News & Analysis
The latest news and analysis from PEN America’s research and advocacy.
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Press Releases • Commentary
British Court Rejects U.S. Request to Extradite Assange
"In order to play its proper role in a democracy, the media must be free to report on and publish even classified information." More
Iranian Translator Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison
“We condemn the court's verdict against Arash Ganji in the strongest terms: to be imprisoned for 11 years for the ‘crime’ of translating a book is absurd and an… More
Loujain Al-Hathloul Sentenced in Sham Saudi Trial
“The conviction of Loujain Al-Hathloul is a blatant attack on the most basic human rights of all people—particularly women—living in Saudi Arabia." More
PEN America Welcomes Release of Bangladeshi Photojournalist
“We are overjoyed to learn that Shafiqul Islam Kajol has finally been granted bail and can be reunited with his family, including his son, who has staunchly campaigned for… More
Sentencing of Journalist, Rappers in Cambodia Signal Dire State of Free Expression
“Peaceful criticism is not a crime, whether the words be written, spoken, or rapped." More
PEN America Announces 2021 Literary Awards Longlists
“This year’s Longlists speak to the extraordinary diversity of the global literary canon, and showcases an incredible wealth of stories and voices from a true cross-section of writers and… More
Detention of Chinese Writer and Documentarian Du Bin Appears to Be Politically-Motivated
“So far, the most likely explanation for Du’s detention is that someone in power didn’t like his work, something which is unfortunately easy to believe when one considers the… More
PEN America Says Dismissal of University of Mississippi Scholar Raises Serious Questions
“This summary dismissal appears an extreme reaction to the facts at hand, raising serious questions and concerns about academic freedom at the University of Mississippi." More
Poet and Writer Tran Duc Thach Sentenced to 12 Years in Vietnamese Prison
“This is a shocking and shameful outcome in a case that never should have been brought to trial in the first place." More
ADVISORY: PEN America, Ms. Magazine Host Conversation on Imprisoned Iranian Activist Nasrin Sotoudeh
“The new documentary film NASRIN is an inspiring portrait of an indefatigable human rights advocate, who has dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of the marginalized and… More