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. *This mailing list is currently in BETA as we work out the kinks. Please send your feedback and suggestions to [email protected]

PEN International shocked at attack on the offices of Kurdish PEN in Turkey
This morning, PEN International received news from the Kurdish PEN Center in Turkey of an attack on their offices on February 2. PEN International is currently seeking further information about the circumstances of this attack.
PEN INTERNATIONAL

Author linked to missing Hong Kong publishers calls on Beijing to free them
Writer Xi Nuo, the author of a provocative book about the private life of Chinese president Xi Jinping, says five men should not be punished for his book, which prompted a crackdown on publishers in Hong Kong.
THE GUARDIAN

WikiLeaks’ Assange to accept arrest if UN denies appeal
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has been considering the case of Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, who took asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy of the UK in 2012 amidst investigations by British, Swedish, and American authorities. Assange says he’ll respect the UN ruling on Friday and accept arrest if it goes against him.
ALJAZEERA

Punjabi-Canadian journalist Baltej Pannu granted bail
Punjabi-Canadian journalist Baltej Pannu could soon be free from jail after an Indian high court approved his bail application on Wednesday. Pannu was arrested in Punjab in late November on charges of rape, cheating, and intimidation. Supporters are adamant the charges against Pannu are politically motivated.
THE STAR

Israel’s supreme court suspends detention of Palestinian journalist
Hunger-striking reporter Mohammed al-Qiq is said to be near death after 72 days without food. Israel’s supreme court has suspended the detention without trial of Qiq, and decided that he cannot leave the hospital without permission.
THE GUARDIAN

New UN stamps promote LGBT rights
United Nations Postal Administration issues colourful series celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people as part of Free & Equal campaign. The colourful stamps are meant to celebrate the diversity of the gay community and marks the first time the global body’s post office has issued stamps with an LGBT theme.
THE GUARDIAN