The Stream · Storify

Women Protest for the Right to Protest

The Stream — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:20:38 GMT

Women in Yemen are finding it hard to protest against the regime as men have been keeping their women at home to "protect them". But many women have taken to the streets anyway.

Storified by The Stream · Thu, Oct 27 2011 02:15:36

2.bp.blogspot.com

tampabay.com

As anti-government protests broke out in Yemen, men were the first to take to the streets. But women wanted their voices to be heard as well. Despite obstacles to being able to demonstrate, the women were able to come up with other paths: like women-only protests.

"There were only about ten women" at the start of the protests in Sanaa. "But with each day, it has been noticeable how the numbers of women grew as female protesters brought their sisters, cousins, friends.
— afrahnasser.blogspot.com · Thu, Apr 14 2011 08:49:30

@bajaberyemen @WomanfromYemen If you are in Yemen, plz ask the men to understand women are their partners.The revolution is for them as well
— Leemtee · Thu, Apr 14 2011 07:13:01

I love how women in #Yemen organize women only protests.Finding a way to express themselves within their cultural norms. RESPECT!
— dania_gharaibeh · Wed, Apr 13 2011 04:52:44

@WomanfromYemen @Leemtee Theres nothing wrong with men&women marching 2gether.Bt I also like seeing women independent& doing their own thing
— samwaddah · Thu, Apr 14 2011 07:36:58

Our brave Yemeni women told the men we are not behind you, we are with you. #Yemen #yf
— crazyyafai · Wed, Apr 13 2011 00:33:15

صنعاء | مظاهرة نسائية تحمل الشموع | 13-4-2011 · AdenNews2011

With so many women kept from protesting, it seems like many aren't only protesting against the regime, they're protesting for their right to protest.

They are on the frontlines speaking up against torture, rampant poverty, corruption and lack of freedom; but they also fight on a different front. Women must fight gender-based discrimination in social arenas such as education and employment.
— blog.amnestyusa.org · Thu, Apr 14 2011 07:52:30

The protesters in Change Square call for changes and for women and children it's much easier to march in there.

“Women are treated with grace and respect in the square... Usually in Yemen, women get harassed all the time, but in Change Square nobody touches me," said Afrah Nasser on her blog.
— women-without-borders.org · Thu, Apr 14 2011 08:10:00

“@YusraAlA: Women continue to arrive to the Change Square in massive marches that passed by 60th street, 15 mins ago, #yemen #sanaa #yf”
— lepidocrocito · Wed, Apr 13 2011 08:34:23

English news: Sana'a:Yesterday, women candle march was in th change square. where the women proved that they are... http://fb.me/Dw0TSj53
— thwrataltagher · Thu, Apr 14 2011 01:21:42

مسيرة نسائيىة تحمل الشموع وتزور جولة الشهداء · BasemMoghram

Outside of Change Square the city of Taiz also saw a protest of women.

silent demo in Taiz by women · sadekmaktary

#TAIZ A silent demo. is starting now by #Women at "de lux" area downtown Gamal st. Will march 3km to Alhurriyah sit-in sq #YEMEN
— alguneid · Thu, Apr 14 2011 06:26:34

This call for rights has not been without controversy. Afrah Nasser, whose blog we cited earlier, was threatened on Facebook last month.

Is Mexico A #estadofallido (failedstate)?

The Stream — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:56:07 GMT

Mexican Twitter users have launched the hashtag #estadofallido and a central blog in response to the growing drug-related violence within the country. (Story posted...)

Storified by The Stream · Thu, Oct 27 2011 02:15:37

"¡Estamos hasta la madre, alto a la guerra. Por un México justo y en paz!" #zocalo #Cuernavaca @FelipeCalderon #estadofallido. ¡Buenos días!
— PADUAFUENTES · Thu, Apr 14 2011 07:49:30

"We're stand for the mother, for an end to the war. For a just and peaceful Mexico!"

Calderon dice "los que matan son los criminales" yo digo #NomasSangre pero el #ESTADOFALLIDO que hace??
— Marmoteishon · Wed, Apr 13 2011 21:05:37

Calderon says "those who kill are the criminals" I say #NomoreBlood but the what does #thefailedstate do?

The failed state hashtag correlates with the "No Mas Sangre" (No More Blood) campaign. The Stream reported on the initiative which still remains active within the country.

Mexicans Shout "No More Blood!"

An online petition to end Mexico's war on drugs gains momentum as Wikileaks cables surface claiming President Calderon may have fabricated victories in the narco-war. (Story posted on March 10, 2011)

Users have also submitted videos online depicting recent demonstrations.

!!!NO + SANGRE, ESTAMOS HASTA LA MADRE¡¡¡ - 6 de Abril 2011, México, DF · CaosYaolli

'Estamos hasta la madre, no más sangre' · ejeCentraltv

Several activists have covered walls with graffiti expressing anger over President Calderon's drug war.

A mi tambien me esta dando en la madre la politica de FECAL · facebook.com

Netizens suspect the ongoing violence is also having an effect on foreign relations.

Que la Presidenta de Argentina canceló la visita a México porque el Gobierno Mexicano no podía garantizar su seguridad. #EstadoFallido
— CarolvsCampi · Wed, Apr 13 2011 20:49:37

The President of Argentina canceled a visit to Mexico because the Mexican government could not guarantee her safety.

Users are also tying the hashtag to the the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. Media sources report soldiers continue to discover bodies after unearthing a mass grave in the region.

"Autobuses de pasajeros prefieren no cruzar por Tamaulipas y cancelan sus rutas" // @FelipeCalderon Sr.Presidente Ke sigue #estadofallido
— DELREYII · Sat, Apr 09 2011 11:38:05

Busses are avoiding trips to Tamaulipas and services through the area are being canceled.

El presidente no gobierna Tamaulipas. Declaraciones fuertes de @CarlosLoret y @lopezdoriga1, en #TercerGrado. #Estadofallido.
— giom68 · Wed, Apr 13 2011 22:05:12

A netizen using the pseudonym "National Security Crisis Chronicle" has created the #estadofallido blog, giving momentum to the meme.

Fasting to Fight Corruption in India

The Stream — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 17:43:38 GMT

He may be using a familiar nonviolent tactic to draw attention to his issue, but Anna Hazare's fast against corruption caught fire online.

Storified by The Stream · Thu, Oct 27 2011 02:15:52

Activist Anna Hazare threatened to fast to death until the government took aim at India's rampant corruption. A few tumultuous days and more than 4 million tweets later, Hazare achieved what politicians couldn't do in decades – force the Indian government to draft a tough new anti-corruption law.

Hazare is a Gandhian who believes in nonviolent struggle - and these pictures of him fasting galvanised India.

Google Image Result for http://thejournal.eu/site/wp-content/plugins/rss-poster/cache/5d81b_reuters_india_hazare_hunger_strike_480_06april2011.jpg · thejournal.eu

Google Image Result for http://www.listown.org/images/group/201104/Anna-Hazare-20110405071947.jpg · listown.org

Anna Hazare ends fast after government promises better anti-corruption legislation: PHOTOS - BlogPost - The Washington Post · washingtonpost.com

Hazare ended his hunger-strike after four days with a sip of lemonade when the government agreed to create an anti-corruption panel.

Google Image Result for http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/04/09/india.corruption/c1main.anna.hazare.gi.jpg · i.cdn.turner.com

See how many people signed the petition for Hazare on Avaaz.com here:

HAZARE PETITION · ajestream

Intellectuals, celebrities and ordinary people are calling Hazare's battle noble and selfless through tweets and blogs.

In a world where oppressed people, from Libya to China, are either violently struggling to emerge free or meekly remaining in line, Anna Hazare and his band of civil society leaders are trying to chalk out a unique path by non-violently challenging the established order and winning the first battle.
— business-standard.com · Wed, Apr 13 2011 15:14:14

Here's what film actor Anupam Kher had to say to Hazare's critics.

All d pseudo Five Star Activists need to live just for a week d way ANNA HAZARE has lived his ENTIRE life before pointing fingers at him.
— AnupamPkher · Wed, Apr 13 2011 07:13:56

And there was support from model and actress Shilpa Shetty among others.

Anna Hazare has won:)Salute his gumption and selfless work..makes me feel very small..complete Respect!Now this is Democracy
— TheShilpaShetty · Fri, Apr 08 2011 23:59:19

Many ordinary Indians are also seeing light at the end of the tunnel.

#annahazare simple strong Gandhi of our times, was quite at ease explaining what nation requires from Govt. people understood! India awaken
— jeeva_jain · Thu, Apr 14 2011 03:13:49

As the people stand in support of Mr #Anna #Hazare, and undo the unneccessary knots of corruption, India once again will blessed.
— Durudarshan · Wed, Apr 13 2011 14:53:21

#Anna Hazare Fight for corruption Bill, For nation is anybody has guts to raise their voice in front office politics whch stinks everywhere.
— janki09 · Wed, Apr 13 2011 02:52:54

But others think Hazare's methods are undemocratic and counterproductive and could set a dangerous precedent:

Is Canada on Track To Legalize Pot?

The Stream — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 20:50:08 GMT

Netizens celebrated an early victory for marijuana legalisation after a Canadian judge ruled that country's medical marijuana programme is ineffective.

Storified by The Stream · Thu, Oct 27 2011 02:16:08

Online users touted this popular symbol of their campaign to legalise the drug.

marijuana-canada · carlos42day

Cannabis Culture, a Canadian marijuana magazine, has more on the man who brought the suit to the Superior Court.

The case centers around medical marijuana activist (and frequent Cannabis Culture contributor) Matt Mernagh, who has long used medical marijuana to relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia, scoliosis and seizures, but has not been able to find a doctor willing to sign the required paperwork that would allow him to become a legal marijuana user. Mernagh was raided and arrested for growing his own plants without a licence.
— cannabisculture.com · Wed, Apr 13 2011 11:13:10

Matthew Mernagh has been a longtime activist for marijuana legalisation.

sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net

Toronto Hash Mob 420 and GMM 2011 Update · TorontoHashMob

After the ruling, Matt began tweeting.

We won we won we won I'm growing marijuana tomorrow
— Mernahuana · Tue, Apr 12 2011 11:56:53

Woooooo woke up realizing I'm exempt from marijuana laws
— Mernahuana · Wed, Apr 13 2011 05:03:35

Around the web, many are praising Canada for the judge's decision.

Wait, did Canada just legalize weed?
— TheAbeLewis · Wed, Apr 13 2011 00:04:03

Weed might become legal in Canada! Who wants to move there with me???
— NoahtheBoss · Wed, Apr 13 2011 05:50:17

90 days till weed is fully legal in Canada! ^5 for bc bud :)
— ummm_thePAT · Wed, Apr 13 2011 06:08:39

spending $30-billion on war jets is stupid, legalizing and taxing pot is smart. Some things are just simple. #Canada
— jameskachan · Fri, Apr 08 2011 22:11:36

Some pointed out that Canada's marijuana laws are rarely enforced on an individual basis.

@Leaferbyblood The laws are pretty loose in Canada when it comes to weed. Might as well be legal, even if it isn't a smart move.
— EpicPuckBunny · Tue, Apr 12 2011 22:21:11

Others raised the issue of doctors who refuse to prescribe medical marijuana, even in places where it is legal.

Medical Marijuana · scpr.kpcc

Why are our doctors so quick to give us pills that are highly addictive. And not marijuana that can take the edge off the pain.
— dblock71186 · Tue, Apr 12 2011 07:57:01

Spanish Anti-Corruption Goes from Online to Mobile

The Stream — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 19:13:06 GMT

Users are circulating images of a traveling bill-board campaign targeting candidates who have criminal backgrounds while organisers take to the streets. (Story posted...)

Storified by The Stream · Thu, Oct 27 2011 02:16:06

Avaaz anti-corruption organisation managed to secure over 101,000 signatures today on the streets of Madrid with their mobile campaign van seen here, and the help of a flashmob.
— demotix.com · Wed, Apr 13 2011 07:41:59

Avaaz anti-corruption campaign collects signatures in Madrid | Demotix.com · demotix.com

Initiated by AVAAZ, the petition demands that anyone previously indicted for corruption would be ineligible to seek office during local & regional elections in May.

AVAAZ website · ajestream

Avaaz empowers millions of people from all walks of life to take action on pressing global, regional and national issues, from corruption and poverty to conflict and climate change. Our model of internet organising allows thousands of individual efforts, however small, to be rapidly combined into a powerful collective force.
— avaaz.org · Wed, Apr 13 2011 11:52:25

The Avaaz community campaigns in 14 languages, served by a core team on 4 continents and thousands of volunteers.
— avaaz.org · Wed, Apr 13 2011 11:52:39

The Spanish arm of pressure group AVAAZ, instigated the drive as it emerged that eight out of 10 Spaniards believe their politicians are corrupt.
— theolivepress.es · Wed, Apr 13 2011 07:40:05

Currently, the petition has garnered 104,278 signatures.

AVAAZ/Spain Petition (www.avaaz.org) · ajestream

Please exclude from your electoral lists all candidates who have been indicted or convicted of serious crimes and offenses involving corruption and act urgently to implement efficient anti-corruption measures. Our votes in the upcoming elections will depend on your action to remove corrupt candidates and clean-up politics in Spain. We want a new era of corruption-free politics in our country.
— avaaz.org · Wed, Apr 13 2011 07:36:38

The movement has made an impact on the social media world, touting 10,000 facebook mentions and almost 2,000 related tweets.

Social Media Support for AVAAZ · ajestream

Visit Avaaz's facebook page here. Avaaz is working around the globe including India, the U.S. and South Africa among others.

AVAAZ Facebook page · ajestream

Do you believe this movement will have an effect on 2012 elections around the world? Have you seen any similar initiatives? Tell The Stream on Facebook or Twitter.

Ugandans #Walk2Work

The Stream — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:56:39 GMT

Ugandan netizens coin the hashtags #ugandawalks and #walk2work in support of recent protests against the country's rising fuel and food costs. (Story posted...)

Storified by The Stream · Thu, Oct 27 2011 02:16:08

@Coco_Bobo: so bcuz fuel prices are too high, people in kampala have chosen abandon their cars & #walk2work & the govt is ARRESTING them for it! #WTF?
— globalvoicesonline.org · Wed, Apr 13 2011 08:08:44

All nkozi guys should walk to campus. #UgandaWalks cc: @Eljefedaboss @ktendo @rude_end @tentacle001
— mukasaphillip · Wed, Apr 13 2011 05:58:01

I'm walking not to stand by Besigye but to stand up for a Ugandan's right to free expression, to freedom of speech, to protest. #walk2work
— oletan · Wed, Apr 13 2011 06:52:24

“We decided to walk for two reasons. One, to identify with the suffering of our people who are already walking in their tens of thousands because they can no longer afford the cost of transportation and this is due to the runaway inflation in the country. The second reason we are doing so is, indeed, to show our protest against all these abuses of public trust by the regime in power,” he says.
— vibeghana.com · Wed, Apr 13 2011 08:09:32

Opposition leaders Kizaa Besigye and Norbert Mao initiated the movement. Besigye is the chairman of the Forum for Democratic Change party, and Mao is the president of the Democratic party.

Two opposition leaders in Uganda, Dr. Kizza Besigye and Norbert Mao, have been charged with inciting violence and failure to comply with lawful orders. They were arrested as they walked to work in protest of high fuel/food prices.
— globalvoicesonline.org · Wed, Apr 13 2011 08:04:00

the government is now getting desperate @cdanny_ug #ugandawalks Besigye getting arrested. http://twitpic.com/4jmdzb · itsjust_afsa

#ugandawalks the Uganda police needs to have some bit of #respect. #COMEON #besigye http://twitpic.com/4jmrlt · cdanny_ug

Twitter users are sharing images of the Ugandan police's response to the #walk2work demonstrations.

#NorbertMao #UgandaWalks #Mao as he was blocked by the police from walking to work today. http://t.co/xykRhBs
— PhilloMN · Mon, Apr 11 2011 02:24:40

RT @kasujja: Tear gassed kids! #UgandaWalks http://twitpic.com/4jw5rb · kigen

Whether or not #UgandaWalks politicians are posturing is besides the point. Hungry Ugandans should be fed. Not beaten up by the state!
— kasujja · Tue, Apr 12 2011 10:26:59

Users are discussing future 'walking' protests and how the initiative may develop.

Do you think the protest scheduled for tomorrow will materalise? #walk2work #Ugandawalks #Uganda
— dispatchug · Wed, Apr 13 2011 03:53:05

Tomorrow #Ugandawalks and as usual the brutal police will do what it does best, making an a$$ of itself & the M7 govt. Mark my words
— ssojo81 · Tue, Apr 12 2011 22:04:49

@AndrewMwenda The #Walktowork is supposed to be twice a week #Monday and #Thursday #Ugandawalks
— primusagaba · Tue, Apr 12 2011 07:14:47

#Uganda: Activists4Change announced today #walk2work & #walk2church actions now nationwide. #ugandawalks #uganda @AJEstream #protest
— vote4africa · Tue, Apr 12 2011 07:42:34

In response to the arrests of Besigye and Mao, activists and opposition leaders have also staged a hunger strike.

Rather than backing down after the arrest of two Ugandan opposition leaders for staging a “Walk to Work” protest against high fuel and food prices on Monday, Ugandan activists have responded by announcing a hunger strike and planning more demonstrations.
— qonexus.com · Wed, Apr 13 2011 08:11:37

Mukono North MP Betty Nambooze told journalists today that the leaders have decided not to eat anything as they go about their duties at Parliament. She said that there was no point for them (leaders) to eat when the public can hardly afford food.
— independent.co.ug · Wed, Apr 13 2011 08:12:52

Preparing for Launch

The Stream — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 23:49:43 GMT

Please excuse our upcoming radio silence - we're busy prepping for our website and television launch! (Posted April 6, 2011)

Storified by The Stream · Thu, Oct 27 2011 14:05:14

Until our April 18 website launch, our site is going to be in "reduced activity" mode so that we can concentrate on all the preparations that go into producing a new television show. So if you don't see us posting as much on this site, don't worry! We'll be back in no time. Thanks for all the feedback and ideas, and we look forward to interacting with you on The Stream!

We're on the Move! · AJEStream

Next 12 days are going to be busy! Stay tuned for @ajestream's web launch http://instagr.am/p/C5bom/ · kkiang

The Stream

Thanks for all your help. Here is a little treat. A graphic with all of our stories clickable on one page.

Russian Anti-Corruption App Knocks Out Angry Birds

The Stream — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 19:05:53 GMT

An iPad application gains fast popularity as Russian users go to great lengths to secure the technology. (Story posted April 5, 2011)

Storified by The Stream · Thu, Oct 27 2011 14:07:03

iPad application for Rospil.info, Russian crowdsourcing anti-corruption service created by Alexey Navalny, has taken over [ru] “Angry Birds Rio HD Free” application in the Apple App market. The application has been created voluntarily (and free of charge) by Russian iPad app developers. • Alexey Sidorenko
— globalvoicesonline.org · Tue, Apr 05 2011 10:27:50

Rospil iPad Application Tops Free Downloads List · ajestream

Rospil.info is a site targeted towards ending government fraud. It claims to "fight against the officials who use the public procurement system for personal enrichment." Here are several screenshots of the application currently available on the iTunes app store.

Rospil Application for iPad 1 · ajestream

Rospil Application for iPad 2 · ajestream

Rospil Application for iPad 4 · ajestream

Rospil Application for iPad 5 · ajestream

Rospil Application for iPad 6 · ajestream

Rospil Application for iPad 7 · ajestream

Rospil Application for iPad 8 · ajestream

Rospil Application for iPad 9 · ajestream

The application was created by Russian blogger Alexey Navalny. His work to prevent fraud within the country has been recognized by social and mainstream media.

The blog is everything. In the contemporary Russian conditions, a blog is a tool for collection and distribution of information, organization of civil campaigns and political pressure. Blogs do work. A blog is personal and interactive mass media. I can find specialists in any field, I can find people ready to write thousands complaints to the anti-monopoly committee. It’s not purely online. Online and offline are connected through the blog.
— globalvoicesonline.org · Tue, Apr 05 2011 11:04:13

View Navalny's blog here [in Russian]:

Навальный - РосПил обогнал Angry Birds

4 апр 2011 ... Твиттер: twitter.com/ navalny ... http ://zhukoffsky. livejournal .com/1165103. html . (Reply) (Thread) .... Powered by LiveJournal .com.

As popularity for the Rospil application grows, access to the iPad still remains limited. An increasing number of Russian users have turned to smuggling the technology into the country.

It is no secret for people living in Russia that waiting for official sales of Apple products to begin in Russia can take too long and really leave you with an outdated version of a gadget once you finally manage to buy it officially – only to realize a few weeks later that a new version is already announced (or shipped) in the US.
— profy.com · Tue, Apr 05 2011 09:18:49

two guys have been stopped in the Moscow airport of Domodedovo smuggling a total of 20 tablet computers. Both of them chose the green corridor claiming they had nothing to declare but for some reason the customs officers decided to check their luggage and cabin baggage as well – and easily found the gadgets.
— profy.com · Tue, Apr 05 2011 09:19:32

Another Russian loaded with iPads was detained, sending a clear warning to potential transgressors contemplating similar stunts: Either go Medvedev with a Samsung Galaxy Tab or just wait until the iPad 2 is released locally (that would be a long, long time from now.) We’re certain that for true Russian iPad 2 believers, that would be a defiant “nyet” on both counts.
— geeky-gadgets.com · Tue, Apr 05 2011 09:18:23

Bloggers speculate that even Russian security forces benefit from the ongoing iPad trade.

Another Bahraini Blogger Arrested

The Stream — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 20:54:37 GMT

Blogger @Emoodz, who describes himself as 'Not an activist, just a bi product of the Nido Generation in action!' got arrested on March 30. (Story posted April 5, 2011)

Storified by The Stream · Thu, Oct 27 2011 14:07:01

Mohamed El Makati sees himself as part of the Nido Generation or Arabian Gulf youth who are primarily educated abroad, tech savvy and identify with Western culture. His blog is below.

The mindset of those in charge are still stuck back in the 1970s, still believing that they can control and limit the exposure of news by blocking websites and turning a blind eye to stories that isn’t in line with the country’s political standpoint.
— emoodz.com · Tue, Apr 05 2011 13:38:31

Emoodz · flickr.com

Mohamed El Makati, Emoodz, hasn't tweeted since his arrest. His last tweet was posted on March 30:

emoodz Mohammed AlMaskati Started my day with the news of @mahmood's arrest, now I go to bed trying to remove the picture of the martyr off my memory.. Aman #Bahrain
— twitter.com · Tue, Apr 05 2011 07:35:41

The last tweet b4 kidnapping by BH Gov. @emoodz:Started My Day with the news of mahmood's arrest, now I go to (cont) http://tl.gd/9l6pb0
— RevoTime · Sun, Apr 03 2011 14:28:14

@MohdSAlKhalifa, who says he's a member of the Qatari royal family, threatened Emoodz before his arrest. The below tweet [in Arabic] states, "Look you! I know you well and I know where you live. If you don't stop what you're doing, I swear to God, I will make your parents look for you."

Tweet Stories Nightmares Pic 1of 9 @ MohdSAlkhalifa threatens @emoodz https-/twitter.com/#!/MohdSAlkhalifa/status http://twitpic.com/4fusrz · carwinb

#WikiLeaks :Royal family member threatens #Bahraini blogger @emoodz with violence & arrest on Twitter http://bit.ly/i49KUD #Bahrain #USA
— Bah_girl · Tue, Apr 05 2011 02:14:17

@mohdSAlkhalifa claims that he is not of Bahraini origins and was not responsible for Emoodz's arrest.

I'm not Bahraini, I'm Qatari . We ruled Bahrain and Qatar long time ago now we are in both countries
— twitter.com · Tue, Apr 05 2011 09:27:54

@From_My_Ma6bakh @carwinb @emoodz how could I what?r u serious? I had nothing to do with his arrest! He is a terrorist, r u defending a ter?
— MohdSAlkhalifa · Sun, Apr 03 2011 13:05:53

On March 29, @MohdSAlkhalifa sent Emoodz the following [in Arabic]: "I would just like to inform you that there is a warrant for your arrest...and for anyone else following suit."

Yfrog - photo - Uploaded by maryamalkhawaja · yfrog.com

Lateron same royal family member wrote to @emoodz telling him there is a warrant for his arrest #bahrain #Feb14 http://t.co/17TfbWZ #bahrain
— Bahrainiac · Sat, Apr 02 2011 13:03:23

@MohdSAkhalifa also threatened other online activists.

#FreeEmoodz anyone that's living in Bahrain and is supporting the terrorist emoodz, will have his IP address taken and will get arrested!
— MohdSAlkhalifa · Sun, Apr 03 2011 12:43:46

@MohdSAkhalifa has not tweeted since April 4. A "closed!" announcement is posted on his profile page.

Account Closed!
— MohdSAlkhalifa · Mon, Apr 04 2011 04:17:35

Netizens are showing support for Emoodz and calling for his release.

Nigerian Election Monitoring

The Stream — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 22:02:19 GMT

Nigerian users encourage election monitoring with online tools. (Story posted on April 4, 2011)

Storified by The Stream · Thu, Oct 27 2011 14:06:36

The postponement of Nigeria's elections has strengthened calls for election monitoring. Netizens are rallying around several different online tools to keep tabs on polling sites.

Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria has started an election monitoring campaign. Here's a recent advertisement promoting its Revoda application:

Nreport EIEnigeria promotion · blackhstudios

Making voting social With Revoda, EiE Nigeria seeks to potentially turn the 87,297,789 Nigerians with mobile phones, 43,982,200 with internet access into informal election observers. Revoda allows voters to report from their respective polling units across Nigeria, after registration.
— revoda.org · Mon, Apr 04 2011 12:29:41

ReclaimNaija is one of several sites offering mapping services. Users may submit reports of voter fraud, polling violence, and other election irregularities. The site calls on users to send an SMS, email, or tweet using #reclaimnaija and #nigeriadecides.

ReclaimNaija is a broad based national platform for popular, grassroots engagement in promoting electoral transparency and democratic government. The platform brings together a vast network of grassroots organisations across the country comprising mostly informal sector workers and trade-based-groups
— reclaimnaija.net · Mon, Apr 04 2011 12:23:45

NigeriaElectionMap · ajestream

If you want ALL the buzz, news and gist of the elections in one place, read The #NigeriaDecides Daily at http://bit.ly/NigeriaDecides
— gbengasesan · Mon, Apr 04 2011 10:03:00

RT @solomonsydelle: INEC claims there is a plot to rig Cross River elections http://ow.ly/4sCz0 #nigeriadecides
— bubusn · Mon, Apr 04 2011 08:28:00

NEXT 2011 Nigeria Elections Watch and Nigeria Elections Coalition have similar features on their websites.

The Coalition of Democrats for Election Reforms (CODER) launched a facebook page to support election monitoring.

Coalition of Democrats for Election Reforms Election update: INEC postpones all elections. New dates: NASS: 9th, Presidential:16th & Gubernatorial 26th, all in April 2011.
— facebook.com · Mon, Apr 04 2011 13:56:41

Ahmad Muhammad Mahdi Rest assured, we will remain until the last moment of all elections.
— facebook.com · Mon, Apr 04 2011 13:56:20

CODER's Facebook page is an extension of the organization's Poll Watch 2011 campaign. The campaign web site collects videos, election malpractice claims through a mapping service, and recent media reports. The group is calling on users to tweet with #PollWatch2011.

@gbengasesan You can monitor elections irregularities at http://bit.ly/g45Esv. #pollwatch2011 #nigeriadecides
— rigima · Mon, Apr 04 2011 07:37:45

#pollwatch2011--Bus loaded with GUNS and AMMUNITION intercepted at Iju-odo, okitipupa LG, ondo southern senatorial ... http://tmi.me/8ntkm
— tuyi_baba · Sat, Apr 02 2011 00:51:37

Shutterfeeds aggregates user-submitted photos. Netizens suggest voters photograph any violence or fraud they witness at polling sites.

Shutterfeeds was developed to encourage user-generated photo news. The primary aim is to have a totally different brand of news-making, based largely on photographs taken by ordinary citizens on the go, with their cameras and even mobile phones.
— shutterfeeds.com · Mon, Apr 04 2011 12:47:43

Will these social media tools make a difference in Nigeria's upcoming elections? Tell The Stream on Facebook or Twitter.

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This story was created by The Stream, a new TV show on Al Jazeera English. The project is the first of its kind, more of a social network than TV show. Our show is still under development so we look forward to your participation and feedback. *Al Jazeera is not responsible for the content of external websites.