Image source, bbc

SNP MSP Ruth Maguire says according to a Reporters Withour Borders report, more journalists have been killed in the first nine months of 2018 than in all of 2017.

Ms Maguire says since 1992 nearly 2,000 journalists and media workers have been killed.

The SNP MSP says protection is vital to ensure people around the world can express themselves free from the threat of violence.

Ms Maguire welcomes the solidarity in the chamber against the persecuted and exiled writers across the world.

Image source, PEN

The Day of the Imprisoned Writer is observed on 15 November each year.

It celebrates journalists and writers around the world who stand up against attacks on the right to freedom of expression.

The day was started by PEN International, external in 1981.

Scottish PEN, external champions these aims here in Scotland.

Image source, Getty Images

SNP MSP Ruth Maguire is leading a member's debate marking the Day of the Imprisoned Writer.

Image source, Scottish parliament

Image source, bbc

The price of cheap, high-strength alcohol went up in Scotland, on 1 May 2018, as long-awaited legislation on minimum pricing came into force.

The law, which sets a floor price for drinks depending on how many units of alcohol they contain, was passed in 2012 but has faced legal challenges.

The Scottish government said the move would cut consumption and save lives.

High-strength white cider and cheap own-brand vodka and whisky will see the biggest rise in prices.

• Why has alcohol just got more expensive?
• How will minimum pricing affect me?
• Minimum alcohol pricing in Scotland to start in May
• Scotland to set 50p minimum unit price for alcohol

Ms Sturgeon calls for minimum unit pricing to be given a chance as it is far too early to judge the success of this policy.

The first minister insists this is an important policy and calls for backing of Tories.

Tory MSP Jamie Greene asks what plans the Scottish Government has to evaluate the impact on sales of minimum unit pricing on alcohol.

The first minister says bullying is totally unacceptable and says we must always look to instill the value of tolerance in young people.

• A new way of monitoring and recording bullying in Scottish schools will be introduced this autumn. The government hopes it will make it easier for teachers to act "quickly and effectively" to address the problem.

SNP MSP Fulton Macgregor asks how the Scottish government is marking Anti-Bullying Week.

Image source, bbc

Labour MSP Pauline McNeill raises the tragic death of 16 year old William Lindsay in Polmont Young Offender's Institution.

The justice secretary has said "there are rightly questions being asked" following the death of a teenager at a young offenders' institution.

William Lindsay, 16, died while on remand at Polmont Young Offenders' Institution (YOI) in October.

The Scotsman reported, external that he apparently took his own life days after being remanded, despite having been flagged up as a suicide risk.

A mandatory Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) will be carried out.

The newspaper report comes about a fortnight after the parents of a young woman who killed herself in Polmont YOI called for a review of Scotland's prison system.

Katie Allan's family sought a meeting with Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf as they launched a campaign calling for change.

• Suicide student 'humiliated' in prison
• Four deaths in Scottish jails in two days

The first minister gives her sincere condolences to the families of William Lindsay and Katie Allan.

SNP MSP Bruce Crawford goes back to Brexit calling for a plan.

Ms Strugeon agrees the "deal is dead in the water".

The first minister reiterates her desire to stay in the EU, but calls for the UK to stay in the single market and customs union as a compromise.

SNP MSP Stuart McMillan raises the issue of problem gambling.

The first minister praises Mr McMillan for campaigning on the issue.

Labour MSP Anas Sarwar names the soldiers of the Indian army whose graves have been discovered in Scotland, who are the "forgotten heroes".

Mr Sarwar calls for a memorial for them, saying "there names should be forgotten no more".

The first minister agrees they were "forgotten heroes" and thanks Mr Sarwar for getting their names on the official Scottish Parliament record.

She agrees to start discussions on a memorial.

Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie lists what he says are lies about Brexit, saying "the people have been cheated".

Can the first minister think of a single reason not to have a "People's Vote", asks Mr Rennie.

If there is a proposal for a People's Vote the SNP will back it, replies the first minister.

The first minister says if there is an opportunity to halt Brexit we should take that.

Mr Harvie says it is highly unlikely that MPs will vote for the deal.

The Scottish Green Party co-convener insists there is not a single reference to Scotland in it.

He says the Greens are ready to start the campaign to be an independent member of the EU.

Ms Sturgeon points out the SNP have been campaigning for independence for some time.

Scottish Green Party co-convener Patrick Harvie: "It's another day, another dose of Brexit chaos."

Mr Harvie calls for the public to get the chance to "kill off Brexit with a People's Vote".

He calls for Scotland to be an independent member of the EU.

Ms Sturgeon insists there is no doubt Scotland will get another opportunity to vote for independence again and that it will vote to be an independent country.

We move to constituency questions with Labour MSP Johann Lamont raising the contaminated blood scandal and issues around payments to victims.

The first minister says she wants to see justice delivered for the victims.

Next we have Green MSP Mark Ruskell who raises the issue of potential new jobs at the Longannet site.

The first minister welcomes the news from Talgo.

The site of Longannet power station in Fife has been chosen by a Spanish train manufacturer as the location for a new factory, employing 1,000 people.

However, it is reliant on Talgo winning a major contract to build trains.

Tory MSP Finlay Carson raises the issue of a Kingdom of Galloway national park.

Labour MSP Mark Griffin raise the issue of an infant called Sebastian who has not yet received the allergy medicine he needs.

Mr Leonard calls on the first minister to back an early general election.

Ms Sturgeon replies that the Scottish Labour leader would rather leave powers over welfare with the UK government, as people suffer under Universal Credit.

The FM then moves to Brexit and reiterates that her party will vote against the deal.

She asks what exactly would Labour do that is different on Brexit to the Tories.