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A lawsuit challenging the Federal Communications Commission’s repeal of net neutrality is back in court for oral arguments today, regarding whether to restore open internet access. White House security specialist is suspended just one week after NBC reported Jared Kushner’s top-secret security clearance was approved over staff objections. Additional federal hate crime charges brought against Pittsburgh Tree of Life shooter; indictment cites shooter’s hateful posts on website Gab. Journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo from Myanmar appeal their criminal case to Myanmar Supreme Court, while key whistleblower witness in the trial is released from prison. -Nora Benavidez, Director of U.S. Free Expression Programs

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

U.S.

Key Court Fight to Restore Net Neutrality Kicks Off
Oral arguments are set to begin in the most prominent lawsuit challenging the federal government’s repeal of broadband access rules known as net neutrality. But the lawsuit is just one of several fronts in a broader battle. The subject continues to be fiercely debated in the States and Congress.
NEW YORK TIMES

‘Whistleblower’ in White House Security Clearance Office Gets Suspended
A White House security specialist has been suspended without pay for defying her supervisor Carl Kline, less than a week after NBC News reported Kline approved Jared Kushner for top secret clearance over the objections of career staff.
NBC NEWS

New Hate Crime Charges Filed against Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting Suspect
The indictment also revealed new details about the suspect’s mental state and his alleged connections to gab.com, a website where he allegedly made racist statements and criticized the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society.
ABC NEWS

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Stopped Putting Every Single Story on Social Media and Tripled Its Following
They’ve figured out the rhythms of their readers, which stories should go on different platforms and how those platforms differ. And the measure now isn’t click-throughs, but getting people engaged with what they’re doing on the platforms where they are.
POYNTER

 
Global

Jailed Reuters Reporters Appeal to Myanmar’s Supreme Court *PEN Case List: Learn More
A lawyer for Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, two Reuters journalists sentenced to seven years in prison on charges of violating Myanmar’s Official Secrets Act, filed an appeal with the Supreme Court seeking to overturn their convictions.
ASSOCIATED PRESS

Harvard Activist Detained in South Sudan for Six Months ‘Could Be Put to Death,’ Lawyer Warns in Urgent Appeal to United Nations
Calling on the U.N. to take action, international human rights lawyer Jared Genser has warned that Peter Biar Ajak “could be put to death” for crimes he did not commit if he remains in South Sudanese custody. He was detained more than six months ago after criticizing the country’s government on Twitter.
NEWSWEEK

Media Outlet Monitoring Uyghur Persecution in China Vows to Continue Work despite Ban, Arrests
The director of an online magazine that monitors religious freedom in China has vowed to continue his organization’s work documenting the oppression of Uyghurs in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, despite the arrest and interrogation of dozens of its contributors in recent months.
RADIO FREE ASIA

Publishers Warn of Increasing Visa Trouble for Authors
Publishers have spoken out about the increasing problems of authors getting visas for international travel—both when coming to the U.K. and when making certain trips overseas—with some saying it now affects their decision whether or not to make an offer for a book.
THE BOOKSELLER

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