Want to receive this digest in your inbox? To subscribe, simply click here and choose DARE: Daily Alert on Rights and Expression from the list.

Citing First Amendment, federal judge rules in favor of Knight Institute challenge to Trump who has been blocking individuals on Twitter—the decision is expected to be appealed. NFL owners reach agreement to fine teams and personnel if players fail to stand during the national anthem while Jets owner vows to absorb the fines so that players can exercise their rights (see PEN America statement here). FBI admits that due to a programming error it overstated the number of smart phones it has been unable to search, including giving the misstatement in Congressional testimony. Literary community mourns legend Philip Roth (see PEN tribute here). -Suzanne Nossel, Chief Executive Officer

 

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

U.S.

Trump Can’t Block Twitter Followers, Federal Judge Says
Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald said in her ruling that Trump is violating the U.S. Constitution by preventing certain Americans from viewing his tweets. Twitter, Buchwald said, is a “designated public forum” where Trump cannot exclude others.
CNBC

Trump Weighs in on NFL’s New National Anthem Rules
Seeking to end a political controversy that has embarrassed professional football, the NFL’s team owners decided that players could no longer kneel during the national anthem without leaving themselves open to punishment or penalties.
NEW YORK TIMES

Jets Acting Owner: I’ll Pay Fines If My Players Don’t Stand for National Anthem
After a new policy that could fine teams if players don’t stand for the national anthem was approved, Jets chairman and CEO Christopher Johnson said he would pay any fine allowing players to freely express themselves without fear of repercussions.
CBS

FBI Admits Overstating Locked Phone Problem, and Critics Pounce
The FBI came under fire from electronic privacy and security advocates after acknowledging that it has exaggerated the number of locked smartphones and other mobile electronic devices it has been unable to access because of encryption.
NEW YORK TIMES

The Single Greatest Punch Line in Our Nation’s Literary History
“Philip Roth brought America to life for us in the grandest and most intimate terms possible. Assuming civilization lasts long enough to allow us to do so, we’ll be picking up the pieces of his work for closer examination decades from now.”
CNN

 
Global

Far-Right Group Intimidates Vice Journalists in Their Montreal Office
Masked men stormed into the Montreal office of the Vice digital media company, apparently in an effort to intimidate journalists and show their dissatisfaction with a recent article about the far-right group Atalante Québec.
CBC

Delhi’s ‘India and the World’ Exhibit is Magnificent But Excludes Key Artistic Pieces
An official fiat seems to have led to the removal of several works from the Delhi edition of the ongoing exhibition at the National Museum. Critics say it alerts us to the ease with which histories can be elided by simple acts of exclusion.
WIRE

Malaysia’s New Government Urged to Implement Media Reforms
Civil society groups are urging Malaysia’s new government to uphold its election campaign pledge of enacting reforms in governance which include the abolition of laws that undermine free speech.
GLOBAL VOICES ONLINE

Saudis Release 2 Women in Sweep Targeting Rights Activists
Saudi authorities have released two prominent women’s rights activists, but continue to hold at least eight others in a sweep targeting prominent icons of the women’s rights movement.
NEWS TRIBUNE

Germany’s Far-Right AfD Offices Blocked By Giant Ice Blocks
Activists blocked the entrance to the Alternative for Germany’s (AfD) main offices in Berlin on Wednesday, criticizing the far-right party’s “chilly” attitude toward the country’s constitutional values.
POLITICO

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]