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Former Alabama Senatorial candidate Roy Moore sues four women claiming defamation and conspiracy in relation to his alleged sexual relations with minors. Adult film star Stormy Daniels sues Trump for defamation over his claims that she had falsely claimed to be threatened by a Trump supporter. White House considering new restrictions on Chinese researchers working in the United States due to espionage fears. White House Correspondents’ Dinner controversy rolls on, exposing fault lines within the media. -Suzanne Nossel, Chief Executive Officer

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

U.S.

Roy Moore Sues 4 Women, Claiming Defamation and Conspiracy
Roy Moore, the former Senate candidate from Alabama who has been accused of pursuing sexual and romantic relationships with teenagers, sued four of his accusers, alleging that they had defamed and conspired against him.
NEW YORK TIMES

Stormy Daniels files defamation lawsuit against Trump
The suit alleges that Trump attempted to tarnish her reputation and credibility by dismissing her account—and subsequent description—of a man who threatened her in 2011, at a time when she was ready to go public about her alleged affair with Trump.
CNN

White House Considers Restricting Chinese Researchers Over Espionage Fears
It sounds like something out of a science fiction movie: In April, China is said to have tested an invisibility cloak that would allow ordinary fighter jets to suddenly vanish from radar screens.
NEW YORK TIMES

Did Michelle Wolf Kill the White House Correspondents’ Dinner?
Now, pressure on the Correspondents’ Association to reimagine the dinner is building, ratcheted up by social media, a heightened political climate, and a frustrated press corps wondering if a sober moment for American journalism requires a comparably sober event.
NEW YORK TIMES

Trump administration removes language on freedom of the press from Justice Department handbook
Gone from the handbook is a section specifically reminding attorneys of the public’s right to know. Gone is a section on the need for free press and public trial. Added to the manual is a section reminding employees to report any concerns to their superiors, and requiring them to disclose any contacts they have with the media.
INDEPENDENT

 
Global

China Presses Its Internet Censorship Efforts Across the Globe
Within its digital borders, China has long censored what its people read and say online. Now, it is increasingly going beyond its own online realms to police what people and companies are saying about it all over the world.
NEW YORK TIMES

Rain of terror: Egypt to crack down on ‘fake’ weather reports
Egypt’s media is under increasing pressure, with frequent accusations of fake news leveled at reporters and outlets, even those reporting in favor of the state. But false reports about the weather are rare.
THE GUARDIAN

Police Detain Chinese Activists Marking 50th Anniversary of Lin Zhao’s Death
Authorities in the eastern Chinese city of Suzhou detained three activists near the grave of a political dissident executed during the Mao era at the weekend after they tried to mark the 50th anniversary of her death.
RADIO FREE ASIA

Arrested Iranian Journalist Released On Bail
The director of Iran’s reformist Shargh newspaper has been released on bail, one day after being arrested over a report about “prostitution” in the northeastern city of Mashhad. Shargh is one of Iran’s most prominent reformist newspapers and has supported President Hasan Rohani.
RADIO FREE EUROPE

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