Global Voices Digest

Macau: Netizen charged for reporting on Bank Run

A school teacher passed through a bank in Macau where a group of people were trying to withdraw all their money in fear of the financial crisis. At home, he wrote his brief reflections on what he saw in an online forum, only to be charged by the police for “fabricating dangerous information”, and later to be sued by the bank for criminal libel.

Ecuador: Residents Mourn the Death of Chelito the Giraffe

Ecuador is well-known for its biodiversity and boasts many species of interesting plants and animals. However, there is one beloved animal that is not native to the country, and residents of Loja are mourning its recent death. A giraffe named “Chelito” was found dead near his pen in the Loja zoo. One of the region’s most recognizable tourist attractions, Chelito was the only giraffe in Ecuador and was proud symbol for residents of all ages.

India-USA Relationship Enters A New Era

Earlier this month the US government lifted its 30 year moratorium on nuclear trade with India. US President Bush signed a bill that allows US assistance to India’s civilian nuclear energy program and in return India will allow its nuclear facilities for inspection by International Atomic Energy Association.

Georgia: Peace Corps Volunteer Blogs

Although Georgia was not the first country in the South Caucasus where the U.S. Peace Corps started working, it was until recently the most active in terms of blogs. However, the situation has changed considerably since war with Russia saw volunteers evacuated to Armenia with no prospect for return.

Korea: Hangeul Proclamation Day

On the 9th of October, the day to celebrate the creation of the Korean writing system [Hangeul] returned. Since it was canceled as a national holiday, every year there has been a voice arguing that it should be made again as a national holiday, so that people can recognize the importance of the birth of the Korean alphabet. More emphasis on English in Korean society raises netizens’ concerns and opinions about the anniversary this year.

Guyana: EPA – To Sign or Not To Sign?

The European Union is ushering in the first phases of a new trade pact between regional territories and the 27 members of the EU. What’s the big deal about a little trade agreement? Just the fact that the new rules change the fundamentals of how these two trade blocs relate. Some regional governments – like Guyana – are insisting that they will not sign the EPA as it stands. The problem is, there’s a deadline involved.

Syria: Petition Urging Men to “Cover Up” Launched

Syrian blogger Amina [Ar] has heard enough about people ordering her to cover up and that women are to blame for falling victims to sexual harassment. Now is her turn to launch a campaign calling for men to cover up and lower their gaze.

Today on Global Voices Advocacy: Livejournal inaccessible in Kazakhstan

Kazakh Internet users seem not to be able to access the popular blogging platform and social network, Livejournal through Kazakh major ISPs. According to Reuters Canada, only a small number of Kazakh Livejournal bloggers still can access the website through smaller ISPs or through the use of proxies. Livejournal.ru, however, seems to be accessible.

Today on Voices Without Votes: Cracking ACORN

International bloggers have begun to file their opinions on ACORN, a 38-year-old community organizing group which registers voters across the United States that has come under attack for allegedly creating fraudulent voter registrations cards.

Roundups

Get the blog buzz from the world over in the Global Roundups, where today you can find daredevil electricians of Pakistan, why Iraqi Christians in Mosul are in danger, the launch of president Dmitry Medvedev’s video blog, and much much more!