DARE: Daily Alert on Rights and Expression
Top intelligence officials call “fake news” a grave concern. More than 200,000 plans to join inaugural protests as organizers tussle for space and permits. Talladega College, a historically black institution, confirms it’s marching band will perform in inaugural parade. -Suzanne Nossel, Executive Director
DARE: Daily Alert on Rights and Expression
PEN America’s take on today’s most pressing threats to free expression
U.S.
Anti-Trump Activists Threaten Lawsuit Over Inauguration Protest Permits
Civil rights lawyers threatened Thursday to sue the U.S. government agency that manages much public land in Washington, accusing it of quashing dissent by not issuing permits for protests of Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration.
VOICE OF AMERICA
Top US intelligence official calls fake news a ‘grave concern’
Russian interference in US politics also includes espionage and the spread of fake news, America’s top intelligence official told the Senate on Thursday.
CNET
Donald Trump hits out at press suggestions he agrees with Julian Assange over DNC hack
US President-elect Donald Trump has hit out at the media over claims he is in “agreement” with Wikileaks founder Julian Assange after the Republican had quoted Assange by name in a tweet on Wednesday, 4 January.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TIMES
White House Reporters Still Awaiting Changes Under President Trump
Sean Spicer, the incoming White House press secretary, has promised that “business as usual is over” in Washington. Trump’s team agreed to a “protective pool,” but other traditions remain up in the air.
HUFFINGTON POST
The American Press Is Under Threat as Never Before
It is the worst of times; it is the worst of times. Forgive me, Dickensians, but this is a press column. Never have we faced the kinds of threats to the media’s role in protecting and defending our democracy that we face today.
THE NATION
Global
China Praises Apple, Blasts NYT Over App Store Blackout
An influential Chinese state-run tabloid has chided the New York Times over its reporting practices after Apple removed the newspaper’s app from its China app store at the request of the Chinese government.
FORTUNE
Nigerian journalist arrested for reporting on deputy governor
The police in Akwa Ibom arraigned journalist Nsibiet John for criminal defamation and sedition after he published a story in a local newspaper alleging that the Akwa Ibom deputy governor “pockets” millions in security funds from the government.
PREMIUM TIMES
Two Radio Journalists Sentenced in Ethiopia On Terror Charges
The two were convicted at a December 21 hearing of inciting extremist ideology and planning to overthrow the government through their coverage of Muslim protests about government interference in religious affairs, according to reports.
ALL AFRICA
Journalist Martinovic released in Montenegro pending trial
A Montenegro court on Tuesday night released independent journalist Jovo Martinovic, pending the outcome of his trial.
B92
Egypt releases April 6 activist Maher from jail
April 6 Youth Movement founder Ahmed Maher was released from an Egyptian jail this morning, the movement announced on social media.
MIDDLE EAST MONITOR
DARE is a project of PEN America’s #LouderTogether campaign, bringing you a daily curated round-up of the most important free expression-related news from the U.S. and abroad. Send your feedback and story suggestions to [email protected]
DARE: Daily Alert on Rights and Expression
Can you conscientiously object to high-kicking? Rockettes in dispute over reportedly being forced to perform at Trump inauguration. Senate looks to expand protections for federal whistleblowers. -Suzanne Nossel, Executive Director
DARE: Daily Alert on Rights and Expression
PEN America’s take on today’s most pressing threats to free expression
U.S.
Wisconsin Republicans Want UW Madison Class Cancelled, Professor Fired
Republican legislators in Wisconsin are threatening to reject the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s requests for additional state funding unless an elective course they find offensive is cancelled and its professor is fired.
SLATE
Climate Scientist’s Lawsuit Against Critics Can Proceed, Rules Court
Case Western Reserve University law professor Jonathan Adler warns that the court’s decision “is tremendously unfortunate, as it threatens to make it too easy for public figures to file lawsuits against their critics and, as a consequence, threatens to chill robust political debate.”
REASON
Conway: Trump White House will engage with press on ‘daily basis’
Newly appointed counselor to the president Kellyanne Conway said Thursday morning that the incoming White House will have a more or less traditional relationship with the media.
POLITICO
Rockettes dancer slams ‘obligation’ to perform at Trump’s inauguration
The saga of finding performers for Donald Trump’s inauguration continues to field scandal, with members of the dancing troupe the Radio City Rockettes posting on social media that they have been forced by their bosses to perform.
THE TELEGRAPH
Trump’s White House press shop intends to change status quo
The communications team announced by President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday shows that the status quo is shifting in the White House press shop as well as in other corners of the incoming administration.
THE HILL
Global
Singapore police investigate event Hong Kong activist addressed
In Hong Kong, Wong told Reuters that the Singapore police action constituted “political censorship” and he speculated that it was a result of Chinese pressure.
FREE MALAYSIA TODAY
Authorities promise to investigate killing of Myanmar journalist
Ko Soe Moe Tun, a reporter for Eleven Media Group, was found dead by the side of the road in Monywa on December 13. Police believe he had been beaten to death with a blunt instrument.
FRONTIER MYANMAR
Reporter’s arrest in Belgium shows extent of Turkey’s press crackdown
The arrest last week of a French-Turkish journalist of Kurdish origins in Belgium has sparked condemnation from his colleagues, press freedom groups and has highlighted Turkey’s attempts to muzzle journalists in the EU.
FRANCE 24
Algeria ‘asphyxiating’ journalists
Algeria has experienced a “progressive asphyxiation” of its media since the re-election of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in 2014, according to a new report released by Reporters Without Borders.
MIDDLE EAST MONITOR
DARE is a project of PEN America’s #LouderTogether campaign, bringing you a daily curated round-up of the most important free expression-related news from the U.S. and abroad. Send your feedback and story suggestions to [email protected]
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