PEN’s Free Expression Digest brings you a daily curated round-up of the most important free expression-related stories from around the web. *This mailing list is currently in BETA as we work out the kinks. Please send your feedback and suggestions to [email protected]

UAE man jailed for tweets critical of high court: newspaper
A man in the United Arab Emirates was sentenced to three years in jail on Monday for Twitter posts allegedly insulting the Gulf country’s Supreme Court, a local newspaper reported.Nasser al-Faresi, 27, allegedly called the proceedings of a 2012 sedition trial a “judicial farce” and insulted the UAE’s president and Abu Dhabi’s crown prince, according to The National. REUTERS

Sudan seizes another daily newspaper, making 2015 worst year for country’s media
Journalists say they are under intense pressure with presses forced to close and reporters increasingly detained and imprisoned by security forces. THE GUARDIAN

UN rights office urges Thailand to free 14 student activists
The U.N. human rights office called Tuesday on Thailand to release 14 student activists and drop the charges that were filed against them for holding a peaceful anti-coup rally. ASSOCIATED PRESS

Reading the revolution: the book club that terrified the Angolan regime
Fifteen youths have been jailed, but rather than silencing dissent the crackdown on free thought reveals just how nervous the government is. THE GUARDIAN

Swaziland and Supreme Court releases Thulani Maseko and Bheki Makhubu
The Supreme Court in Swaziland upheld an appeal brought by human rights lawyer, Thulani Maseko, and magazine editor, Bheki Makhubu against their conviction on two charges of contempt of court and their two year prison sentences. The Court ordered their immediate release from prison. ALL AFRICA

Arrested, threatened, beaten: The Uzbekistan activist who won’t give up
Elena Urlaeva was reportedly subjected to sexual violence by the Uzbek authorities, after years of arrests and beatings. The BBC profiles an activist renowned for her bravery. BBC NEWS

Illinois teacher fired for stepping on U.S. flag
A teacher in eastern Illinois has been fired for stepping on a small U.S. flag during a lesson on free speech. ASSOCIATED PRESS