News & Analysis
The latest news and analysis from PEN America’s research and advocacy.
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Press Releases • Commentary
U.S. Must Act Swiftly to Protect Afghan Writers and Cultural Figures Who’ve Defended Free Expression
PEN America today called for the U.S. to act swiftly to offer protection to writers and cultural actors in Afghanistan. More
Poland’s Moves to Restrict Media Ownership Threaten Media Independence
The lower house of the Polish legislature passed a controversial media ownership bill Friday, a troubling step toward banning non-European owners from having a controlling stake in Polish media. More
Court Formally Dissolves PEN Belarus
As Belarus marks one year since a fraudulent election kept President Aleksandr Lukashenka in power, a court in the country today formally dissolved PEN America's sister organization PEN Belarus. More
Imprisoned Chinese Activist Xu Zhiyong Indicted for ‘Subversion’
Lawyers for imprisoned Chinese activist and writer Xu Zhiyong—the 2020 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write honoree—indicated this week that he's now been indicted for “subversion,” alongside fellow human rights lawyer… More
Texas School District Strikes More Books From Reading Lists
A Texas school district announced this week that it would remove or suspend nine books from its secondary school book club readings lists. More
PEN America Reopens US Writers Aid Initiative
PEN America today announced the reopening of its U.S. Writers Aid Initiative, a direct grant program for writers facing acute financial need. More
Facebook’s Suspension of Research Accounts Shows Disregard for Scrutiny
Facebook Tuesday disabled a number of personal accounts and Facebook pages linked to a New York University-based research project investigating the platform’s targeting of political ads. More
New York County Passes Law Allowing Police to Sue Protesters
The Nassau County legislature in Long Island, New York this week passed a bill that would allow police officers to sue individuals who they believe harassed, menaced, assaulted or… More
Annual Literary Prize in Georgia Canceled After Government Functionary Appointed as Juror
Officials in the country of Georgia have canceled the awarding of a prestigious literary award this year. It comes a week after jury members, authors, and publishing houses dropped… More
Awkwafina to Host 2021 PEN America Literary Gala
PEN America announced today that Golden Globe-winning actor, writer, producer, rapper, and comedian Awkwafina will host this year’s PEN America Literary Gala on October 5. More