Brazil begins new hydro dam

BRAZIL: The Brazilian government gave approval last week for work to begin in preparation for construction of the Belo Monte project, which will be the world’s third largest hydroelectric dam, the BBC reported. Ibama, Brazil’s agency for the environment, gave the green light for more than 500 acres of land to be cleared along the Xingu River, a major tributary for the Amazon River. Opponents to the project say approximately 50,000 people will be displaced by the dam’s large reservoir. Meanwhile, Brazil’s government says the project, which will cost between $11 billion and $17 billion, is important for job creation and development.

Computer hackers arrested

UNITED KINGDOM: UK police arrested five men following raids last week against computer hackers associated with Anonymous, the CBC reported. The men allegedly attacked company websites, though whether their actions were in support of whistleblower website Wikileaks remains unclear. The British raids were completed in conjunction with raids across Europe and the U.S., though other arrests associated with the move have not been announced. Meanwhile, Visa, one of many companies affected by denial-of-service attacks in past months for which Anonymous claimed responsibility, announced that a third-party investigation into Wikileaks’s financial operations found no illegal activities.

Leading gay rights activist killed

UGANDA: One of Uganda’s most prominent gay rights activists was killed last week in his home, CNN reported. David Kato was found bludgeoned to death and some money and clothes were taken, but theft does not seem to be the motive for the crime. Kato was one of 100 Ugandans profiled last year in a tabloid that listed known and suspected homosexuals along with their pictures and addresses under the words “Hang Them.” Kato told officials that he feared for his safety after the article was published. In Uganda, homosexuality is illegal and punishable by life in prison.

Koreas return to talks without apology

SOUTH KOREA: South Korea softened its stance towards North Korea last week, announcing it will re-engage in talks with its neighbour without requiring an apology for two attacks carried out last year, according to reports by Reuters. The two countries agreed to military talks about the attacks and the North expressed interest in continued talks about receiving aid in return for disarmament. Both Seoul and Washington remain skeptical of Pyongyang’s sincerity to honour its promise to denuclearize. Six-party talks between the North, South, United States, China, Japan and Russia broke down last year when the North left in protest of nuclear sanctions.

Tens of thousands protest in Egypt

EGYPT: The Egyptian government imposed curfews and blocked some Internet and phone services last week in the face of intense protests against the ruling National Democratic Party and its leader President Hosni Mubarak, Al Jazeera reported. Tens of thousands of protesters marched in several cities around Egypt demanding that Mubarak step down and end his 30-year dictatorship. Reports of police using tear gas and rubber bullets and protesters throwing rocks and petrol bombs were common in clashes that have left more than 100 dead. The international community urged calm from both sides as Egyptian officials threatened “decisive measures” against protests.

Published in Volume 65, Number 18 of The Uniter (February 3, 2011)