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Freedom to Write Index 2023
The 2023 Freedom to Write Index records the highest number of jailed writers around the globe since the Index launched five years ago. More
Record Number of Writers Jailed Worldwide in 2023
There were 339 writers from 33 countries jailed in 2023, an increase of 62 writers compared to 2022 and 101 more than in 2019. More
Thai Poet and Activist Sentenced to Additional Years in Prison for Breaking Lèse-Majesté Laws
Thailand's lèse-majesté law criminalizes insults against the monarchy and carries a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment per count if convicted. More
Kremlin Crackdown on Foreign and Independent Media Intensifies with New Arrests
As Russia closes itself off from the rest of the world, journalists are risking their lives to report independent news to help people understand what is happening in the… More
Growing Reports of Use of Force Against Student Protests Are Deeply Alarming
While campus leaders have a responsibility for the safety of all on campus, threatening arrest and deploying police against peaceful protesters is a severe and drastic measure that in… More
PEN America Cancels 2024 World Voices Festival
“The idea that only those who adhere to a particular ideology or worldview are worthy of engagement is inimical to the spirit of PEN America and World Voices,” said… More
Iranian Dissident Rapper Toomaj Salehi Sentenced to Death
(NEW YORK) – Artists at Risk Connection (ARC), PEN America, and Index on Censorship strongly condemn the death sentence imposed on Iranian rapper and human rights defender Toomaj Salehi… More
Statement by PEN America on Campus Protests
As campuses continue to see growing student mobilization, we call on campus administrators to uphold their obligations to safeguard peaceful protest and free expression; protect students from harassment and… More
Iranian Cartoonist Detained for Trying to Post a Cartoon on a Wall Next to Presidential Palace
We are outraged by the violence deployed by Iranian authorities against Atena Farghadani, whose work upholds human rights, democratic values, and free expression. More
PEN America Statement Regarding the 2024 Literary Awards Ceremony and Conferral of Annual Prizes
“We greatly respect that writers have followed their consciences, whether they chose to remain as nominees in their respective categories or not,” said Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf. “We regret that… More