Dinaw Mengestu in Conversation with Pham Doan Trang’s Friends and Colleagues
Writers around the world face grave risks for telling truths and pushing back against authoritarian governments, with at least 339 writers held behind bars during 2023 according to the Freedom to Write Index. Every year on November 15, the Day of the Imprisoned Writer, the PEN International network highlights cases of writers at risk around the world.
As a part of the PEN International network, uniting alongside fellow writers and allies, PEN America dedicates this day to call for the release of writers in prison. This year, we are highlighting five PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Awardees who remain in prison: Pham Doan Trang in Vietnam (2024), Narges Mohammadi in Iran (2023), Vladyslav Yesypenko in Russian-occupied Crimea (2022), Xu Zhiyong in China (2020), and Ilham Tohti in China (2014). As part of our annual Literary Gala, the Award is conferred upon a writer in prison in recognition of their courage and commitment to free expression.
To commemorate the 43rd Day of the Imprisoned Writer, join acclaimed author and Vice President of PEN America’s Board of Trustees Dinaw Mengestu in conversation with Tran Quynh Vi and Trinh Huu Long, friends and colleagues of the most recent PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Awardee, Pham Doan Trang. Mengestu will chat with Tran Quynh Vi and Trinh Huu Long about Pham Doan Trang’s impact as an author, journalist, and human rights advocate in Vietnam—and how you can take action and call for her release.
