02/21/2013
PRI’s The World: 02/21/2013 (Turkey, Cambodia, Haiti)
A scathing report from Human Rights Watch alleges Mexican officers are complicit in the disappearance of hundreds of Mexicans. Plus, the growing global organized crime operation of eco-trafficking. And attempts in Turkey to censor a John Steinbeck classic.
Human Rights Watch Alleges Mexican Security Forces Involved in Disappearances
Losing a loved one is one thing. Having them taken away by men in government uniforms, never to be seen again, is quite another. That’s what’s happened to hundreds of Mexicans, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch. The report documents 249 cases over the last six years.
The Case of the Missing Hunters from Guanajuato
Among the hundreds of cases of missing Mexicans documented by a Human Rights Watch report is the one of the 10 missing hunters from Guanajuato. Two years after the group vanished while on a hunting trip, their families are still waiting for answers.
200 Arrested in Raid on Latin American Wood Mafia
An Interpol operation has led to the arrest of nearly 200 people in one of the biggest raids on suspected illegal timber operations ever undertaken in Latin America.
Calls to Censor ‘Of Mice and Men’ in Turkey
Turkey is no stranger to TV and internet censorship. But recently, a controversy erupted over a call to censor a book on Turkey’s recommended reading list for students. The book was John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men.”
Fashion Makeover for Turkish Air Flight Attendants?
Photos have leaked onto the Internet that seem to show new designs for the uniforms worn by Turkish Airlines flight attendants. Some feel the outfits don’t represent a modern, secular Turkey.
Investigating Officer of Pistorius Case has an Attempted Murder Charge Pending
The Oscar Pistorius case continues to surprise. Thursday a veteran police detective was taken off the case when it was revealed there was a charge of attempted murder against him.
Music Heard on the Air for February 21, 2013
Tunes spun on The World between our reports for February 21, 2013. Artists featured are: Spiro,SLV,Tareq Abboushi & Shusmo and Wu Man.
Former Haitian President Jean-Claude Duvalier Misses Court Appearance
Journalist and author Amy Wilentz speaks with Host Aaron Schachter about the legacy of former Haitian President Jean-Claude Duvalier, who failed to show up in court Thursday to face human rights abuse charges.
US Tire Maker Titan in Stereotype Spat with (Baguette-Eating) French
The head of US tire maker Titan, Maurice Taylor, has said it would be “stupid” to invest in France. In a letter to a French government minister, Taylor claimed that French workers only put in three hours a day. His letter came in response to a request to consider investing in a loss-making tire plant in France.
Karaoke Used to Support State Propaganda
For decades the Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has employed his own personal composer to write songs extolling his policies. This is part of a larger campaign in which the Premier has used pop culture, songs and even comedians as propaganda.
Undersea Life Around ‘Black Smoker’ Vents
British researchers are hauling rare creatures and up video from some of the deepest underwater vents ever found, a mile below the surface of the Caribbean Sea.
Wu Man: A Master of the Chinese Pipa Mixing Music Genres
Chinese musician Wu Man is a virtuoso of the pipa, the Chinese lute. Ever since she came to the US in 1990, Wu Man has made it her mission to play a diverse repertoire, from East or West, with her instrument.
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