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Flood the Gates: Write to Liu Xia and Liu Xiaobo
Four years ago today, while much of the U.S. was dreaming about sugar plum fairies, a court in Beijing sentenced Liu Xiaobo, a PEN friend and colleague, to 11… More
From Turki al-Hamad’s Al Karadib
The Common premieres a newly translated chapter of Saudi author Turki al-Hamad's remarkable novel Al Karadib, the third in the Atyaf al-Aziqah al-Mahjurah (Phantoms of the Deserted Alley) trilogy… More
Favorite Books of 2013 | Flavorwire
Flavorwire's Jason Diamond selects 15 of the year's best novels, hefty, ambitious works that encompass generations and span continents. Once again, works by women feature prominently and we… More
The PEN Ten with Alexander Chee
At some point recently I realized I mostly read about assassins. Assassins and sex work—in particular, I'm fascinated by the new porn narratives, the way porn has moved on… More
PEN Award Winner Ayşe Berktay Released from Prison in Turkey
PEN American Center is thrilled by the news that Turkish translator, writer, and peaceful activist Ayşe Berktay has been released from prison pending trial today, but remains deeply troubled… More
Take Action for Imprisoned Journalists Reeyot Alemu and Eskinder Nega
PEN protests the continuing imprisonment of journalists Reeyot Alemu and Eskinder Nega, held in Kality prison since 2011 under Ethiopia’s Anti-Terrorism Proclamation. More
Favorite Books of 2013 | NPR’s Maureen Corrigan
Today's list is from NPR’s Maureen Corrigan, who highlights the staggering success of women authors in 2013. No apologies necessary, Maureen. And while we love the list... More
Pussy Riot Will Be Free; Speech in Russia Will Not
(PEN International)—Whilst the amnesty granted to the two imprisoned members of Pussy Riot – Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Mariya Alekhina – is to be welcomed, we must view it for… More
Sierra Leone: Reading Yourself—And The Other
The right to freedom of expression is inextricably linked to the right to education, quality education—a commodity still in short supply in many developing countries, including Sierra Leone. More
PEN American Center Emphasizes Human Rights in Surveillance Reform
Within an hour of the publication of the President’s Review Panel report and recommendations on NSA surveillance, the UN General Assembly passed by consensus a new resolution on the… More