online, some users criticised the lack of support for Dalvi following the Charlie Hebdo attacks. Satire Twitter account ChopdaSaab tweeted:
Forced into burqa, Separated from Kids: Editor pays for Charlie Hebdo cartoons. Not a word by Journo Frat. Cute! http://t.co/zzP7Y9lLmh
— ChopdaSaab (@Keisar_) February 3, 2015
Blogger Suvie Kaul wrote:
Lot of #FOE noise by fiberals for #AIBRoast but not whimper for a lady Urdu Mumbai editor who is being hounded for Charlie Hebdo cartoons!
— Suvie Kaul (@sukaul) February 3, 2015
Nikhil Mehra, a lawyer from New Delhi, tweeted:
Yeh lo! I hope the existence of such stupidity engenders even greater respect for what #CharlieHebdo do/did http://t.co/WSiF9Ak14P
— Nikhil Mehra (@TweetinderKaul) January 29, 2015
The hashtag #IStandWithShireenDalvi has taken off:
RT if u stand for Shireen.Lets make sure our voice is heard. That she doesnt have to run. That we stand for her FoE. #IStandWithShireenDalvi
— Vande Mataram (@UnSubtleDesi) February 3, 2015
It's one thing to tweet #JeSuisCharlie ,totally different to ignore those who get victimised for doing so Speak up! #IStandWithShireenDalvi
— Against_Pseudos (@Against_Pseudos) February 3, 2015
When the very “liberal” Hindu withdrew #CharlieHebdo cartoons, she was the one who printed it in her Urdu Daily #IStandWithShireenDalvi
— Ratnakar Sadasyula (@ScorpiusMaximus) February 3, 2015
#FreedomOfSpeech works in India only if it's selective and suits the secular liberal agenda #IStandWithShireenDalvi
— sona (@sona2905) February 3, 2015
She is on the run cz she dared to reprint hebdo cartoon. Easier to stand with hebdo since it happened a world away #IStandWithShireenDalvi
— Vande Mataram (@UnSubtleDesi) February 3, 2015
People in media who cried for 12 people in France are quite over arrest of lady editor of urdu daily. #IStandWithShireenDalvi
— The KhalNayak (@SujnanNayak) February 3, 2015
I pity that liberals who show outrage over everything are silent now #IstandWithShireenDalvi #shameOnIndiaMedia http://t.co/r7KikQRyxo
— Krishna Phani Kumar (@indianatwork) February 3, 2015
Freedom of expression should be absolute #IStandWithShireenDalvi
— Common Man (@_high_five) February 3, 2015
#IStandWithShireenDalvi because She shows that the most oppressed group in India (Mulslim women) too can show courage to say what she like.
— Anjali George (@AnjaliGorg) February 3, 2015
Sadanand Bhat, a commenter on an article in Indian Express, questioned the state of freedom of expression in India:
This is Outrageous. Here in western Countries they published the picture of the cartoon. Where is the freedom of Expression in India? WHy should she apologise? Where are all the Seculare [sic] peaceniks? This silence is deafening even in the news reviews. Feel sorry for her and wonder how I can help her.
Raghvendra Upadhyay commented on an article in the India Times to say:
There is a thin line between “freedom of press” and “outraging religious feeling”. Important thing is, what is the duty of a press. To put in news what people what to hear ? or what press want people to know ?
Choice is yours !!
Based on your choice, you will build yours and your societies future.

author: Rezwan


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Natural Hair Gets Barbados School in a Twist · Global Voices
Matthew Hunte

A selection of Instagram photos under the hashtag #kolijnatural. Via findgram.com
A recent controversy in Barbados — over hairstyles of all things — is reigniting debate about the link between grooming standards, prestige and race in the Caribbean.
Some female students at Harrison College, one of the most prestigious schools on the island, were reprimanded for sporting hairstyles which were deemed inappropriate for school, to the surprise and outrage of many.
Elva Mary Tudor, a mother of one of the students, expressed her concerns on Facebook:
My daughter's hair style was considered too flamboyant and unsettling for school.
At assembly yesterday the students were told twist outs are not appropriate for school.
She will be 18 in a couple weekes [sic] and over the last 2 years she has been quietly developing her sense of style of which I am
quite proud. She has leaned to a natural look.
She has been subject of negative comments about her hair and has stood her ground. I understand clearly that school must have rules and they must be followed. But I find the negativity towards natural hair sad and backward. We seem to dislike the look of tightly coiled strong hair.
With a few months to go before the end of sixth form, this is not battle I am prepare [sic] to get anxious about. My concern really is for her to concentrate on unit 2 of cape and to proceed to UWI, where hair will no longer be an issue.
Harrison College, which was founded in 1733, is the alma mater of five of Barbados’ seven prime ministers, as well as many other prominent citizens. It was an all-boys school for much of its history before becoming co-ed in 1980. The current principal, Juanita Wade, assumed her post at the beginning of this school year and is the first woman principal in the school's history.
Such controversy is not new to the region. There was a similar incident in Saint Lucia two years ago, when a student at St. Mary's College was prevented from attending classes until he cut his plaits.
Tonya at gender justice blog Code Red argued that such attitudes were colonial holdovers and evidence of self-hate:
Elite secondary schools in the region share a history of colonialism, racism, sexism, classism and anti-blackness.
Sometimes teachers think that they are doing students a favour when they socialize them into white supremacy, self-hate and respectability.  They believe they are preparing them for the world of work. Preparing them for survival in a globalised world that is anti-black. Making somebody out of them despite their blackness or working class roots or countrified accent. These teachers are in need of consciousness-raising. They need to learn better so that they can do better.
When I was at secondary school I distinctly remember our principal asking all the girls with natural hair to stay behind after assembly for a talk on tidiness and appropriate hairstyles. This is gendered and racialised policing of black girls’ bodies that is usually classist as well. It also communicates just who legitimately is supposed to occupy these elite spaces.
There was a hashtag #kolijnatural where alumni of Harrison College (“Kolij” is a colloquial name for the school) showed that their natural hair has not held them back professionally:
Was happy to see this #kolijnatural campaign. It's great to see black women taking pride in their #naturalbeauty. Feeling real #KolijPride right now.
A photo posted by Deshon Griffith (@farmerubu) on
Shout out to my fellow #kolijnatural #naturalistas #naturalhair #kinkyhair peeps! #whatsuccesslookslike  Proud of my natural hair and grateful to all those who encouraged me and gave me advice on my natural hair care journey like @sunsetsealy @blondebombshellings, @jennzone and @ellehumpfree.
A photo posted by Sophia Browne (@suffalist) on
One alumnus of Harrison College directly addressed the issue of race and made the point that the college was not always so uptight about natural hair:
I am aware that twist outs were not the only hair style deemed inappropriate for school. However, I do take issue with the principal's comment about members of staff having to ask if the hair was combed or not. In a predominantly black country, you mean we STILL do not know what maintained black hair looks like? That a twist out style can still, by some people, be mistaken for unkempt black hair? Come on man. At best, that speaks to an inter-generational rift of knowledge about black hair care. I'm not even going to talk about what it means “at worst”. […]
Another thing that has interested me as well about this issue, is the amount of shots being taken at the school and alumni. To hear it told, Harrison College is a perpetuator of elitism. It's anti-black. One person went as far as to say the alumni are making an issue out of this because the principal is a woman AND because she's not an alumni. What? I went to HC for 7 years. At least 5 of those I was natural. Girls wore puffs when I was there, and mine was pretty big. I don't recall getting told off about it. When I started plaiting my hair at 12, I never got dragged up about my awkward styling. If my twists and plaits used to look rusty, I never got told about it. I even used to go to school to get my hair plait. My experience is not everyone else's, but it's valid all the same.
Even non-alumni got in on the action:
Not a #KolijNatural but I can still support the movement. Wearing my natural hair at work. #WhatSuccessLooksLike pic.twitter.com/ljTn6cUqPU
— Risée (@Zaouri) January 12, 2015
Kim Roberts at Bajan Beauty Blogger argued that people who choose to go natural should be prepared to face some opposition — but still be true to themselves:
If you are a brown body in this world you are not ‘allowed’ to privilege your ‘nappy, hard’ loose hair. You aren’t allowed to say to the world, I like my hair this way, and I find it appropriate in every way.
Go natural anyway!  Prepare yourself mentally for these persons. Prepare your words appropriately for these persons. Teach your self to ignore these persons and seek the counsel of your parents as necessary, if you are in the school system.
And do it anyway!

author: Matthew Hunte


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Massive Fire Hits Treasured Moscow Library · Global Voices
Darya Vakulenko

Screen capture from video of the fire at the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Scientific Information on Social Sciences library. January 30, 2015. YouTube.
A fire at one of Moscow's largest libraries raged for 27 hours this past weekend, destroying over a million books. The blaze began in the evening on Friday, January 30, and wasn't fully extinguished until just before midnight the next day. The site of the fire was the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Scientific Information on Social Sciences, known by its acronym “INION.”
According to radio station Echo of Moscow, a large portion of INION's total collection, including rare Slavic texts dating back to the 16th century, is no more.
On Twitter, some joked that a massive “book burning” suits Russia's political climate, which critics sometimes compare to the totalitarian states of the 20th century:
СИМВОЛИЧНО для самой “читающей” страны в мире \\Горит библиотека Академии наук России pic.twitter.com/ZbcxDeCrLv
— Саша_Северный (@Aleks_SPb) January 31, 2015
This is SYMBOLIC for a country that says it “reads” more than any other in the world. The Russian Academy of Sciences’ library is ablaze.
В Москве горит библиотека, чтобы не жечь книги в открытую, кремлевские фашисты решили имитировать пожар.
— Серый Кардинал (@slevo4kin) January 30, 2015
There's a library burning in Moscow. Kremlin-fascists decided to start a fire, so they don't have to burn the books in the open.
Another common joke involved allusions to the war in eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russian separatists are widely suspected of benefiting from military aid and assistance sent by Moscow:
По предварительным данным, библиотека ИНИОН в Москве сгорела после обстрела артиллерией ВСУ pic.twitter.com/dV1qRlKM1v
— Тролль-каратель (@trollgnet) January 31, 2015
According to preliminary data, the Moscow library caught fire after a Ukrainian artillery strike.
Others on Twitter quip that the destruction of so much reading material—thought by many to represent the antidote to excessive television consumption and the “brainwashing” that accompanies it—might drive even more people to their TV sets:
В Москве горит библиотека Российской академии наук. 13,5 млн книг. Ну значит ещё больше телевизор будут смотреть pic.twitter.com/KBGa9IPG95
— РБ головного мозга (@belamova) January 30, 2015
The Russian Academy of Sciences’ library is on fire in Moscow. 13.5 million books. Well, I guess even more people will just watch television now.
Emergency workers were also active online, sharing photographs from the scene of the disaster, even while firefighters continued to battle the flames:
Внутри здания библиотеки ИНИОН сегодня. Фото сотрудника МЧС. pic.twitter.com/xjrcTYMxrA
— Открытая Россия (@openrussia_org) January 31, 2015
Inside the INION library today. Photos by emergency workers.
For those nostalgic for the days of Communism, the potential loss of historical archives was painful to consider:
Интересная #версия пожара в библиотеке #Москва.#библиотека #пожар #без_дна pic.twitter.com/R6riusSm9x
— tat_lis (@tat_lis) January 31, 2015
Here's an interesting take on the library fire. #Moscow #library #fire #NoEndInSight:
Though the fire was during a weekend, many remained glued to social media, likely demonstrating the great social significance for Russians of reading in general and this library in particular.
According to the latest reports, the blaze is believed to have destroyed 14.2 million written works—as much as 20 percent of INION's total collection. That's. Investigators have yet to determine the cause of the fire, but early evidence suggests faulty electrical wiring in the building.

author: Darya Vakulenko


text:
Stop the Music: Spotify Cancels Launch in Russia  · Global Voices
Sergey Kozlovsky

Images mixed by Tetyana Lokot.
Spotify, one of the biggest online music streaming services in the world, has canceled its launch in Russia, citing economic hardships and the new draconian Internet legislation.
The Sweden-based music streaming service, currently serving over 60 million users, had initially planned to launch in Russia in October 2014, but postponed the launch until the beginning of 2015 after it failed to reach an agreement with local mobile providers.
Spotify is bowing out of Russia “for [the] foreseeable future,” according to an RBC report that quotes Alexander Kubaneishvili, the former Google executive who was hired to head the Russian Spotify office. In a letter to partners, he said the reasons for Spotify's change of course were “the economic crisis, the political situation, and the new laws governing the Internet.” Kubaneishvili himself would also be leaving the company, he wrote.
Although most news outlets covering the story point to the worsening economic conditions in Russia, Spotify, like other Internet companies, has much to fear from the new data localization law, which requires Internet businesses to store the personal data of Russian users within the country’s borders. As a cloud-based service, Spotify simply cannot work the way the Russian authorities expect it to, so that “Russians’ data is stored in Russia and Swedes’ data is stored in Sweden,” a source within the company explained to RBC.
Spotify is the latest in a series of international companies who have scaled back their plans for Russia amid the growing economic crisis and a political standoff with the West. In December 2014 Google said it was closing its engineering headquarters in Russia in response to the data storage law, and in January 2015 Intel shut down its Russian-language developers forums, shielding itself from noncompliance with Russia's controversial blogger law.

author: Sergey Kozlovsky


text:
The Collapse of Media Freedom in Bulgaria · Global Voices
Nevena Borisova

Word Press Freedom map 2014, by Reporters Without Borders.
The state of media freedom in Bulgaria was bad in 2013, according to Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index. But in 2014, the situation deteriorated even further. Over the course of just one year, the country plunged 13 places on the list. At number 100 out of 180, it is now last in the EU, falling well below neighboring countries such as Hungary (64) and Serbia (54).
After a turbulent period marked by mass protests and political tension surrounding parliamentary elections, this record dive towards the bottom of the list has raised concerns within and outside the country.
The World Press Freedom report indicates that several independent journalists, many of them investigative reporters, faced serious threats from both government and non-state actors.
Gerard Choppe, president of the Swiss branch of Reporters Without Borders, saw the concentration of ownership and lack of transparency in the media industry as the biggest obstacles to media freedom in Bulgaria. He summarized this “bad news” at a press conference where he issued the following diagnosis:
“България е лош пример по отношение на свободата на медиите.В разговор с български журналисти, те съобщават, че има много цинизъм, много автоцензура и силна липса на надежда. Симптомите не са никак добри. Журналистиката е огледало на обществото, следователно има още много какво да се направи. Дали трябва да се губи надежда и да се примирим – убеден съм, че не бива, нещата могат и ще се подобрят. В това отношение много може да помогне журналистическата солидарност”, каза Чоп. Самият той е бил дългогодишен главен редактор на швейцарското обществено радио, а сега е медиен консултант и се занимава с оценка на качеството на швейцарските медии”.
Bulgaria is a bad example in terms of media freedom. When one talks with Bulgarian journalists, they state there is a lot of cynism, much self-censorship and a strong lack of hope. The symptoms are not good at all. Journalism is a mirror of society, therefore there is a lot more to be done. Should we lose hope and put up with it? I am sure we should not and also that the situation might get better. In that regard, journalistic solidarity could help to a large extent.
At the same conference, Asen Yordanov, a member of the independent news site Bivol in Bulgaria, spoke about the process of monopolization and buying of media that began after Bulgaria's accession to the EU. An investigative journalist who focuses mainly on corruption in the judicial system, Yordanov pointed to Corporate Commercial Bank (KTB), a private lender that played a significant role in monopolization and then declared bankruptcy in 2014. According to Yordanov and Darik Radio journalist Prolet Velkova, the bank had a significant influence on the media sector between 2011 and 2014.
In an interview with The Guardian, Bulgarian journalist Lada Trifonova described an incident that she says “encapsulates” much of the corruption and lack of transparency in Bulgaria's media sector today:
Reporters from the Franco-German television network ARTE were prevented from filming a property owned by one of Bulgaria's richest and most contentious politicians, the oligarch and media owner, Delyan Peevski.
His security guards and police subjected the journalists to unnecessary identity checks. Meanwhile, the Bulgarian video operator – who was hired by ARTE from a local TV channel – was phoned by his boss and ordered to delete the footage.
On June 14, 2013, a parliamentary vote to appoint Peevski to head the country's National Security Agency triggered anti-government protests of thousands of people.
Trifonova, a former journalist and currently a post-doctoral scholar, has called on the EU to freeze funds intended for so-called “communication strategies”. She adds:
Four years ago, the then biggest foreign media owner in Bulgaria, the German conglomerate Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung (WAZ), sold off all its titles. Its director explained that it was retreating due to “widespread abuse of power” and “the close intertwining of oligarchs and political power, which is poisoning the market”.
In subsequent years, the country's largest media organisation, the New Bulgarian Media Group (NBMG), was supposedly owned by Irena Krasteva, mother of Delyan Peevski.
Deutsche Welle Bulgaria also published an article with the headline “The big plunge” that included several quotes from lawyer Alexander Kashamov and political scientist Parvan Simeonov, in which Kashamov claimed that the controversial appointment of Delyan Peevski was one of the key reasons that Reporters Without Borders gave Bulgarian media freedom such a low rating in 2014. He also added that the protests have raised public trust in social networks as a “communication substitute” for traditional media.
Caricature of the Bulgarian far-right politician Volen Siderov and media by Christo Komarnitzki, used with permission
The daily analytic website E-vestnik is among those online media that are critical towards media dependency trends and government influence over journalists’ work. In one of its analyses of the Bulgarian media, the online daily made collages of the front pages of a popular daily newspaper which published portraits of Prime Minister Boyko Borisov for several days in a row along with puff pieces of Borisov and his government.
Due to their objective and non-commercial line, many independent media earn little money from advertising, but still have a small and steady audience, mostly of people who search for alternative sources of information.
According to Simeonov, the media space has since been fragmented into “camps” that have tried to shed any influence and tone of Bulgaria's politics and systems of yesteryear. He further concluded:
В България липсва доверие към публичността. Налице е презумпцията, че всичко е платено или може да се купи. Дефицитът на морал е повсеместен. Това твърдение се отнася и за политиците, и за медиите, и за хората, които коментират политика, за всички, които имат допир с тях. “Свободата” на изразяване в българските медии достига абсурдни измерения.
In Bulgaria there is a lack of trust towards publicity. One has the presumption that everything is paid or that it could be paid. The moral deficit is [present] on a mass scale. This refers to the politics, as well for the media and people who comment on the politics, for everyone who had any interaction with those media. The “freedom” of speech in the Bulgarian media reached absurd dimensions.
Despite the current outlook, there may still remain a light at the end of the tunnel in 2015 — while decline can be endless, so can improvement.

author: Nevena Borisova