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Investigation finds that the Pentagon is accelerating efforts to predict and preempt anti-Trump and anti-government protests using social media surveillance. In the lead-up to the midterms, fact-checkers find that President Trump has made an average of 30 false or misleading claims a day. In spite of court defeat, Native Americans in North Dakota organize and fight back against efforts at voter suppression. Chief of Staff for Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) attempts to stir controversy over a University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor’s “liking” a Facebook post. A day after global protests and walkouts, Google employees share their stories of sexual harassment and assault. As over 100 writers, journalists, artists, and activists demand that the United Nations initiate an independent investigation into the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, his fiancée Hatice Cengiz pens a moving tribute and demands that the international community holds those responsible accountable. -Anoosh Gasparian, External Relations Manager

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

U.S.

Pentagon Wants to Predict Anti-Trump Protests Using Social Media Surveillance
The social media posts of American citizens who don’t like President Donald Trump are the focus of the latest U.S. military-funded research. The research, funded by the U.S. Army and co-authored by a researcher based at the West Point Military Academy, is part of a wider effort by the Trump administration to consolidate the U.S. military’s role and influence on domestic intelligence.
MOTHERBOARD

President Trump Has Made 6,420 False or Misleading Claims over 649 Days
In the first nine months of his presidency, Trump made 1,318 false or misleading claims, an average of five a day. But in the seven weeks leading up the midterm elections, he’s made 1,419 false or misleading claims—an average of 30 a day.
WASHINGTON POST

North Dakota’s Racist Voter ID Law Is Already Backfiring
North Dakota’s Native American communities suffered a setback on Thursday, as a court ruled that the state’s voter suppression law can remain in effect for this year’s election. But outrage over the law has led to a huge backlash and grassroots efforts to help people vote despite the law.
DAILY BEAST

Fortenberry Complains about Facebook Reaction to Vandalized Sign; UNL Professor Says He’s Bullying
Thumbing through his Facebook feed, Ari Kohen, a professor of political science, came across the now widely shared photo of a defaced campaign sign for Rep. Jeff Fortenberry. Fortenberry’s chief of staff then accused Kohen of supporting political vandalism, which Kohen vehemently denied.
LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR

‘You Can’t Erase Us’: In Silicon Valley, Google Workers Share Assault Stories
One organizer shared the story of an anonymous co-worker who said she complained of sexual harassment by a Google vice president, who then kept his job at the company for three more years. Another said she was the victim of what she feared was an attempted sexual assault at an off-site company event.
THE GUARDIAN

 
Global

Jamal Khashoggi’s Body Was ‘Dissolved’, Says Erdoğan Adviser *PEN Case List
The body of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi was “dissolved” after his murder and dismemberment at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. “They aimed to ensure no sign of the body was left,” an adviser to the Turkish president said.
THE GUARDIAN

Hatice Cengiz: The International Community Must Bring My Fiance’s Killers to Justice
“Jamal [Khashoggi’s] brutal murder has shaken the world. … It is now up to the international community to bring the perpetrators to justice. … The United States should be leading the way. The country was founded on the ideals of liberty and justice for all, the First Amendment enshrining the ideals personified by Jamal.”
WASHINGTON POST
 *PEN America joins more than 100 writers and artists in calling for an independent investigation. Learn more here

‘Don’t Worry Too Much, I Survived,’ – Russian Human Rights Activist Releases Sentsov’s Letter *PEN Case List
“I feel better—much better than I did a month ago. My lab tests are not very good yet, but not as bad as they were before. They stopped the IVU infusions last week; now it’s mostly diet, medical supervision, and pills. … So, don’t worry too much over there, I survived,” Oleg Sentsov wrote recently in a letter to human rights activists.
112.INTERNATIONAL

Dissident Cartoonist Cancels Hong Kong Show after China ‘Threats’
Hong Kong organizers of an exhibition by dissident Chinese-Australian cartoonist Badiucao, a persistent thorn in the side of leaders in Beijing, canceled the event in the Chinese-ruled city given what they said were threats by China.
REUTERS

We Deplore This Attack on Freedom of Expression in Brazil’s Universities
“Reports have emerged on social media that more than 20 universities in Brazil have been subjected in recent days to: invasions by military police; the confiscation of teaching materials on ideological grounds; and the suppression of freedom of speech and expression, especially in relation to anti-fascist history and activism.”
THE GUARDIAN

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