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Writer Andrey Kurkov: Ukrainians Will Never Abandon Faith in Human Rights or Hope for Freedom
“The level of journalism traditionally shows the level of democracy in society. We can see how independent journalism is being destroyed by the example of annexed Crimea,” he said.… More
PEN America Condemns Arrest of Iranian Writers and Translators, Another Attack on the Iranian Writers Associaton
"While the official justification for their arrest has not been announced, it is obvious that Iranian authorities have targeted Mohtadi and Asadollahi because of their vital contributions through writing,… More
Displacement and the Life of a Writer: Nobel Laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah Opens PEN World Voices Festival with Personal Remembrance and History
[caption id="attachment_220638" align="alignright" width="300"] An Evening with Nobel Laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah, PEN World Voices Festival 2022[/caption] “I believe that writing also has to show what can be otherwise, what it… More
PEN America Condemns Killing of Palestinian-American Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, Shot to Death While Reporting on the West Bank
"PEN America condemns the killing of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh today while reporting from the West Bank. For a journalist with a vest that clearly designated her as… More
PEN America Convenes Emergency Congress of Writers In Response to the War in Ukraine and Other Global Crises
PEN America Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Nossel said, “At a time when governments seem at a loss to confront the multiplying scourges of violence, disinformation, polarization, environmental degradation, corruption,… More
Writers Delegation from Ukraine to Meet with Biden Administration Officials, Members of Congress May 16-17
In addition to human rights and freedom of expression concerns, the delegation will raise issues including preserving Ukraine’s literary and cultural heritage (publishing and related activities); support to writers… More
Council on Foreign Relations Hosts PEN America and Delegation of Ukraine Writers for May 16 Conversation in Washington
The group will discuss the current atmosphere for the country’s authors and activists, as well as the threat Russia poses to Ukraine’s sovereignty, cultural heritage, and identity. More
South Dakota School District May Physically Destroy its Banned Books, a Move PEN America Says Reflects “Uncompromising Extremism”
Books, words, and works of literature are being seen as so objectionable that they must be obliterated. PEN America calls on the Rapid City Area School Board to resist… More
Decision by University of St. Thomas to Ban Speaker is “Wrongheaded,” Says PEN America
“The decision by the University of St. Thomas to ban Michael Knowles from campus is unfortunate and wrongheaded. Bans and prohibitions on speakers are toxic policies for educational institutions, even… More
The PEN Ten: An Interview with Marwa Helal
I think it’s important to keep playing with this possibility that justice is us, will be us and always has been: our prayers, our songs, our joy, our love. More