PEN’s Free Expression Digest brings you a daily curated round-up of the most important free expression-related stories from around the web. Subscribe here. Please send your feedback and suggestions to [email protected].

Khadija Ismayilova exempted from fine *PEN Case List
Journalist Khadija Ismayilova has been exempted from a fine of 2,500 manats imposed on her in accordance with a court decision. Ismayilova, who was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison, was released on probation last month by the Azerbaijani supreme court.
TREND NEWS AGENCY

When journalists are killed, prosecutions are rare
At least 1,195 journalists have been killed because of their work since 1992, including several this month. Prosecutions have occurred in fewer than 3 percent of those cases. There are only 34 cases in which everyone has been convicted. THE NEW YORK TIMES

Safeguarding free speech
The City University of New York is considering a new policy on freedom of expression. Administrators say the policy affirms the university’s commitment to safeguarding free speech at a time of protests and politically contentious debates, but critics argue that the policy imposes new restrictions on expressive activities. INSIDE HIGHER ED

Open internet under threat
Worldwide efforts to clamp down on cybercrime, terrorism and free speech are on the rise and are putting the economic and societal benefits of the open internet at risk. As governments exert more internet controls, they risk undermining economic growth, political equality, and social justice. THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

2015 sets deadliest on record for environmental campaigners
At least 185 environmental activists were killed last year across16 countries, the highest annual death toll on record and close to a 60% increase from 2014. 42 of the kills were related to protests, and Brazil was worst hit with 50 deaths. THE GUARDIAN

Jailed Chinese activist continues hunger strike
Jailed human rights activist Guo Feixiong refuses to end his six-week hunger strike, which he began to protest his treatment in prison. Guo was sentenced last November for “picking quarrels and stirring up trouble” and “gathering a crowd to disrupt social order.”
RADIO FREE ASIA