Global Voices: Daily Digest—July 12, 2011

Indonesia: Rage Over Death of Maid in Saudi
Indonesians reacted strongly when it was reported that Ruyati, 54, a migrant worker from West Java, was beheaded in Saudi Arabia last month. The woman was found guilty of killing her employer, who she claimed had abused her. read>>

Sao Tome and Principe: Saving a Cultural Crossroads
The celebration of Sao Tome and Principe's 36th anniversary of independence, on July 12, involves cultural and traditional events being held throughout the country. These performances reflect the five centuries long colonial past of Sao Tome, during which many workers settled there for the production of sugar, cocoa and coffee. Moreover, having acted as "a transit point for ships engaged in the slave trade between the West and continental Africa", the foreign influences in local traditions still persist to the present. read>>

Venezuela: 200 Years of Independence
During the week of July 5, 2011, Venezuela marked the celebration of its 200th year of independence from Spain and the profound reflection that has taken place in the majority of the countries in Latin America. The country's history, told from the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors has been restated, 200 years after the idea for a nation came from the French revolution and the independence of the United States in North America. read>>

Russia: Cruiser Catastrophe Causes Questions
On Sunday afternoon, July 10, 2011, the "Bulgaria" cruise-ship capsized on the Kuibyshev dam of the Volga river. According to official figures, 129 passengers are still missing and have supposedly perished in the waves. How people react to disaster and catastrophe is often quite telling of the times and circumstances they live in, and what they expect from the future. read>>

Tunisia: Registration for Elections Start, Technical Snags Reported
Tunisians started registering on electoral lists yesterday (July 11, 2011). The registration process will continue until August 2. Tunisians are due to cast their votes on October 23 to elect a constituent assembly, which will write their country's new constitution. Technical snags are already being reported. read>>

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