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Presidential falsehoods about the administration’s separation of children from their immigrant parents raises the pressure on news organizations to avoid retelling of lies. Journalists able to report from border detention facilities bring to light the reality of immigration policies. New owner takes charge of the Los Angeles Times, invoking his own immigration story and pledging independent journalism with “urgency and purpose.” -Dru Menaker, Chief Operating Officer

 

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

U.S.

Trump Again Falsely Blames Democrats for His Separation Tactic
Trump repeated his false assertion that Democrats were responsible for separating migrant families apprehended at the border, sticking to a weekslong refusal to publicly accept responsibility for a widely condemned practice.
NEW YORK TIMES

What it’s Like Inside a Border Patrol Facility Where Families Are Being Separated
Ursula is one of the first places immigrants are taken to after being apprehended by Border Patrol—and now, the facility is the epicenter for the family separations that are occurring because of Trump “zero tolerance” policy towards border crossers.
NATION

New L.A. Times Owner Patrick Soon-Shiong Writes a Note to Readers
“From today, our important work protecting and building on a rich history of independent journalism begins—with a sense of urgency and purpose… We will continue our papers’ dedication to truth, integrity, [and] journalistic independence.”
LOS ANGELES TIMES

People Don’t Trust Social Media—That’s a Growing Problem for Businesses
Some 60 percent of respondents in a new survey by public relations firm Edelman said social media companies were not effective in controlling fake news, deterring hate speech, and protecting privacy.
CBS NEWS

Michigan Fires Back on Free Speech Lawsuit
The University of Michigan blasted a free speech lawsuit against it, calling it “a false caricature” of the institution’s rules on free expression. Speech First originally sued the university alleging its definitions on “harassment” would chill free speech.
INSIDE HIGHER ED

 
Global

African Bloggers Want Tanzania to Repeal the Online Content Regulations
African bloggers have asked the Tanzanian government to revoke provisions that limit free expression, access to information, and media freedom. “We consider it tragic that Tanzania has [limited the same freedoms]… Africans historically value.”
CITIZEN

Hopes for New Era of Malaysian Free Speech are High, but Pending
After Malaysians ousted Prime Minister Najib Razak and his governing party, those who were previously prosecuted for criticizing officials remain cautious saying they are awaiting concrete action from a new, pro free speech government.
NEW YORK TIMES

Government Hits Back at U.N. Human Rights Officials
Cambodian officials have accused two U.N. human rights experts of interfering in its internal affairs when the experts commented on the freedom of opinion and expression in the Kingdom and the media code of conduct.
PHNOM PENH POST

‘Campaign of Fear’ Drives Pakistan’s Journalists to Self-Censorship as Pressure Mounts Ahead of General Election
The Pakistan government responded to India’s accusations of supporting the Mumbai terrorist attacks by disrupting one of the countries oldest dailies. The action has been described as a “campaign of fear against anyone criticizing the establishment”.
FIRST POST

Fears Mount Over WhatsApp’s Role in Spreading Fake News
Veterans of the online news business see the private nature of the service as being perfect for unmediated gossip. “People feel comfortable sharing important things through WhatsApp… “It’s that feeling of being in on a secret that people love.”
GUARDIAN

DARE is a project of PEN America’s #LouderTogether campaign, bringing you a daily-curated roundup of the most important free expression-related news from the U.S. and abroad. Send your feedback and story suggestions to [email protected]