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CBS’s 60 Minutes refuses request from Egyptian government to refrain from broadcasting interview with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. President Trump makes a surprise appearance at an impromptu White House press briefing; neither he nor Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders takes questions from reporters. Justice Department acknowledges, but refuses to correct, errors in a controversial report that implied a link between domestic terrorism and immigration. Federal court expands liability under Title IX to include online harassment through anonymous posts. (If you or anyone you know is experiencing online harassment, our Online Harassment Field Manual contains effective strategies and resources to defend against cyber hate and fight online abuse.) -Anoosh Gasparian, External Relations Manager

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

U.S.

The Interview Egypt’s Government Doesn’t Want on TV
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi sat down with Scott Pelley on 60 Minutes. The team was contacted by the Egyptian Ambassador shortly after and told the interview could not be aired. Expect the interview to be broadcast on 60 Minutes, Sunday, January 6.
CBS NEWS

Trump Pushes Border Wall in Surprise Media Briefing, but Takes No Questions
The surprise appearance, which lasted just a few minutes, marked the president’s first time speaking from the briefing room podium. He answered no questions from reporters, who shouted questions at him as he walked out of the room.
CNBC

Justice Dept. Admits Error but Won’t Correct Report Linking Terrorism to Immigration
The Justice Department has acknowledged errors and deficiencies in a controversial report issued a year ago that implied a link between terrorism in the United States and immigration, but—for the second and final time—officials have declined to retract or correct the document.
WASHINGTON POST

Fourth Circuit Expands Title IX Liability for Harassment Through Anonymous Online Posts
The Fourth Circuit recently held that universities could be liable for Title IX violations if they fail to adequately respond to harassment that occurs through anonymous-messaging apps.
NATIONAL LAW REVIEW

 
Global

In Netflix’s Censorship of Hasan Minhaj, Money Mattered More Than Murder
A bit like the Saudi regime itself, the Netflix decision smacks of giving priority to money over the immorality of murder. The case reflects the growing tensions between global internet platforms that erase borders and autocratic governments with the money or legal muscle to restrict freedom within the borders they rule.
NEW YORKER *See PEN America’s reaction here

Singapore Activist Jolovan Wham Convicted of Illegal Assembly after Joshua Wong Skype Call Event
Singaporean activist Jolovan Wham has been found guilty of organizing an illegal assembly involving Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong, who participated via Skype. He will be sentenced on January 23.
HONG KONG FREE PRESS

German Politicians Targeted in Mass Data Attack
Hundreds of German politicians, including Chancellor Angela Merkel, have had personal details stolen and published online. It is unclear who was behind the attack, which emerged on Twitter in the style of an advent calendar last month.
BBC NEWS

Mother of Student Held over Ortega Protest in Global Plea for Help
The mother of a medical student facing more than 20 years in prison for protesting against the Nicaraguan government is appealing to the international community to put pressure on president Daniel Ortega’s regime.
THE GUARDIAN

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