Vidize Blog

Russia remains in the spotlight as one of the most dangerous places for journalists.
Anastasiya Baburova (only 25) was shot on January 19 – minutes after a press conference at the Independent Press Center. She was walking towards the Metro station with a laywer, Stanislav Markelov.
Baburova apparently tried to stop the killer, who [...]

I just stumbled upon an article marking the 75th anniversary of the BBC. About one third of it is based on Jeffrey Sachs’ Reith Lectures.
Here’s a few important points:
A terrorist shot in Sarajevo provided the pretext for German aggression which started World War I. 9/11 was used by the Bush Administration to launch the Iraq [...]

Finally, Alan Johnston has been released after 114 day of captivity.

Tags: BBC, correspondent, free speech, Gaza, journalism, youtube
BBC, correspondent, free speech, Gaza, journalism, youtube

Vietnam has entered the spotlight as the next big thing in IT outsourcing. As the economy picks up pace, the contrast with Communist-led government is even more striking.
Today, BBC reports that the authorities has unexpectedly released Le Chi Quang, 34, who was convicted in 2002 because he posted online essays (blogged?) that were critical of [...]

BBC has aired a video sent by Alan Johnston’s kidnappers. The original BBC one is not share-able, so I got this one:

The BBC came out with a statement as well:
We are studying the video very carefully. We have been working very closely with Alan’s family for the past 81 days. This is a highly distressing [...]

You might be surprised to hear what happens to gay rights activists in Moscow. I’m not … I’ve been there (Moscow), seen that.
Thirty-one people were arrested during the peaceful demonstration by the police. At the same time, the police stood aside while right-wing and Orthodox activists took the chance the exercise their “right” to violent [...]

It’s World Press Freedom day today. BBC are taking every chace they have to remind us that Alan Johnston is still missing in Gaza.
He’s not alone. The Committee to Protect Journalists annual worldwide census found 134 journalists imprisoned on December 1, an increase of nine from the 2005 tally.
As you can see the main offenders [...]

I’ve been following this story (I have to, because I listen to the BBC world service on my way to work and back).
Alan Johnston disappeared 19 days ago. There haven’t been any public demands by his abductors but obviously some information has trickled down as BBC has announced he is in good health.
According to the [...]

An ex-Russian spy, Alexander Litvinenko, died by radioactive poisoning on Thursday. The news is still being commented and there’s no conclusive evidence about Russia’s involvement.
There’s an obvious beneficiary from this death – Russia’s current regime and/or the KGB (now FSB). The Russian parliament voted in June to allow state officials to carry out overseas [...]