Global Voices: Weekly Highlights—July 7-13, 2011

Argentine Songwriter Facundo Cabral Murdered in Guatemala
On Saturday July 9 the renowned songwriter Facundo Cabral, whose career was characterised by songs that acted as a vehicle for his messages, was murdered in Guatemala. Moved by his death, many expressed their condolences, memories and emotions on social networks. read>>

Malaysia: Online Reactions to Bersih 2.0 Rally
The planned street rally this weekend in Malaysia known as Bersih 2.0 will now take place inside a stadium. Netizens continue to discuss the impact of Bersih as the movement gathers momentum throughout the country. read>>

Puerto Rico: Resident Sends Message to Mayor Through Blog
A polarizing figure in Puerto Rican politics, Jorge Santini is currently serving his third term as Mayor of San Juan. Blogger Giancarlo González - born and raised in the capital city San Juan, and currently residing in the historic district of Old San Juan, runs JorgeSantini.com, dedicated to improving the life of sanjuaneros by reporting on the particular issues that affect him and his neighbors, as well as those who visit the district. read>>

China: Exploding Watermelon Is Safe?
Local state media exposed that farmers in China's Jiangsu province are experiencing a problem with "exploding watermelons" due to the overuse of growth enhancing chemicals. The Ministry of Agriculture has recently asserted that the chemical growth enhancer for watermelon is safe, but Chinese netizens are doubtful. read>>

South Sudan: Free At Last!
Africa has a new nation: the Republic of South Sudan. South Sudan held a referendum on January 9, 2011, on whether or not it should remain a part of Sudan. After voting almost unanimously (99%) for independence from the north, Southern Sudan's formal independence was declared on 9 July, 2011. Bloggers discuss this historic occasion. read>>

More posts on Global Voices this week..
India: Health Minister Stirs up Gay Sex Controversy
Egypt: Why July 8?
Zambia: Tourism Body Ignores Local Musicians For Rebranding Event
Pakistan: Embracing the Google+ Circles
Tunisia: Registration for Elections Start, Technical Snags Reported
Russia: Kremlin Critics Threatened With Travel Ban
TED Talk by Global Voices Co-Founder Rebecca MacKinnon

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