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Two University of Arizona students face misdemeanor charges after protesting against Customs and Border Patrol activity on their campus in Tuscon. House Judiciary Committee to hold panel on the rise in hate crimes and the spread of white nationalism. The City, a new nonprofit news organization covering New York City, launches today. -Anoosh Gasparian, External Relations Manager

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

U.S.

University of Arizona Presses Charges against Students for Protesting against Border Patrol
The University of Arizona is facing criticism for its to decision to criminally charge two students, Denisse Moreno Melchor and Mariel Alexandra Bustamante, for protesting an appearance of U.S. border patrol officers at a campus event. The charges could carry up to six months of jail time.
THE GUARDIAN

House Judiciary Panel to Hold April Hearing on White Nationalism
“This hearing will examine hate crimes, the impact white nationalist groups have on American communities, and the spread of white identity ideology. The hearing will also foster ideas about what social media companies can do to stem white nationalist propaganda and hate speech online,” said chairman Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.).
THE HILL

The City Gets a New News Source: The City
At one point, there were at least seven dailies in New York, including The Herald Tribune (closed in 1966) and New York Newsday (closed in 1995). The internet was supposed to help news outlets find audiences, but sustainable business models remain elusive. It can feel like daunting times for the local news business. But now comes The City, a new nonprofit newsroom whose website debuted yesterday.
NEW YORK TIMES

How a New Generation of Black Playwrights Is Taking on Race and Privilege in the Age of Trump
“Driven partly by a recognition that artists of color often possess unique understandings of resistance to reactionary forces, the invigorated attention to this group of gifted writers has led to some remarkable productions, especially on the inexhaustibly charged subject of race.”
WASHINGTON POST

 
Global

Aggression against Journalists on the Rise in Mexico
Being a journalist is one of the most dangerous occupations in Mexico, and the situation is on the rise with a journalist attacked every 16 hours and 99 percent of the cases going unpunished, the press freedom group Article 19 said.
LOS ANGELES TIMES

New Extradition Law Would Enable China to Capture Journalists in Hong Kong, Warns Media Watchdog
The Hong Kong Journalists Association has said that an update to Hong Kong’s extradition laws could enable China to get hold of journalists in Hong Kong with all kinds of unfounded charges and bring an end to the limited freedom of speech that Hong Kong still enjoys.
HONG KONG FREE PRESS

Australia Could Jail Social Media Execs for Showing Violence
Australia’s Parliament passed legislation that could imprison social media executives if their platforms stream real violence such as the New Zealand mosque shootings. The crime would be punishable by three years in prison and a fine of 10.5 million Australian dollars or 10 percent of the platform’s annual turnover, whichever is larger.
WASHINGTON POST

Moon Jae-in Stresses Need for Free and Fair Press
South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in emphasized the importance of freedom of the press, saying the press has helped shape his nation. Moon also stressed, however, the need for the press to adapt to rapid change in the newspaper business and to strive for fairer and more accurate reporting.
KOREA HERALD

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