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]

Free Expression Daily Digest: Thurs., Feb 4

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

Former BBC journalist arrested in Iran
A former journalist with the British Broadcasting Corporation’s Persian service, Bahman Daroshafaei, was arrested in Iran on Wednesday for undisclosed reasons. The arrest occurred just as Iran’s foreign minister embarked on a trip to Britain. THE NEW YORK TIMES

Government in Thailand tightens rules for foreign journalists 
After recent concern over its international image, the ruling political group in Thailand has tightened its policies on foreign media working in Thailand, prompting the denial of work permits for some foreign journalists. BANGKOK POST

German journalist claims the media are ‘subject to strict censorship’
German journalist Ulrich Wickert and former director of the ZDF-studio Wolfgang Herles have accused German media of obedience to the country’s authorities, who put restrictions on many journalist subjects and have forced the media to follow certain instructions. SPUTNIK INTERNATIONAL

Philippines Presidential Spokesperson questions censorship of government officials
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte expressed concern over the Commission on Elections’ order, which censors government officials fom posting their political opinions online.THE PHILIPPINE STAR

Algeria to approve new constitution with freedom of speech requirements 
Algeria’s long-awaited constitutional reforms package has been passed and is awaiting vote by its Assembly and Senate. The new constitution requires that the president has support from the majority of parliament to appoint a prime minister, and stipulates freedom of speech, freedom of press, and the right to demonstrate peacefully. AFRICA NEWS

Egypt censorship authority refuses screening of three films during Zawya festival
Three films will not be allowed to be screened in the arthouse cinema Zawya’s first Short Film Festival, by order of Egypt’s censorship board. The reasons for banning the films are not declared, but religious considerations are a possibility. AHRAM ONLINE