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South Carolina lawmaker explains bill to register SC journalists
After filing a bill to require journalists to register with the state last week, Rep. Mike Pitts says that he introduced the bill because he noticed a slant in some reporting. Critics said it was an obviously unconstitutional restriction on the First Amendment freedom of the press. NBC-WSAV

Saudi blogger Badawi moved to solitary confinement *PEN Case List
Saudi blogger, Raif Badawi, Sakharov Prize Laureate in 2015, has been moved to an isolated cell on the second day after he started a new hunger strike. NEW EUROPE

International press watchdogs to hold vigil outside Turkish prison for jailed journalists
PEN International is one of several international press organizations scheduled to take a shift outside Silivri Prison on Wednesday morning in the ongoing “Wait for Hope” vigil launched in early December in support of arrested Cumhuriyet daily editors Can Dündar and Erdem Gül. TODAYS ZAMAN

Jordan to investigate detention of journalist in UAE
Jordanian MPs called on the government on Tuesday to follow up on the case of journalist Tayseer Al Najjar, who is reportedly detained in the UAE. AL BAWABA

Hunger striking journalist clings to life
Israel’s top court has agreed to hear the case of a hunger-striking Palestinian journalist who is close to death, according to his lawyer. Mohammed al-Qeq has been held without charge under a special Israeli law. ASSOCIATED PRESS

Turkish prosecutors seek life in prison for two journalists for Syria weapons story
Prosecutors will seek to put two prominent journalists in prison for life for a story alleging the government shipped weapons to Islamist fighters in Syria. DEUTSCHE WELLE

Blow to Kenya’s media after editor sacked for criticising president
One editorial criticising Kenya’s government was all it took to get seasoned journalist Denis Galava sacked from his job. His dismissal is seen as evidence of growing censorship in a country once hailed for its robust journalism industry. THE GUARDIAN

Swedish activist Peter Dahlin concerned over colleagues in Chinese prisons
Swedish human rights activist Peter Dahlin, who was released from detention in China and deported this week, has expressed concern about colleagues and friends who remain in the custody of the Chinese authorities. TIME