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Brett Kavanaugh and his wife do televised interviews with Fox News, pushing back hard against allegations of sexual misconduct in his past. Meeting set for Thursday between President Trump and Deputy Attorney General Rod Eisenstein who oversees the Mueller Russia investigations amid concerns that Rosenstein will be fired, leaving the future of the probe in uncertain hands. New York Review of Books puts out statement citing flaws in editorial process that led to publication of article that resulted in ouster of editor Ian Buruma. US State Department report refrains from using word genocide to characterize Myanmar’s treatment of Muslim minority Rohingya population. -Suzanne Nossel, Chief Executive Officer

The most pressing threats and notable goings-on in free expression today

U.S.

Brett Kavanaugh’s Fox News Interview Transcript, Annotated
Facing multiple accusations of sexual misconduct, Brett Kavanaugh took an unusual step for a Supreme Court nominee: Appearing on television. Kavanaugh’s Fox News interview included repeated references to wanting a fair process as he disputes allegations made by Christine Blasey Ford and Deborah Ramirez.
WASHINGTON POST

Rod Rosenstein to Meet Trump Thursday After Morning Drama at White House
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein will meet with President Donald Trump amid mounting questions about his future and the implications of a dramatic Justice Department shake up for special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation.
CNN

New York Review of Books Acknowledges ‘Failures’ in a #MeToo Essay
Ian Buruma left amid criticism of how he handled an essay by a man who had been accused of sexual misconduct. The New York Review of Books issued a statement addressing the departure of its editor, saying “we acknowledge our failures in the presentation and editing” of the essay.
NEW YORK TIMES

U.S. Report on Rohingya Stops Short of Calling Myanmar’s ‘Coordinated’ Violence Genocide
A U.S. government investigation concluded that Myanmar’s military orchestrated a “well-planned and coordinated” campaign of violence against the country’s Rohingya minority, but stopped short of labeling the atrocities “genocide.” The official report also shied away from terms like “crimes against humanity,” which could have legal implications committing the U.S. to tougher measures.
TIME

Newspaper Apologizes for Cartoon that Depicted Christine Blasey Ford Demanding M&Ms and Roses
The Indianapolis Star issued an apology to its readers after an outcry over an editorial cartoon that skewered Christine Blasey Ford ahead of her upcoming Senate hearing. The cartoon mocked Ford for her requests for certain conditions to ensure her safety and the fairness of her hearing.
WASHINGTON POST

 
Global

Sentsov Becomes Honorary Citizen of Paris *PEN Case List
Crimean filmmaker Oleg Sentsov on the 134th day of hunger strike became an honorary citizen of Paris. Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of the French voiced on Twitter, “Paris will always be on the side of the defenders of individual liberty, freedom of expression, and democracy.”
112.INTERNATIONAL

In a First, Female News Anchor Presents Evening NewsCast in Saudi Arabia
Weam Al Dakheel made history as the first female news presenter in Saudi Arabia to deliver an evening newscast on state-owned television. “Traditionally, men have dominated hard newscasts in Saudi Arabia, while female presenters focused more on soft morning newscasts, women’s programmes, cooking shows, and weather updates,” The Khaleej Times reported.
INDIAN PRESS

Non-Bailable Warrant Issued Against Pakistani Journalist Cyril Almeida for ‘Leaking Sensitive Information’
A court in Lahore has issued a non-bailable warrant against Pakistani journalist Cyril Almeida for leaking sensitive material in news reports he has written. Cyril Almeida has had cases petitioned against him for his controversial reports which have angered the country’s military.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TIMES

Mexican journalist, 40, is assassinated in front of his son
Mario Gomez became the latest writer to die in the country after he was assassinated in cold blood in front of his son by two unidentified men on a motorcycle. According to Article 19, the veteran journalist was threatened after an investigation report detailed the alleged corruption activities of two Chiapas politicians who diverted public funds.
INFOSURHOY

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