Global Voices: Daily Digest—October 17, 2011

Chile: "Anti-Occupation" Law Sparks Controversy
The Chilean Ministry of Interior (responsible for public order and security), drafted and sent to Congress a piece of legislation that would criminalize occupations of public or privately-owned buildings, arguably because of the recent occupation of schools and universities by Chilean students. read>>

Yemen: Azizah Abdo Othman, Yemen's First Female Martyr
More than 30 anti-regime protesters have been killed in Yemen on Saturday and yesterday, including the country's first female martyr Aziza Abdo, who was shot dead by a sniper during a protest in Taiz. Yemeni netizens react to the carnage. read>>

Poetry Slam Activism in Francophone Africa
Demonstrating outside institutions is one way of expressing a desire for change in a society. However, other forms of activism have existed for a while now and are now rekindled all around the world as a show of protest against the status-quo. Poetry slam is a well-known channel of expression for many activists in North America but the rest of the world has now embraced this unique blend of poetry and rhythmic oral story telling. read>>

Ethiopia: Aberash Hailay's Case Ignites Online Campaign to Stop Violence Against Women
Aberash Hailay is an Ethiopian Airlines flight attendant whose ex-husband, Fisseha Tadesse, stabbed both her eyes with a knife in Bangkok, Thailand. Ethiopian activists are using the Internet to call for justice for Aberash Hailay and draw attention to issues of violence against women in Ethiopia. read>>

Brazil: Creating Opportunities for Life After Jail
While serving time in jail, Ronaldo Monteiro kickstarted a project with fellow detainees and turned his life around. Years later, released on parole, Monteiro now coordinates an NGO that offers opportunities of social reintegration for young offenders, detainees and former detainees in Brazil. read>>

Russia: Networked Volunteers Save Lives of Missing Children
In September 2010, 4-year-old Liza and her aunt went missing in the forest and were found dead. Liza's volunteer rescuers decided to establish a network called "Liza Alert" whose members would engage immediately once a child was lost. Gregory Asmolov has conducted an interview with the activists of the network that proved that the Internet can help saving lives. read>>

More posts on Global Voices today...
China: No Clear Solution to the Wall Street Occupation
Jordan: New Government, Expectations and Hope!
Malaysia: Proposed Electoral Reforms
Cuba: Mourning the Loss of Laura Pollan
Portugal: Photos and Videos of October 15 Protests

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