12 Jul 2010 | Index Index, minipost
Two of the United Kingdom’s largest internet service providers (ISPs) have requested a judicial review be launched into the Digital Economy Act. BT and TalkTalk claim that the act, designed to reduce internet piracy, contravenes European Union legislation. They say the act, which was rushed through parliament before the May general election, will force them to disconnect customer subscriptions on copyright grounds. BT and TalkTalk claim the regulations infringe basic rights and freedoms whilst financially disadvantaging larger ISPs because the legislation will not apply to ISPs with less than 400,000 subscribers.
12 Jul 2010 | Index Index, minipost
The Cuban authorities have announced that they intend to release 52 political prisoners. The first prisoners are expected to arrive in Madrid tomorrow (13 July). Cuba has come under increased international pressure following the death of political prisoner Orlando Zapato Tamayo in February. Tamayo had been on a hunger strike. The first five prisoners are being allowed to travel to Spain with their relatives. The remaining 47 will be released over the next few months, they will also be allowed to relocate to Spain. The Cuban Human Rights Commission claims that after the releases Cuban jails will still hold 110 political prisoners.
12 Jul 2010 | Index Index, minipost
The body of a local newspaper editor was found last week (7 July), he had been shot dead in a rural area of Michoacán state. Hugo Olivera Cartera also worked with news agency ADN and the newspaper La Voz de Michoacán. He was known for his crime coverage. His offices at El Día de Michoacán were raided and computer equipment was stolen shortly before the discovery of his body. In February Olivera filed a complaint with the National Commission of Human Rights, he claimed he had been beaten by federal police officers.
12 Jul 2010 | Index Index, minipost
Gerardo Jarquin Diaz, mayor of the small town of San Pedro Totolapan and member of the PRI (The Institutional Revolutionary Party), was arrested for killing one supporter of the rival political group PRD (Party of the Democratic Revolution) and injuring another. The shooting took place after the two men made fun of the PRI’s performance in a recent election. The election results mark the first time that the southern state Oaxaca has been ruled by a non PRI governor in 80 years.
