Hyperlocal News & Opinion Around the World

Japan: Tsunami Strikes Coast, Leaves Nothing in Wake

Global Voices 2 years ago Region: Japan

Written by Chris Salzberg Following the country's largest earthquake in recorded history, Japan is being hit by it's most ferocious tsunami. People across the country are glued to their TV screens as scenes of a tsunami measuring more than 7 meters in height sweeping away cars and buildings flashes across the news. Meanwhile, other parts of the world are bracing for the worst, with Hawaii ordering an evacuation of coastal areas and warnings issued in at least other 20 countries. The ... more

In Guatemala, First Lady Announces Her Candidacy for President

Global Voices 2 years ago Region: Guatemala

Renata Avila, Global Voices Intolerance was exhibited through social media when the President's wife, Sandra Torres, announced she will lead the official party in the run for the Presidency. But these comments are not new; words of disapproval and hate by her critics were spread long before she announced her candidacy. On Facebook there are at least two pages directed against Torres: one for people who hate Sandra Torres [es] and another page for those that reject her candidacy [es] &nd... more

Libya: “Breaking News: Gaddafi is Lying”

Global Voices 2 years ago Region: Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

Written by John Liebhardt Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Al Gaddafi spoke for more than three hours on state television Wednesday, March 2, denying that anti-government protesters and members of the military were mobilizing against his regime. Instead the dictator, who has been in power for four decades, blamed Islamic terror groups, foreign nations with colonial aspirations and the international media for creating stories about the Libya's descent into chaos. “I dare you to f... more

In Libya, Gaddafi Defiant "People who don't love me don't deserve to live”

Global Voices 2 years ago Region: Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

Written by Amira Al Hussaini Libyan dictator Muammar Al Gaddafi allegedly addressed supporters in Tripoli's Green Square, promising more gloom and doom to people protesting against his rule. In his latest speech, broadcast today on Libyan TV, Gaddafi called on Libyans to defend their country, adding that he would burn it if people don't defend him. “I'm in central Tripoli now,” he said. “The people who don't love me don't deserve to live,” he added, as more top Lib... more

Obama Speaks on Libya, Tweeps Heckle

Global Voices 2 years ago Region: Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

Written by Amira Al Hussaini United States President Barack Obama broke his silence on Libya in a speech at the White House on Wednesday, but his words did little to satisfy the listening masses on Twitter who for the most heckled the president in tweets throughout the speech. Without mentioning Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi by name, Obama condemned the violence unleashed on Libyans since anti-government protests began on the night of February 16 (#Feb17) and offered condol... more

In China, Playing Revolution on Twitter

Global Voices 2 years ago Region: China

Written by John Kennedy Have the Chinese caught the freedom flu, or is China's Jasmine Revolution a bunch of amplified wishful thinking spread almost exclusively on Twitter? Why was everything posted on Twitter? Why is there no leadership? Numerous arrests have been made, computers and cellphones seized and, already, charges of state subversion have been laid. Other questions floating around: Was the original anonymous Boxun post part of an elaborate sting operation aimed at silencing tho... more

In Bahrain, Jailed Blogger Ali Abdulemam Free

Global Voices 2 years ago Region: Bahrain

Written by Amira Al Hussaini Jailed Bahraini blogger Ali Abdulemam is finally free. The news was welcomed by netizens from around the world, as tweeps posted pictures of a smiling Ali being greeted by family and friends. Ali, the administrator of a popular online forum Bahrain Online (blocked in Bahrain) was arrested at the beginning of September, during a crackdown on opposition figures, which saw up to 250 people arrested, starting from August. Charges against them kept changing ... more

In Bahrain, Loyalty to the Martyrs

Global Voices 2 years ago Region: Bahrain

Written by: Yacoub Al-Slaise Since Saturday, anti government protesters have been protesting peacefully and freely at Pearl (Lulu) Roundabout. Today marked the eighth day of Bahrain's Day of Wrath protests, as Bahrain's opposition parties organized a mass march from Bahrain Mall to Pearl (Lulu) Roundabout as a sign of loyalty to the eight fallen martyrs from the protests. @ba7ari Anti gov protesters heading to Lulu sq, more to come #bahrain #feb14 #eu #hrw #un #gcc #gulf #uae ... more

In Kenya, Bloggers React To WikiLeaks Cables

Global Voices 2 years ago Region: Kenya

By Collins Mbalo Kenyans celebrated their 47th year since becoming a Republic on Sunday December 12, 2010.The speeches by the leadership including the Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki , Prime Minister Raila Odinga and the Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka of the coalition Government were marked by terse and scathing statements against the American Ambassador to Kenya Michael E.Ranneberger due to the latest rounds of WikiLeaks cables emanating from the American Embassy... more

Morocco: War on Press Continues

Global Voices 3 years ago Region: Morocco

The Moroccan authorities are ratcheting up their attacks on independent journalists. A week rarely passes without the authorities hitting hard on the press for alleged infractions, cracking down on printed as well as online media. Press freedom watchdogs like Reporters Without Borders judge the situation of Press freedom in the country now as “difficult,” condemning a “judicial system [that] deploys an arsenal of sanctions designed to intimidate and financial... more