The Committee to Protect Journalists, CPJ names the worst online oppressors. Burma leads the dishonor roll. Booming online cultures in many Asian and Middle Eastern nations have led to aggressive government repression.
“10 Worst Countries to be a Blogger” also identifies a number of countries in the Middle East and Asia where Internet penetration has blossomed and government repression has grown in response.
Relying on a mix of detentions, regulations, and intimidation, authorities in Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Egypt have emerged as the leading online oppressors in the Middle East and North Africa. China and Vietnam, where burgeoning blogging cultures have encountered extensive monitoring and restriction, are among Asia’s worst blogging nations. Cuba and Turkmenistan, nations where Internet access is heavily restricted, round out the dishonor roll.
Read more, click here
by Ming Kuok, LIM
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Croatia to Extend Witness and Victim Support
Recently, Croatian government officials created a new system that would better protect witnesses of crimes. This initiative would improve the legal system and the nation's confidence in the legal system. This change has indirect yet significant consequences to the media systems. With any improvements in the legal system, improvements on the freedom of the media and journalists is sure to improve as well.
The problems for witnesses first emerged during a trial for Croatian military personnel. Because people refused to testify in the case, the legal system saw the need to improve their protection, in order to ensure fair trial and the conviction of those who have committed crimes and who are guilty.
This problem was address with advances in technology. This technology allowed the legal system to change their ways and truly make improvements. This advancement in technology can also correlate to the advancement in technologies that allowed blogging to occur. Blogs and things like facebook, have created new openings in technology, media and even in the court of law. These improvements show significant change in the Croatian culture, and with that change the advancement of freedom in these areas will improve as well.
Jennifer McKenzie
CROATIA
The problems for witnesses first emerged during a trial for Croatian military personnel. Because people refused to testify in the case, the legal system saw the need to improve their protection, in order to ensure fair trial and the conviction of those who have committed crimes and who are guilty.
This problem was address with advances in technology. This technology allowed the legal system to change their ways and truly make improvements. This advancement in technology can also correlate to the advancement in technologies that allowed blogging to occur. Blogs and things like facebook, have created new openings in technology, media and even in the court of law. These improvements show significant change in the Croatian culture, and with that change the advancement of freedom in these areas will improve as well.
Jennifer McKenzie
CROATIA
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Aung San Suu Kyi receives support internationally
Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma's most well-known political prisoner, has been on house arrest for the past 19-years. She is now receiving international support from Philippine's President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Arroyo met with Burma's prime minister, Thein Sein, last week in Thailand for the regional summit. There seems to be positive consideration for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi according to the Philippine Foreign Affairs Department. President Arroyo urges the Burmese government to release Suu Kyi because it "would create 'tremendous goodwill' for Burma internationally.
Bayyina Black
Burma
Bayyina Black
Burma
Obama concerned about US-Iranian journalist
President Barack Obama expressed that he is “deeply concerned" for the safety of US-Iranian journalist, Roxana Saberi, who officials claimed to be a US spy and was sentenced to eight years in Tehran’s prison.
"I have complete confidence that she was not engaging in any sort of espionage," said Obama to reporters in Trinidad where he attended a regional summit April 19.
"Please take the necessary measures to ensure that the process of examining the charges against the aforementioned individuals are being carried out carefully and fairness, justice and regulations are observed," Obama wrote in a letter to prosecutors.
"Please, personally observe the process to ensure that the defendants are allowed all legal rights and freedom in defending themselves and that their rights are not violated even by one iota," reported Iranian official government news agency Irna.
By Eka Obaigbena
Group: Iran
"I have complete confidence that she was not engaging in any sort of espionage," said Obama to reporters in Trinidad where he attended a regional summit April 19.
"Please take the necessary measures to ensure that the process of examining the charges against the aforementioned individuals are being carried out carefully and fairness, justice and regulations are observed," Obama wrote in a letter to prosecutors.
"Please, personally observe the process to ensure that the defendants are allowed all legal rights and freedom in defending themselves and that their rights are not violated even by one iota," reported Iranian official government news agency Irna.
By Eka Obaigbena
Group: Iran
Berlusconi's character questioned
This blog is in response to Berlusconi's behavior with other world leaders in front of the press. While talking with group members today, one of them mentioned seeing him leave German Chancellor Angela Merkel standing when he arrived at the second day of the Nato summit on April 4th. He was there to take a photo with her, but arrived on the phone and left her standing for close to 15 minutes. While looking for something to blog about I came across the video, but not before also finding many other examples of him acting out in front of world leaders.
For instance, I found an article about him shouting to get President Obama's attention at a reception with world leaders at the G20 summit. It was rumored that his behavior offended the Queen of England. The article also mentioned that he was criticized for referring to Obama as "young, handsome and tanned" in November. Berlusconi defended his remark about Obama being "tan," saying that he ment it as a compliment, referring to a song about having to be tan to be attractive.
And also at last year's summit, he was filmed playing "hide and seek" with Chancellor Merkel, as he hid behind a large column when she walked past.
I think these are prime examples of the ways in which Berlusconi may be a powerful leader in Italy, but acts like a child in in front of the rest of the world. His character is definitely something to be questioned, as it seems many world leaders are not amused by his antics. How can anyone respect a leader when he proves his immaturity over and over again.
-Jessica Perry
Italy
For instance, I found an article about him shouting to get President Obama's attention at a reception with world leaders at the G20 summit. It was rumored that his behavior offended the Queen of England. The article also mentioned that he was criticized for referring to Obama as "young, handsome and tanned" in November. Berlusconi defended his remark about Obama being "tan," saying that he ment it as a compliment, referring to a song about having to be tan to be attractive.
And also at last year's summit, he was filmed playing "hide and seek" with Chancellor Merkel, as he hid behind a large column when she walked past.
I think these are prime examples of the ways in which Berlusconi may be a powerful leader in Italy, but acts like a child in in front of the rest of the world. His character is definitely something to be questioned, as it seems many world leaders are not amused by his antics. How can anyone respect a leader when he proves his immaturity over and over again.
-Jessica Perry
Italy
Low Ratings call for wake up
Recent downgrades by international ratings agencies reflect economic and political risks in Thailand. As a result businesses, especially those with weak financial status, need to do more to prepare funding plans for their long-term investments, according to Kasikorn Research Center.
The market has partially absorbed economic risk over almost the past four years, but Thailand has been facing protracted political tension as well.
In December last year, five international rating agencies: S&P, Fitch, Rating & Investment Information (R&I), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) and Moody's Investors Service downgraded the country's rating outlook from stable to negative though they maintained the overall sovereign ratings.
However, in the medium or long term, increasing financial costs might affect businesses operations and funding plans for new investments by the private sector. As a result, businesses should prepare early based on the assumption that credit ratings would not be upgraded.
Nice to finally see something in the news that we did a lot of studying on. Hopefully Thailand can bounce back and pull themselves up on the ratings.
Mary Baumer (Thailand)
The market has partially absorbed economic risk over almost the past four years, but Thailand has been facing protracted political tension as well.
In December last year, five international rating agencies: S&P, Fitch, Rating & Investment Information (R&I), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) and Moody's Investors Service downgraded the country's rating outlook from stable to negative though they maintained the overall sovereign ratings.
However, in the medium or long term, increasing financial costs might affect businesses operations and funding plans for new investments by the private sector. As a result, businesses should prepare early based on the assumption that credit ratings would not be upgraded.
Nice to finally see something in the news that we did a lot of studying on. Hopefully Thailand can bounce back and pull themselves up on the ratings.
Mary Baumer (Thailand)
Italy: Day of Grief
After April 10th Thursday evening’s after shock of the earthquake, rescue workers discovered 2 more victims, a mother of 53 yrs. and her daughter of 18 yrs. In Corriere della Sera, Berlusconi announced his sorrow for those who lost loved ones during the earthquake. “I want to thank the residents of Abruzzo for their composure and their demonstration of public spirit. It is a lesson for all Italians. Today, their dead are the dead of the entire nation”. Berlusconi expects to ask the European Commission for funds between 400 to 500 million euros over three years. The Prime Minister said, “I want to thank the residents of Abruzzo for their composure and their demonstration of public spirit. It is a lesson for all Italians. Today, their dead are the dead of the entire nation”. He wants to restore Italy back from its ruins.
Italy- Sun Kim
The Internet and State Control in Authoritarian Regimes: China, Cuba, and the Counterrevolution
Many authoritarian regimes translate a long and successful history of control over other information and communication technologies into strong control of Internet development within their borders. Potential challenges to the state may arise from Internet use in several areas: the mass public, civil society, the economy, and the international community. Authoritarian states will likely respond to these challenges with a variety of reactive measures: restricting Internet access, filtering content, monitoring on-line behavior, or even prohibiting Internet use entirely. In addition, such states seek to extend central control through proactive strategies, guiding the development of the medium to promote their own interests and priorities. Through a combination of reactive and proactive strategies, an authoritarian regime can counter the challenges posed by Internet use and even utilize the Internet to extend its reach and authority.
In this paper we illustrate how two authoritarian regimes, China and Cuba, are maintaining control over the Internet’s political impact through different combinations of reactive and proactive strategies. These cases illustrate that, contrary to assumptions, different types of authoritarian regimes may be able to control and profit from the Internet. Examining the experiences of these two countries may help to shed light on other authoritarian regimes’ strategies for Internet development, as well as help to develop generalizable conclusions about the impact of the Internet on authoritarian rule.
CHINA ( MIN-SUK KIM)
In this paper we illustrate how two authoritarian regimes, China and Cuba, are maintaining control over the Internet’s political impact through different combinations of reactive and proactive strategies. These cases illustrate that, contrary to assumptions, different types of authoritarian regimes may be able to control and profit from the Internet. Examining the experiences of these two countries may help to shed light on other authoritarian regimes’ strategies for Internet development, as well as help to develop generalizable conclusions about the impact of the Internet on authoritarian rule.
CHINA ( MIN-SUK KIM)
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Croatia: British Gov. vs. Croatia
The attack on Ivo Pukanic, controversial editor of Croatia's Nacional newspaper, and several other attacks on prominent figures have led the British government to warn visitors of Croatia this summer to beware of organized crime. Travel advice for Croatia posted on the website of Britain's Foreign and Commonwealth Office states, "There is an underlying threat from terrorism and organised crime in Croatia. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers." In response, a BBC article claims, "Croatia is cursed by crime ad corruption."
Of course, Croatia is not pleased.
Croatian officials are especially distraught over potential effects on the rapidly approaching summer tourist season (tourism generates almost 20% of the country's gross domestic product). Dubravko Novak, a secretary at the interior minister's office, even went as far to say that the article had been purposely published just before the summer tourist season. Though this may seem unfounded, some believe that the warning may have been provoked by Croatia's lifting of visa restriction on the citizens of Russia and the Ukraine, "since many people consider residents of those two countries to be actual or potential criminals."
--Ellen Leto
Of course, Croatia is not pleased.
Croatian officials are especially distraught over potential effects on the rapidly approaching summer tourist season (tourism generates almost 20% of the country's gross domestic product). Dubravko Novak, a secretary at the interior minister's office, even went as far to say that the article had been purposely published just before the summer tourist season. Though this may seem unfounded, some believe that the warning may have been provoked by Croatia's lifting of visa restriction on the citizens of Russia and the Ukraine, "since many people consider residents of those two countries to be actual or potential criminals."
--Ellen Leto
Economic Crisis affects on Croatia
The Croatian government was criticized by Croatian Telecom CEO Ivica Mudrinic for its lack of vision and strategy to get Croatia out of the current economic crisis. According to an article in Croatia's Nacional Mudrinic gave an interview to Business.hr about stating how he accused the government of inactivity, lack of strategy for the recession and inability to carry out the necessary reforms. This criticism by Mudrinic, who is not only a top member in a Croatian company, but also member of the ruling party and minister in HDZ government in the 90s, is very rare.
In another article from the IMF explained how The IMF met with Croatian authorities and discussed the recent global and domestic developments and policies needed to preserve macroeconomic and financial stability. The article reported that "However, no economy can remain fully immune to the turmoil [that has evolved into the greatest global economic crisis in 60 years]." It is explained that priority should be given to preserving financial stability. Liquidity conditions should also remain under control. This revised budget, adopted in early April also pushes for tight control over spending and improvements in tax administration as well. Further specifics of the budget can be found in the article itself. Over all the IMF was "grateful to the authorities and its other interlocutors for the open discussions, excellent cooperation, and warm hospitality."
-Lindsey Nass
Croatia
Thailand PM calls State of Emergency
On Friday April 17th Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva issued a state of emergency and said he "would hold an investigation on the assassination attempt of a prominent protest leader Sondhi," as the political crises continues.
It is unlikely that Thailand will be returning to normal, in Bangkok and the surrounding areas, any time soon. The street battles that left two dead on Monday and 100 or more wounded only continues to escalate. Early this morning media mogul, Sondhi Limthongkul, founder of the movement that toppled the previous government, known as the People’s Alliance for Democracy, or PAD, was attacked. According to local witnesses, an unidentified truck began shooting Sondhi’s vehicle with automatic weapons around 5 a.m when Sondhi was heading to work. With more than 100 bullets shot at his car, Sondhi escaped alive with a shot at his shoulder and one bullet surgically removed from his skull.
The week of violent protest of the “red shirts,” supporters of formers Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Battlefield ended when the remaining 3,000 surrendered to the government on Tuesday morning. For now the “yellow shirts,” PAD supporters have remained silent. "As far as I know, at this time we won't move yet. The leaders have said we will move when it is the right time," said Pattama Deemee, a 48-year-old Bangkok business owner and PAD supporter. "In my opinion this is the beginning of underground activity meant to make us feel unsafe. This is a hard game for Abhisit and the Thai people. We will never know what will happen next." Sondhi's PAD movement has been instrumental in toppling two Thaksin-aligned governments, most recently in late 2008. Oddly, Sondhi and Thaksin are former business partners and, according to reports, onetime friends.
“Thaksin, a billionaire telecom tycoon who is in hiding after being sentenced to jail on corruption charges, has given a spate of interviews in international media in recent days. He has called for a "people's revolution" to overthrow the Abhisit government and has also promised to return to Thailand,” according to the Los Angels Times world report.
By Lisa Schaffer
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
China debut's 2-year human rights action plan
China recently issued a two-year human rights action plan. This is a monumental step for the Communist government of China, as well as for its citizens. China is a country known for denying basic rights to its citizens and also repressing some of their freedoms.
The human rights action plan promises to raise China's living standards, and "gives priority to the protection of the people's rights to subsistence and development." Another important issue is the fact that the plan calls for the creation of a state-level office to deal with issues and complaints, and allows the people of China to directly send their complaints via e-mail, letter or fax to the Chinese government.
Many Human rights groups and citizens are praising China's new plan, however Si-si Liu, a Hong-Kong based researcher for Amnesty International, says the plan has serious flaws. "It fails to address key areas where there are serious, ongoing violations of human rights," such as the "re-education through labor" system, in which the government sends people to prisonlike camps for up to four years without a trial, Liu said. "We urge China to do more," she said.
Positive and negative criticism of the plan is a great sign that many groups and individuals are committed to facilitating change within China. However the bottom line is that China's historically strict and powerful government needs to take decisive action with regards to the plan and be fully committed to progress if there will ever be change within China.
-Jacob Gluckman
The human rights action plan promises to raise China's living standards, and "gives priority to the protection of the people's rights to subsistence and development." Another important issue is the fact that the plan calls for the creation of a state-level office to deal with issues and complaints, and allows the people of China to directly send their complaints via e-mail, letter or fax to the Chinese government.
Many Human rights groups and citizens are praising China's new plan, however Si-si Liu, a Hong-Kong based researcher for Amnesty International, says the plan has serious flaws. "It fails to address key areas where there are serious, ongoing violations of human rights," such as the "re-education through labor" system, in which the government sends people to prisonlike camps for up to four years without a trial, Liu said. "We urge China to do more," she said.
Positive and negative criticism of the plan is a great sign that many groups and individuals are committed to facilitating change within China. However the bottom line is that China's historically strict and powerful government needs to take decisive action with regards to the plan and be fully committed to progress if there will ever be change within China.
-Jacob Gluckman
Monday, April 13, 2009
Twitter aids Russian revolt
Demonstrators recently took to the streets in the Chisinau region capital, Moldova, last week in protest of the “Communist Party’s suspiciously large electoral victory a few days earlier,” according to Newsweek. This event has raised questions as to whether the once Romanian-turned Russian region could launch an anti-Communist revolution on the scale of Georgia and the Ukraine.
The student organized protest, which brought out more than 10,000 people to the main square, was organized through the use of social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter. While the protests started out peaceful on Monday, organized by a young Russian journalist, they quickly became violent by Tuesday and escaladed Friday, as more radical twitter protesters took to the streets.
As a part of the “Twitter revolution,” the tools are being used by young people in the region, specifically the capital of Moldovan, to express their discontent and interact with others sharing these counter-Communist ideas. “’Omg I feel so sick that I am living in Moldova back to the ussr,’ read one of the thousands of Twitter posts labeled with the tag #pman,’ shorthand for the Romanian name of Chisnau’s largest square.” Protesters organized by the #pman stream stated that the government would use the threat of a Romanian coup as an excuse for illegal arrests, according to Spiegel Online International.
Jenn Lynch
Team Russia
The student organized protest, which brought out more than 10,000 people to the main square, was organized through the use of social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter. While the protests started out peaceful on Monday, organized by a young Russian journalist, they quickly became violent by Tuesday and escaladed Friday, as more radical twitter protesters took to the streets.
As a part of the “Twitter revolution,” the tools are being used by young people in the region, specifically the capital of Moldovan, to express their discontent and interact with others sharing these counter-Communist ideas. “’Omg I feel so sick that I am living in Moldova back to the ussr,’ read one of the thousands of Twitter posts labeled with the tag #pman,’ shorthand for the Romanian name of Chisnau’s largest square.” Protesters organized by the #pman stream stated that the government would use the threat of a Romanian coup as an excuse for illegal arrests, according to Spiegel Online International.
Jenn Lynch
Team Russia
Obama set to visit Mexico
An LA Times article, urges Obama to focus his efforts when he visits Mexico later this week. In addition to military expenditures, there are hopes that he concentrates on the drug proble. It was quoted, "It does no good to capture drug kingpins if they don't go to jail. During 2008, only one out of every 10 suspects arrested in Mexico for drug offenses was convicted, according to official statistics. In Chihuahua, one of the bloodiest states in the country, only 1,621 out of the 5,674 suspects arrested over the last 12 months have even had to stand trial, because of the weakness of the prosecutors' cases."
The solution was dubbed as "effective instiution -building" by cracking down on the justice system and giving it a complete overhaul. I think that's a good solution. Obviously the problem is not minor and tweak here or there will not fix it. A complete restructuring of the justice system needs to be done. It is transparent that criminals are not scared of the system and know that they will get away with anything. Fear needs to be invoked in them.
By: Urja Dave (Mexico)
The solution was dubbed as "effective instiution -building" by cracking down on the justice system and giving it a complete overhaul. I think that's a good solution. Obviously the problem is not minor and tweak here or there will not fix it. A complete restructuring of the justice system needs to be done. It is transparent that criminals are not scared of the system and know that they will get away with anything. Fear needs to be invoked in them.
By: Urja Dave (Mexico)
Economic crisis in Iran makes Sun newspaper close
The economic crisis is not just affected the U.S. but all around the globe, and is especially putting a damper in the newsrooms in Iran. The crisis has brought this daily to extinction only 6 months after being released.
The closure of the sun, also known as Khorshid began with a mass amount of journalists residing, which dropped sales drastically. Khorshid was launched in October by one of Ahmadinejad's aides. It is based on a populist mix of human interest, entertainment and sports with minimal political news. The predicted sale amount was 200,000 and was planning on that number rising well into the future. Circulation dropped to 60,000 after plans to expand the daily from 24 to 36 full-color pages, but because of the sale drop, it went from 24 to 16 pages. The new theme of the upcoming year in Iran has been said to cut consumption, as the country tries to cope with this recession.
- Amanda Reinstein (IRAN)
Russia Buys Spy Drones From Israel
Russia has purchased unmanned "reconnaissance drones" from an Israeli company. The deal is said to have been made because of Russia's outdated and inferior equipment currently in use.
According to the AFP, "Moscow began shopping for foreign unmanned aircraft after last year's war in Georgia. Defence analysts say Georgia made effective use of its Israeli drones in the conflict, while Russia's home-made drones turned out to be inferior."
The Russian military has admitted that the spy aircraft made in their own country is not as effective as those manufactured in other countries, and, according to United Press International, "that the purchase was designed 'to show our industry what it is,' RIA Novosti said."
The Israeli company which sold the crafts was not specified by the Russian defense minister, but was named in reports to be either Israel Aerospace Industries or Israel Aircraft Industries.
The drones, which are used by the military for surveillance, require no pilot aboard to fly. To learn about what the drones do, check out wikipedia's article.
by Malerie Bickhart (team Russia)
According to the AFP, "Moscow began shopping for foreign unmanned aircraft after last year's war in Georgia. Defence analysts say Georgia made effective use of its Israeli drones in the conflict, while Russia's home-made drones turned out to be inferior."
The Russian military has admitted that the spy aircraft made in their own country is not as effective as those manufactured in other countries, and, according to United Press International, "that the purchase was designed 'to show our industry what it is,' RIA Novosti said."
The Israeli company which sold the crafts was not specified by the Russian defense minister, but was named in reports to be either Israel Aerospace Industries or Israel Aircraft Industries.
The drones, which are used by the military for surveillance, require no pilot aboard to fly. To learn about what the drones do, check out wikipedia's article.
by Malerie Bickhart (team Russia)
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Mexico Ambassador Says U.S. Fuels Drug Trade
This past Sunday on CBS's "Face the Nation," Mexico Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan said that weapons and money flowing from the U.S. into Mexico is helping fuel the violent drug trade taking place there.
"The key issue right now is how can the United States help to shut down those guns and shut down that bulk cash that is providing the drug syndicates in Mexico with the wherewithal to corrupt, to bribe, to kill," says Sarukhan.
With President Obama preparing to travel to Mexico this coming week Sarukhan is attributing 90% of the weapons in Mexico to the U.S. and also said the influx of guns is directly linked to the expiration of an assault-weapons ban in the U.S. in 2004.
The Obama adminstration said it has been taking several steps to provide more assistance to Mexico in its fight against drug violence, including providing more federal agents to try to stop gun smuggling.
Earlier in the month the U.S. and Mexico Attorney Generals met in hopes to discuss plans to stop the flow of illegal guns, weapons, and cash traveling between the two countries.
So far however, the U.S.'s efforts seem to be making no progress and alternative action will most likely need to be taken.
-Ashley Mickelwaite, Mexico
"The key issue right now is how can the United States help to shut down those guns and shut down that bulk cash that is providing the drug syndicates in Mexico with the wherewithal to corrupt, to bribe, to kill," says Sarukhan.
With President Obama preparing to travel to Mexico this coming week Sarukhan is attributing 90% of the weapons in Mexico to the U.S. and also said the influx of guns is directly linked to the expiration of an assault-weapons ban in the U.S. in 2004.
The Obama adminstration said it has been taking several steps to provide more assistance to Mexico in its fight against drug violence, including providing more federal agents to try to stop gun smuggling.
Earlier in the month the U.S. and Mexico Attorney Generals met in hopes to discuss plans to stop the flow of illegal guns, weapons, and cash traveling between the two countries.
So far however, the U.S.'s efforts seem to be making no progress and alternative action will most likely need to be taken.
-Ashley Mickelwaite, Mexico
China Blocks YouTube and Google remains Ambitious
China Blocks YouTube and Google remains Ambitious
Internet giant Google announced in late March that YouTube was blocked in China, the New York Times reported on March 24. According to the Xinhua news agency, a fabricated video depicting Tibetan being brutally beat by Chinese police after riots in the Tibetan Capital, Lhasa last year made by supporters of the Dalai Lama was to blame.
While China routinely blocks individual videos on YouTube, it is not common for the entire site to be disabled. It is speculated that the blocking of YouTube is in conjunction with China’s effort to heighten its Internet Censorship in recent months. The site also hosts videos about the Tienanmen Square protests and many other subjects that Chinese authorities find objectionable.
Despite this block, it is interesting to note that Google, just a few days later, on March 30, announced that it had begun to offer in China links to free music downloads, a service it does not offer anywhere else in the world. China is one of the few markets where Google is behind. A blockade of its video-sharing site will not deter the internet giant from market expansion in China.
China can do what it wants. The point is: it is too great an internet market. Profit/China wins.
Rachel Clement (China)
Internet giant Google announced in late March that YouTube was blocked in China, the New York Times reported on March 24. According to the Xinhua news agency, a fabricated video depicting Tibetan being brutally beat by Chinese police after riots in the Tibetan Capital, Lhasa last year made by supporters of the Dalai Lama was to blame.
While China routinely blocks individual videos on YouTube, it is not common for the entire site to be disabled. It is speculated that the blocking of YouTube is in conjunction with China’s effort to heighten its Internet Censorship in recent months. The site also hosts videos about the Tienanmen Square protests and many other subjects that Chinese authorities find objectionable.
Despite this block, it is interesting to note that Google, just a few days later, on March 30, announced that it had begun to offer in China links to free music downloads, a service it does not offer anywhere else in the world. China is one of the few markets where Google is behind. A blockade of its video-sharing site will not deter the internet giant from market expansion in China.
China can do what it wants. The point is: it is too great an internet market. Profit/China wins.
Rachel Clement (China)
Protester Detained & Role of Burma's Military in 2010 Elections
On March 27, 2009, a protester in Twate Township, Rangoon was arrested by police according to an observer (as reported in Mizzima News).
The protester, who is a private tutor named Aung Phe, was taken away by authorities after standing for over five hours outside of the National League for Democracy (NLD) office building. On-lookers reported that he did not shout or hold any signs. However, his presence was enough to elicit arrest.
This incident is just one of the numerous examples of how Burma's government (currently, the military junta) will crack down on any protesters, regardless of the level of their action. Under the threat of arrest and imprisonment, the leaders of the government are prohibiting free speech.
As the country of Burma looks ahead to the 2010 free democratic elections, the military is preparing to assist in making a "smooth transition to democracy," according to the Democratic Voice of Burma. The government's second in command, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, spoke to graduates of the Defense Services (Army) Officers Training School in Rangoon on April 10, 2009 (as reported by the Democratic Voice of Freedom). In his remarks, Maung Aye told the audience that the government is expecting a period of instability as the country transitions to democratic leadership. In 1990, free elections were held in Burma. Although the NLD won by an overwhelming amount, the residing government (the military junta) refused to relinquish their position. Since that election, Burma's constitution has been revised but without the imput of the NLD. In addition, according to the new constitution, the head of the NLD, Aung San Suu Kyi, is prohibited from running.
The comments of General Maung Aye give us an idea of what to expect from the future 2010 election. It does not seem as if much progress has been made toward democracy since 1990 because the NLD has been eliminated from the planning of the elections and prohibited to have their leader participate. The fact that the government is preparing their troops to control the public's anticipated reaction to the elections shows us that detainments and arrests such as the one on March 27 will probably continue to happen even if and when the democratic elections take place.
~ Sarah Popovich (Group: Burma)
The protester, who is a private tutor named Aung Phe, was taken away by authorities after standing for over five hours outside of the National League for Democracy (NLD) office building. On-lookers reported that he did not shout or hold any signs. However, his presence was enough to elicit arrest.
This incident is just one of the numerous examples of how Burma's government (currently, the military junta) will crack down on any protesters, regardless of the level of their action. Under the threat of arrest and imprisonment, the leaders of the government are prohibiting free speech.
As the country of Burma looks ahead to the 2010 free democratic elections, the military is preparing to assist in making a "smooth transition to democracy," according to the Democratic Voice of Burma. The government's second in command, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, spoke to graduates of the Defense Services (Army) Officers Training School in Rangoon on April 10, 2009 (as reported by the Democratic Voice of Freedom). In his remarks, Maung Aye told the audience that the government is expecting a period of instability as the country transitions to democratic leadership. In 1990, free elections were held in Burma. Although the NLD won by an overwhelming amount, the residing government (the military junta) refused to relinquish their position. Since that election, Burma's constitution has been revised but without the imput of the NLD. In addition, according to the new constitution, the head of the NLD, Aung San Suu Kyi, is prohibited from running.
The comments of General Maung Aye give us an idea of what to expect from the future 2010 election. It does not seem as if much progress has been made toward democracy since 1990 because the NLD has been eliminated from the planning of the elections and prohibited to have their leader participate. The fact that the government is preparing their troops to control the public's anticipated reaction to the elections shows us that detainments and arrests such as the one on March 27 will probably continue to happen even if and when the democratic elections take place.
~ Sarah Popovich (Group: Burma)
Iran's prisons and mistreatment of prisoners
The mistreatment of prisoners being held in corrections facilities all over the world is a problem that should not be over looked. In recent post we have seen how poorly the prisoners are treated in Iranian prisons; some situations become so bad it ultimately leads to death or sever illness. Iran's Evin prison is not notorious when it comes to mistreatment of prisoners, cover stories, and a lengthy wait for trial. In years past, there have been a number of Evin prisoners who have fallen victim to abuse and lack of medical treatment within the prison. For instance, in 2003 Iranian-Canadian photojournalist Zahra Kazemi was arrested for taking photographs in front of the prison; while incarcerated Zahra Kazemi died, the government claimed she died from a stroke, when in truth she was raped and murdered.
Roxana Saberi who has been locked up in the Evin prison for some time now has still not been charged and although she isn't showing signs of abuse (reports her father) many are worried for her well being.
Craig W.
Iran
Roxana Saberi who has been locked up in the Evin prison for some time now has still not been charged and although she isn't showing signs of abuse (reports her father) many are worried for her well being.
Craig W.
Iran
CROATIA: Serbian Misunderstanding on Genocide Remarks
On April 6th, Croatian president Stjepan Mesic was asked some very touchy questions about Croatia's intentions of resolving the lingering conclusion of the genocide lawsuit. The president was asked if there was a chance of withdrawal of the genocide case. President Mesic responded that the bilateral relationship between the two countries is "very good" and “discussions are being held about that, and we do not know what decision will be [reached] in the end”.
According to the article, Croatia first filed the lawsuit against the then Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in July of 1999; Serbia is the legal successor. The accusation? Genocide.
When a Serbian newspaper published the interview, the article stated that there was a possibility of Croatia withdrawing the case. President Mesic quickly responded to the article as inaccurate and that it (withdrawal) was out of the question.
Kelly Witmer
Croatia group
According to the article, Croatia first filed the lawsuit against the then Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in July of 1999; Serbia is the legal successor. The accusation? Genocide.
When a Serbian newspaper published the interview, the article stated that there was a possibility of Croatia withdrawing the case. President Mesic quickly responded to the article as inaccurate and that it (withdrawal) was out of the question.
Kelly Witmer
Croatia group
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva escapes with minor injuries.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday sustained minor injuries from attacks by a group of red-shirted protesters at the Interior Ministry, before narrowly escaping through a backdoor. In the attack four other men in his motorcade were also attacked. An unconfirmed report said Abhisit escaped from the compound through a backdoor and his motorcade was used as a decoy to keep the protesters inside the ministry. It is not immediately known how he sustained injuries to his arm. I think the current situation going on in Thailand is interesting, and will continue to keep an eye on it and see how it develops.
Zach DobbinThailand Group
China: Shutdowns and Sexual Frustrations
In the wake of many Press Freedom agencies releasing their first batch of 2009 country reports, China once again finds itself on the naughty list of internet-abusing nations, to put it lightly. In fact, an unknown militant group called Reporters Without Borders has placed China front an center in it's list of "Internet Enemies" nations.
As mentioned in earlier blog posts, 2009 marks many "sensitive" anniversaries of political events in China, and that has made the Chinese government and censors jumpy. Recently, a new wave of censorship and intimidation has occurred, including but not limited to:
-a nationwide blocking of YouTube because of a posted video showing a Tibetan monk being beaten to death
-a retired professor was beaten by thugs for going to the gravesite of a politically-shamed leader, while police looked on
- a social commentator's website is shut down after posting articles moderately critical of arbitrary detentions.
But now a new threat from China has emerged: due to the infamous "one-child policy" of China which encourages the birth of boys and the abortion of girls, experts predict that the Chinese male population will outnumber females by 32 million by the next generation. The Business Insider states that "a nation full of single males is bound to be dangerous and volatile, with a voracious desire to sublimate sexual frustration into bigger and bigger toys: guns and missiles."
Food for thought.
-Steve Kwan
As mentioned in earlier blog posts, 2009 marks many "sensitive" anniversaries of political events in China, and that has made the Chinese government and censors jumpy. Recently, a new wave of censorship and intimidation has occurred, including but not limited to:
-a nationwide blocking of YouTube because of a posted video showing a Tibetan monk being beaten to death
-a retired professor was beaten by thugs for going to the gravesite of a politically-shamed leader, while police looked on
- a social commentator's website is shut down after posting articles moderately critical of arbitrary detentions.
But now a new threat from China has emerged: due to the infamous "one-child policy" of China which encourages the birth of boys and the abortion of girls, experts predict that the Chinese male population will outnumber females by 32 million by the next generation. The Business Insider states that "a nation full of single males is bound to be dangerous and volatile, with a voracious desire to sublimate sexual frustration into bigger and bigger toys: guns and missiles."
Food for thought.
-Steve Kwan
Profile on Irani Blogger Omidreza Mirsayafi
Earlier, we reported on the death of Irani blogger Omidreza Mirsayafi, who in March became the first death of a blogger in Iran, a culmination of strife and friction between critical bloggers and the intimidating Irani regime. Now, more details on the life and death of this blogger have come to light.
What scares most analysts is that Mirsayafi was not a prominent blogger; in fact, he was far from it. The possibility for any Irani blogger to be captured without notice by the the Irani authorities has never been higher. From the article:
Mirsayafi started his blog in 2006 as an online diary chronicling Irani life and pop-culture. Eventually, he became interested in politics on his blog as well. Many say he crossed the line in a June 2007 post where he condemned the memory of the late Islamic Revolution leader Ayatollah Khomeini.
He was arrested on April 22, 2008 and eventually released on bail. In November, he was brought before the Revolutionary Court and sentenced to 30 months in jail. Though he was told he could remain free while he attempted to appeal the charges, he was picked up again in February of this year and remained in Tehran's notorious Evin Prison until his death on March 18 due to an overdose of prison-supplied tranquilizers.
What scares most analysts is that Mirsayafi was not a prominent blogger; in fact, he was far from it. The possibility for any Irani blogger to be captured without notice by the the Irani authorities has never been higher. From the article:
"Omidreza was just an ordinary blogger," said Farhad Moradian, an Iranian Jewish emigre to Israel who writes a blog from Tel Aviv. "This is the big alarm."
Mirsayafi started his blog in 2006 as an online diary chronicling Irani life and pop-culture. Eventually, he became interested in politics on his blog as well. Many say he crossed the line in a June 2007 post where he condemned the memory of the late Islamic Revolution leader Ayatollah Khomeini.
He was arrested on April 22, 2008 and eventually released on bail. In November, he was brought before the Revolutionary Court and sentenced to 30 months in jail. Though he was told he could remain free while he attempted to appeal the charges, he was picked up again in February of this year and remained in Tehran's notorious Evin Prison until his death on March 18 due to an overdose of prison-supplied tranquilizers.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Case closed: Russian journalist's cause of death, closed case
On topic with the theme of violence against journalists, an article in the New York Times clearly depicts an instance with the death of Russian journalist, Yuri Shchekochikhin. Shchekochikhin was poisoned in 2003, yet no evidence was found to back up the claim. Now, six years later, Russian prosecutors want to close the case. The deceased was the colleague of Anna Politkovskaya, the famous journalist who was shot in close range in her apartment building in October of 2007. It is extremely unfortunate that journalists, like Shchekochikhin and Politkovskaya have met ill fates for reporting on facts accurately in what Freedom House consider’s to be a “not free” country. This reoccurring theme has left more than 21 reporters killed and Russian authorities doing minimal to protect the reporters.
By Rachel Rovner (Russia)
Anna Politkovskaya
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